Shetland and Scottish Independence: Fact from Fiction

Recently, there has been much media hype and political discourse surrounding a supposed independence referendum from Shetland. However, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction when examining this issue. After all, Shetland has not voted for this at all. Shetland and Orkney have expressed interest in being more autonomous—understandable given their unique status and interests.

The Current Situation

In reality, the Shetland Isles Council has passed a motion in favor of seeking greater autonomy. This motion applies to their relationship with the UK and Scotland, with support from the SNP (Scottish Nationalist Party) councillor and most of the rest being officially independent.

The Scottish government has been working on these issues for years, and the latest census shows that 86% of Shetlanders self-identify as Scottish, 27% as Norwegian, and fewer than 15% as British. Thus, the idea of Shetland leaving Scotland is both highly unlikely and largely misunderstood.

Independence from Scotland?

What would happen if Shetland were to vote for independence? There are several scenarios to consider:

1. Independence from Scotland, Remaining UK Constituent Country

If Shetland were to separate from Scotland and become a 5th constituent country of the UK, it would have no immediate effect on Scotland. However, in the hypothetical outcome of Scottish independence, a new sea border would have to be drawn, and oil fields would be disputed.

2. Crown Dependency Status

If Shetland became a crown dependency like the Isle of Man, there may be minor issues regarding tax for the UK. Should Scotland then become independent, the issue would arise of whether Shetland is a dependency of Scotland or the rUK (remainder of the United Kingdom).

3. Reversion to Norwegian Dependency

Another hypothetical scenario is that Shetland might revert to 1400 and become a dependency of Norway, only if historical and political conditions align. However, this is more of a historical fantasy than a realistic scenario.

Real Impacts on Scottish Independence

While these hypothetical scenarios provide some insight, it’s important to focus on more tangible matters, such as fishing and the EU. The SNP's desire to rejoin the EU has significant implications, particularly in relation to fishing rights. A deal with the EU will require the UK Government to compromise on fishing regulations, which can make it too expensive to sell fish to the largest market in the world due to increased tariffs. Thus, the economic viability of fishing is a critical aspect to consider.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

The UK Government and English media have magnified the issue, spreading misinformation for years. This campaign has been particularly unfriendly to Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP. Opinion polls now indicate a strong majority favoring independence, even surpassing the majority that voted for Brexit in 2016. This crisis of trust has led to a rise in nationalist sentiment in the UK.

It is crucial to address the facts rather than the deliberate falsehoods circulated by some media sources. The self-identification of Shetland's population as Scottish and the real economic concerns, like fishing, should be the focus of any discussion. The reality is, Shetland will not be leaving Scotland, and even if they did, it would have minimal impact on Scottish plans for independence.

Conclusion

Shetland’s interest in autonomy is a legitimate concern and should be addressed within the context of a unified Scotland. The focus should be on binding the country together through mutual respect and understanding, rather than allowing sensationalism and misinformation to dominate the discourse. The historical and current reality of Shetland’s identity and interests make clear that the idea of Shetland leaving Scotland is both unfounded and highly unlikely.