Scottish independence scaremongering increases in volume

Unionist scaremongering continues to increase in shrillness and volume as Conservative leader and UK prime minister David Cameron, home secretary Theresa May and even former Northern Ireland first minister Lord Trimble all lined up this week to add their political tuppence worth to the Scottish independence referendum debate.

As expected, negativity dominated the Scottish Conservative Party conference, held in Troon in Ayrshire, and proved beyond doubt the Tories have learned little from their massive defeat at the hands of the SNP in last year's Scottish Parliament elections.

Of course, the same can be said of  Labour and the Lib Dems, the two other mainstream unionist parties. All three have consistently shown they are little more than parties of fear.

Mr Cameron told the party faithful for too long they had allowed the SNP to claim ownership of patriotism. The Scottish Saltire, he said, the flag of a proud nation, was not the symbol of one party.

He accused the SNP of spreading the idea loving your country meant you had no choice but to go it alone and believing in the Union was somehow treasonous.

Ms May warned an independent Scotland would mean an open border and mass immigration; Lord Trimble attacked separation claiming it was tantamount to "doing violence" to the "British component" of every Scot.

There were other vitriolic anti-SNP voices raised at the conference, too. These included Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson who implored Labour and Lib Dems to put differences aside and join her in a united stand against the SNP.

So there we have it, the whole might and power of the British and Scottish establishments ranged against one solitary party. Stand by for a summer dominated by scare stories, dirty tactics and character assassinations.

However, a word of caution for those hiding behind the scenes, pulling the strings. Should by your conniving and underhanded tactics you actually win, and Scotland votes to retain the Union, don't think for a moment it spells the end of the independence campaign. Far from it. It'll just be the beginning.

Scotland Backdrop To Royal Engagement

Congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton following the announcement today of their engagement.

Now a royal wedding is likely either in the spring or summer of next year.

Expect wall-to-wall media coverage as the world watches the couple's every move.

I certainly don't envy them one little bit. It'll be tough going.

Hopefully, the pivotal role St Andrews in Scotland played in bringing the happy couple together won't be forgotten.

They met as students at the town's famous university in 2001.

The people of St Andrews are to be congratulated for allowing the couple the years of space in which their romance blossomed.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond was quick to offer his heartfelt congratulations following the announcement of the engagement.

The SNP leader said, "My warmest congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton on their wonderful news. Of course this was a match made in St Andrews, and everyone in Scotland will join with me in wishing the Prince and Ms Middleton every happiness as they look forward to their wedding day, and a long and fulfilling married life together."