Suburban Scots divided on Scotland's independence
Much like their compatriots, suburban Scots have strong feelings and mixed opinions about Thursday's historic referendum in Scotland, when the Scottish people will vote on whether to break away from the United Kingdom and become an independent nation.
After the polls close at 4 p.m. Chicago time Thursday, many in the suburbs with ties to Scotland plan to watch the vote results come in live on TV news.
“It'll be interesting to see what happens. They'll either be rejoicing Thursday night or crying in their beer,” said Jim Bell, 69, of Glen Ellyn, who grew up in Falkark, Scotland, a town outside Glasgow. “For all of us here, the ties to Scotland are still pretty strong.”
At least two vote-related events are planned Thursday in Chicago. The North Riverside-based Chicago Scots group will gather for a viewing party at “Scotland Central,” the Duke of Perth bar in Lakeview. Also, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs will host a formal business event and discussion at The Chicago Club downtown.
Bell is among the suburban Scots who oppose the separation, though he can't cast a vote. He says the debate involves both emotions and economics, but he feels loyalty to Great Britain and to Scotland's 307-year alliance with the United Kingdom, saying they've endured economic booms and horrible wars together.
“I always thought Britain was a positive addition to being a Scot, not a detriment,” Bell said.
Patrick Hogan, who grew up in Arlington Heights but has lived in Scotland since 2008, said it's exciting to see how engaged the country is in the debate, which hasn't been nasty, just passionate.
“Scotland has many advantages, but the economic case simply isn't there for me to want to take the plunge for independence,” said Hogan, who manages political engagement for corporate and nonprofit clients in Edinburgh.
Others see big advantages to independence, including Jack Crombie, of Winthrop Harbor, who grew up in the northeast Scottish town of Broughty Ferry, near Dundee.
“My family is pretty much a no vote, and I'm a yes vote. But I don't get to vote, gosh darn it,” he said. “The only reason this isn't a slam-dunk ... is because of all the loyalty Scottish people have toward the U.K. and Britain. What this election is about is self-determination.”
The debate centers on whether Scotland is better off managing its own government, finances and natural resources, especially the North Sea oil.
Some fear separation could weaken Great Britain, America's top ally, and thus, in turn, negatively impact America.
It's a difficult issue, but suburban Scots say they're proud of the way people in their homeland are handling this historic decision.
“People are asking questions, and they're seeking answers. There's a deep debate going on, and it's not just name-calling,” Crombie said. “It's a great thing for democracy.”
Scotland by the numbers
307 — years Scotland has been part of the United Kingdom.
18 — months until actual independence, if the vote goes that way.
16 — voting age in Scotland, lowered from 18 for this referendum. People must live in Scotland to vote.
80 percent — voter turnout expected
5.3 million — population of Scotland
9.5 million — population of the Chicago metropolitan area
63.7 million — population of the United Kingdom, including Scotland
2,000 — members of Chicago Scots, a nonprofit community group also known as the Illinois Saint Andrew Society. Its mailing list has 8,000 people.
4 p.m. — time in Chicago when Scotland's polls close Thursday.
Sources: World Population Review, CIA World Factbook, Daily Herald wire services