Author: Elana Leask

The new Scottish Referendum 

What is it and what would it mean for Scotland? 

The Scottish independence referendum was a vote in Scotland, where the people decided whether to become an independent country or not. They could vote to be independent; This would mean that Scotland would be a separate country from the rest of the UK. Or they could vote to stay in the UK and continue being one country. The vote happened on the 18th of September 2014 and most of Scotland voted to stay. 

 

The S1s – S3s at SJHS did a vote too (12th September 2025)  

When asked the question “Do you think Scotland should be independent?”  They said: 

32 students said YES 

1 student said NO 

10 students decided not to vote 

 

So, if Scottish independence was up to us then we would be our own country. However more people want Scotland to be part of the UK overall. In the vote of 2014, 45% of Scots wanted to be independent and 55% didn’t! 84.59% of Scots eligible to vote did but the other 16.41% of Scots decided not to vote. 36.29% of Shetland voted to leave, and 63.71% wanted to stay, so both in overall and in Shetland we wanted to stay. 

  

In 2025 the Scottish government have been discussing another referendum. So, what would this mean for us now? It could mean a lot for Scotland financially, first The Scottish Gouvernement would introduce a new currency called the Scottish pound. This would become the new currency used across all of Scotland. Also, new institutions would be set up to help manage the Scottish economy such as a new independent Scottish bank. 

 

Scotland would also be able to join the European Union again, as the UK left in 2022. This would have its benefits and its disadvantages. The EU provides political stability for countries who are part of it.  It shows that a country is democratic and goes by the rule of law and human rights. It allows easier and cheaper shipping and travel to countries in the EU. 

 

Overall, the Scottish referendum could be good and bad. It is a vote for the Scots by the Scots so what do you think? Would independent Scotland be a disaster or a delight? 

The signs that Scots show the world who they are voting for.