7 Key Strengths of Scotland’s Economy
The Scottish Government has outlined the positive case for independence, highlighting Scotland’s seven key economic strengths.
1. Overall Wealth: An independent Scotland would be ranked 6th in the OECD in terms of GDP per head, compared to the UK's sixteenth place (in 2010).
2. Oil: There is up to 24 billion barrels remaining in the North Sea. Such a figure equates to a wholesale value of some £1.5 trillion in today's prices.
3. Renewables: Scotland has around 25 percent of Europe’s potential offshore wind and tidal energy, and a tenth of Europe’s wave power potential.
4. Food & Drink: The latest food and drink export figures show exports are at an all time high of £5.4 billion, and growing.
5. Public Finances: In terms of our public finances, Scotland is better off than the UK as a whole to the tune of £510 for every man, women and child in Scotland in the most recent year (2010/11).
6. Education: Scotland has five of the top 200 universities in the world.
7. Inward Investment: Scottish Development International are an award winning agency, with major companies continuing to locate in Scotland.
And if the Orkneyans declare independence from Scotland, they'd have most of that oil-wealth to themselves, eh?
ReplyDeleteNo as it happens. International law specifies that a state controls the continental shelf and associated mineral and fishing rights up to 200 nautical miles (230 miles or 370 km) off its shores. If another state (England, Wales and NI) possesses an island within the continental shelf of this state, special rules apply. (paraphrased from keyboredwarriors blog on the topic.)
ReplyDeleteSo no, the oil wealth would stay with Scotland not with the fine people of Orkney or Shetland... Eh?
Joe Public go home Earth is full....
ReplyDeleteHi Dark, think a few more of us will be blogging soon, well done, and the unionists are like rats off a drowning ship :)
ReplyDeletePubles, there is no chance of that. remember as well that Rockall is in Scottish waters and there is a huge amount of deep water oil there.
ReplyDeletePa, well said, I sure the chap must be confused or even better drunk!!
ReplyDeleteKeybo, we must educate, not criticise. he may not be as up on the subject as we are and as committed to seeing our country take it's place in the world.
ReplyDeleteDB-S, yes it's been a long and weary road, but there is some possible light at the end of the tunnel. However I am not over optimistic that the 'fearties' after years of being told by Labour that they are basically shite, will be able to stand up and be counted.
ReplyDeleteHi DL,
ReplyDeleteMost people that are shit stirring this from the Northern Isles are not locals, but flighties from South of Berwick.
Stephen
Stephen, I know and it will get worse!
ReplyDelete