Scottish independence in a decade?

In a follow up to one of my postings earlier this week, a political commentator for the Sunday Herald newspaper has written an article in today’s Guardian suggesting that Scotland could go its own way within the next decade. I know I might come across as a bit obsessed by this issue, but the prospect of the end of the Union is a very real one and arguably the biggest constitutional issue in the UK

Iain Macwhirter writes in aftermath of the Glasgow East by-election:

‘...following the worst local election results in England since the 1960s, the humiliation of losing Crewe and Nantwich and being beaten into fifth place by the BNP in Henley, Glasgow East must surely be a wake-up call to even the most complacent Labourites. Change, or die.

It is also a wake up call for the Union. If no Scottish seat is safe from the seduction of nationalism, then we must begin to take seriously the possibility that the United Kingdom may be finished, at least in its present form. The SNP minority administration in Holyrood, elected so narrowly in May 2007, has been immensely popular. Labour has been plunged into a terminal crisis in Scotland, having lost two leaders, half its councillors and now a crucial by-election. The other unionist parties are failing to provide any significant challenge to the SNP, which has grown in authority since it took over the reins of power in Holyrood.

While Westminster tinkers with Barnett formulas and the voting rights of Scottish MPs in the House of Commons, Scotland is already going its own way. It may still be possible to prevent complete separation by moving to a form of federalism, with Scotland given greater economic autonomy. But the way things are going, Scotland could be an independent nation within 10 years. The entire UK will be shaken by the earthquake in Glasgow.’