On the 18th of September 2014 voters in Scotland were asked the question “Should Scotland be an independent country?”, The answer was 45% Yes, 55% No.

The campaign on the Scottish Independence side had increased in support by a huge amount since the confirmation of the date on 21 March 2013. The No side famously produced The Vow a joint statement by the leaders of the three main unionist parties, David Cameron (UK Prime Minister at the time), Ed Miliband (Leader of the UK Opposition) and Nick Clegg (UK Deputy Prime Minister), promising more powers for Scotland in the event of a No vote. It was signed on the eve of the election day and published across the front page of The Daily Record. The No side had also said that if Scotland voted Yes it would have to Leave the European Union.

Since then significant changes have taken place, the most costly of which to the Scottish economy was when the UK left the EU after an advisory referendum on continued membership. The Scots voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU at 62%. With the decision to leave the EU by the UK, Scots lost their EU citizenship and the rights to freedom of movement to travel and trade in the countries of the European Union.

The issue of Scottish Independence has not gone away but has increased in support, however with voters in Scotland feeling scunnert with nothing happening on the referendum question, how will they use their vote on 4th of July ? What are the political parties pledging in their manifestos on Scottish Independence.

The Conservatives: ‘Clear Plan, Bold Action, Secure Future’

The Conservative and Unionist Party will continue to block any proposals for a referendum on Scottish Independence. At the launch of the party’s manifesto in Scotland, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged the voters of Scotland to “send the nationalists the strongest message possible that the people of Scotland want to move on from their independence obsession.”

The Tories will not rejoin the EU

Labour., ‘Change’

Labour will also block any proposals for a referendum on Scottish Independence. They plan to reform Devolution and create regional Mayors . It states “Labour does not support independence or another referendum.” Instead it plans to increase the powers of The Scottish Office.

Labour will not rejoin the EU

Scottish National Party (SNP) ‘A Future Made In Scotland’

Independence dominates the pages of the SNP manifesto. It states from the off go ” Vote SNP For Scotland to Become an Independent Country”

Top of its pledges is: Deliver independence to strengthen our economy, tackle the cost of living, and bring about a fairer country.

The third of the SNP pledges is to rejoin the EU.

Liberal Democrats ‘For A Fair Deal’

The LibDems will oppose another Scottish Independence Referendum.

They pledge to “Transfer greater powers away from Westminster and Whitehall, introduce a written constitution for a federal United Kingdom with strong voices for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and oppose a second Scottish independence referendum and independence.”

They plan eventually to rejoin the Single Market as a stepping stone to EU membership.

Scottish Green Party  ‘Vote Like Our Future Depends On It’

The Scottish Greens state that ” Scotland should be an independent country’.

They want the power for Scotland to hold constitutional referendums devolved to the Scottish Parliament, so that a second referendum on Scottish Independence can be held at a time chosen by the people of Scotland and their democratically elected parliament.

They also support a written constitution for a Scottish Republic and to rejoin the EU.

Whoever it is who moves into 10 Downing Street , the power over holding a second referendum on Scottish Independence lies with them – it is a power retained by the UK Parliament. If there is a fall in support at this election for Scottish Independence they will see this as confirmation that Scots do not want to live in an Independent country.

Both Labour and Tory leaders oppose Scottish Independence and rejoining the European Union. The emphasis in both of their manifestos is on security and border control.

As ever, it will be up to the Scottish people to choose: to continue in the UK outside of Europe, or the future of an Independent Scotland in the EU, as offered by the two independence supporting parties.

The candidates standing in the Orkney and Shetland Constituency at the General Election on 4th July are as follows:

Fiona Grahame