I think the main reason why there never was a vote on the issue of independence for Scotland lies in the fact that before the SNP gained a majority neither Tories nor Labour had a real interest in pushing ahead with it. I still have to see the SNP go ahead with it, but it will be interesting.

I don't quite understand Rand's reference to Spain as holding an opinion of regional independence very different than that of British governments. When it comes to devolution and national identity I'd say Spain is as close as it gets to the UK in the world of today. Catalonians and Basques are considered separate nations within the Spanish nation and ever since the end of the Franco dictatorship Spanish governments have catered fully to their wishes for greater autonomy.

The Spanish state will not surrender to ETA, but it would allow an independent Euskadi or Catalunya if there was a vote on it. But like in the UK, the people against having such a vote were in control even in the regions concerned.