UK

In praise of . . . the Scots

The referendum involved no flag-burning or riots – which might not have been the case in other countries facing such a vote

Playing bagpipes in George Square, Glasgow. Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Conor Pope's face
Conor Pope
Sat Sep 20 2014 - 01:00

There will no doubt be mixed feelings in Ireland about Scotland's decision to reject the notion of independence, almost as if they had never seen Braveheart. But the Scots should still be saluted for giving the world a master class in democracy over the past couple of weeks.

The turnout wasn’t quite as high as the 110 per cent that flashed up on CNN’s broadcast as counting got under way ( the news channel suggested that early tallies had the Yes side on 58 per cent and the No on 52 per cent). Still, though, it was incredibly high. When close to 90 per cent of an electorate turn out to vote, it is a clear sign of a fully engaged citizenry.

The way the Scottish people have handled themselves over the course of the two-year campaign should also be commended. Sure, the run-up to the referendum was not entirely free of rancour, back biting, petty jealousies, rage and bitterness – and that was just within the No camp .

Still, people on the street seemed to handle themselves rather well throughout.

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There was little sign of flag burning, or protest marches or riots that would have inevitably manifest themselves if a similar vote were taking place in other parts of the world, including, it has to be said, parts of the world very close to – and indeed on – this island.

Mild-mannered slogans

Even the slogans were mild- mannered. It is unlikely a slogan as gentle – and quintessentially British – as “No Thanks” would have much traction, and actually win, any kind of referendum in this green and pleasant land.

And then there was the magnanimity in defeat and victory displayed by both sides.

While the Yes supporters are undoubtedly crushed and the No campaigners delighted, there hasn’t been much by way of strops or triumphant whoops since the result became clear yesterday morning .

The people of Scotland are now just getting on with things, albeit with a promise of a whole lot more power because the Yes campaign managed to make it such a close run thing at the end.

It will seem strange to many people on this island that any country would chose anything other than independence if given a chance, but a majority of Scots so believe they are Better Together, as another terribly polite No slogan put it.

They might well be, but over the course of this campaign they have shown themselves to be pretty good on their own as well.