There's a different way of looking at Scotland. Formally, a subordinated nation - yes. But throw open the mental shutters, and the light of reality shows a Scotland which is pretty much independent already. We can do more or less what we wish - even if it's not allowed. We can become a separate sovereign state tomorrow, if most of us say that we want it. (1/3)
So the way to behave is "As If". If some project is outwith the terms of the Scotland Act, it should go quietly but determinedly ahead as if Scotland were a sovereign country until Westminster physically stops it. If the Home Office prepares to deport another harmless foreign family, the Scottish Government should simply tell Police Scotland not to carry out the order, tolerating a "sanctuary" network which discreetly hid such families. (2/3)
Helplessness, not independence, is the false dream, the "sleep, wonderful sleep" now tempting Scotland again. But the alarm is going off. Time to wake and get back to the real day job, which is (apologies to Alasdair Gray's famous line) to work as if you lived in the early days of an independent nation. Because if you do, that is exactly where you will be living. (3/3)
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