Have your say on referendum plans, urges Salmond
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ROSS-SHIRE folk are being urged to have their say on “the biggest decision Scotland has made in 300 years”.
First Minister Alex Salmond has outlined detailed proposals for the referendum in autumn 2014 on whether Scotland should be an independent country.
The consultation paper — Your Scotland Your Referendum — seeks views on:
• what the ballot paper should say
• what spending limits should be set
• how the referendum should be managed and regulated.
The consultation will close on May 11, 2012.
Mr Salmond said, “The people who live in Scotland are the best people to make decisions about Scotland’s future.”
He added, “Our nation is blessed with national resources, bright people and a strong society. We have an independent education system, legal system and NHS. They are respected worldwide. I believe that if we connect the wealth of our land to the well-being of our people, we can create a better country.
“Independence matters because without it we do not have the powers to reach our potential. We are limited in what we can do to create jobs, grow our economy and help the vulnerable. To achieve this we shouldn’t have a constitution that restrains us, but one which frees us to build a better society.
“Under independence, Scotland would take its place as a responsible member of the international community while continuing as a friend and good neighbour to the other nations of these islands, continuing the strong social union which will always bind us together.
“It is our future and our choice.”
The consultation document Your Scotland Your Voice can be found at www.scotreferendum.com
See this week's Ross-shire Journal to find out what people on the street are saying about the big decision.
