I suspect I might be one of the Scottish journalists Iain Martin considers keen to make a melodrama from the independence referendum. Ten weeks ago I warned in this magazine that Alex Salmond could well lead Scotland to independence. Stuff and nonsense some folk said then. Well, perhaps. But nothing that has happened since has persuaded me I was wrong.
Sure, the polls still show the No side leading but the general picture is clear: the Yes side are closing the gap. Of course there’s no law demanding that current trends continue indefinitely but, nevertheless, these are nervous times for the Unionist cause.
And for good reason. Consider the poster at the top of this post. It’s by far the best advertisement released by either side. Clear, simple, powerful.
Also, of course, mildly misleading since sensible Unionists do not dispute the notion Scotland could – after an awkward period of adjustment – make a pretty decent fist of life after independence. Can’t isn’t
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