In reply to Removed User:
> There's nothing hypothetical about the multi billion shortfall in the Scottish economy. The guy on Al Jazeera is a bit of a balloon I've read his stuff before.
Of course it's hypothetical. As it stands we're restricted to an economic policy largely decided at westminster, which for example hamstrings our attempts to develop our massive renewable energy potential, in favour of jobs for the fracking boys. An autonomous Scottish economy would diverge fairly quickly from the one we have now. For better or for worse is of course open to debate, personally I'd trust us to do a better job than is currently being done for us.
> The SNP faithful were told earlier this month that a second referendum is likely in 2020. I expect it's probably bollocks said to shut them up but don't expect anything to happen soon.
That'll be entirely dependent on Scottish public opinion.
> In answer to the other part of your question Scotland would not get automatic entry to the EU if it became independent. The events in Spain confirm what's been said all along. Further to even get considered for membership, current account borrowing has to be less than 5% of GDP. The cuts necessary to achieve that deficit , e.g. Shutting down education completely would make Margaret Thatcher blanche.
What will happen if we stay in the UK under a hard brexit Tory government would make Margaret Thatcher blanche. Pain is coming, shouldn't we look to at least be in a better position when we come out of it?