Articles

Referendum leaves a job to be done

By a narrow margin, Arran & Ardrossan ward voted “Yes” for an independent Scotland, so there was a wave of grief and disappointment at the result, for the “Yes” side, at least. However, it does not mean the question is closed. We are newly aware now of how Scotland divides, and on what basis. With the effective death of the Labour Party after Blair stripped it of socialism, we are a country without a political structure that represents public opinion. Something new needs to take its place; a constructive grouping of people who care for each other regardless of wealth and class status. The referendum result made it painfully plain that there are areas in the country where status is not merely important but vital, and this brings us very close to the Scotland of old, with its landowners on one side and impoverished tenants on the other. It is surely time for this divide to lessen, if we are to function as a self-aware, effective nation. Our differences must be accepted and our varying strengths welcomed. Alex Salmond, who did a phenomenal job in bringing people together, also leaves Scotland’s vast natural energy resources as a powerful chance for the future, and this, surely, must be built on. With vision and determination, we still have everything to gain.

The full breakdown of the results for North Ayrshire can be seen by clicking here.