I think the comparisons with other countries of a similar size are very interesting. The Scandinavians have a socialist ethos that believes in the virtue of their political system. That's quite different from our class based history, bosses exploiting workers, workers being organised to protect their jobs. It always seems to come down to a them and us grievance culture. I would love to be confident that Scotland will work in harmony. I don't think it will because it feels that we just love fighting with each other.

I am not sure that putting up taxes will be a straightforward exercise. My understanding is that the taxes raised in Scotland are less than the amount of the block grant that is used just now. I don't want to disappear down the Barnett Formula rabbit hole but I have not found a credible explanation as to why this is not a problem for an independent Scotland.