Showing posts with label Scotland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scotland. Show all posts

Trees of Edinburgh

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The Edinburgh Tree Map uses data from a number of sources to map Edinburgh's trees. The map uses colored map markers to show the locations of the city's trees by species.

Using the map menu it is possible to view individual tree species separately on the map or to view all species at once. If you select a tree on the map you can view its Google Maps' Street View image and details about the
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Video: The Scottish Highlands in Timelapse

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Wild and rugged, the Scottish Highlands are captured in all of their beauty in this timelapse video, which takes us to remote sections of that country to take in the landscapes for ourselves. This stunning region continues to reveal unexpected opportunities for adventure, event though man has been exploring this place for hundreds of years. Here, you'll have a chance to see why the Highlands are held in such high regard with scenery that is – at times – hauntingly beautiful.

Scottish Highlands from Mihai Doarna on Vimeo.
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Video: Danny MacAskill's Wee Day Out

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This video was released while I was away in Majorca, but it is so good that I thought that it was still worth sharing anyway. (And if you've already seen it, it's worth another look!) It follows biking phenom Danny MacAskill on his day off exploring the rural landscapes near Edinburgh. Travel along with Danny as rides through a series of pastoral settings in unique ways that only he can. Definitely a fun and entertaining video.

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Young Scottish boy shuts up Muslim hate preacher with Bagpipe


Plays Scotland the Brave !!





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Video: A Visit to the Scottish Highlands

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We'll wrap up the week with an all-too-brief visit to the Scottish Highlands. This video was shot on 1300 mile long trip around Scotland that began in Glasgow, ran to the Isle of Skye and back again. Stops along the way included Loch Lomond, Loch Ness and Glencoe, with the results being nothing short of spectacular. This is a beautiful and enchanting part of the world, and a place that should be on every traveler's bucket list. I hope you enjoy.

Highlands. from Joren de Jager on Vimeo.
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Poll: No Appetite For A Second Scottish Independence Vote

A still image from video showS Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking following the results of the EU referendum, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain June 24, 2016. REUTERS/UK PARLIAMENT VIA REUTERS TV

Reuters: Scots against second independence referendum despite Brexit vote: poll

The Scots do not think there should be a second independence referendum, a poll showed on Sunday, days after Britain voted to leave the European Union despite strong Scottish support for remaining a member of the bloc.

The Survation poll showed 44.7 percent of people think Scotland should not conduct a second independence referendum, compared to 41.9 percent in favor of a fresh vote. In September 2014 Scotland rejected independence by 55 percent to 45 percent.

The prospect of a second referendum has been raised after Britain as a whole voted to leave the EU last week, despite results showing a large majority of Scots supported remaining within the bloc in every region of Scotland.

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WNU Editor: Support for Scottish independence is now at 59% .... Poll puts support for Scottish independence at 59% (Scotsman) .... but there is no support for a second referendum. Talk about contradictions. But I do know one thing .... this 59% is the most that it will be .... as the issue of Brexit dies with time, these numbers will also go down.
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Video: Beautiful Scotland

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Ever wonder what Scotland has to offer visitors? Then wonder no more. This short, three-minute clip serves as a lovely introduction to a country that has plenty of adventure to offer those who visit. This video was shot over seven months there, and is a fantastic argument for why we should all put it on our bucket lists. Great stuff!

Beautiful Scotland from John Duncan on Vimeo.
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Scotland's Referendum -- News Roundup



Scottish Referendum: Scotland Votes 'No' To Independence -- BBC

Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom after voters decisively rejected independence.

With the results in from all 32 council areas, the "No" side won with 2,001,926 votes over 1,617,989 for "Yes".

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond called for unity and urged the unionist parties to deliver on more powers.

Prime Minister David Cameron said he was delighted the UK would remain together and said the commitments on extra powers would be honoured.

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Scotland's Referendum -- News Roundup

How Scotland voted (Interactive Map) -- Reuters
Scottish independence referendum results: A detailed breakdown of the vote -- National post

UK remains united after Scotland referendum -- AP
Scots spurn independence in historic vote but demand new powers -- Reuters
Scotland votes 'no' to independence in historic referendum -- CNN
Scotland Rejects Independence as U.K. Vows Extra Powers -- Bloomberg
In decisive vote, Scotland rejects independence, sticks with the U.K. -- Washington Post
Cameron promises devolution across UK after Scottish No vote -- Irish Times
British PM Cameron says Scottish independence issue settled 'for a generation' -- Reuters
Now Cameron poses the ENGLISH question: As Scotland rejects independence, PM threatens to tear up the constitution by declaring it is now time for 'English votes for English laws' -- Daily Mail
Scotland Votes 'No' To Independence From Britain -- Radio Free Europe
Salmond concedes defeat, demands more Scottish powers fast -- Reuters
Defeated Salmond warns London to keep its promise on more powers for Scotland -- Euronews
55% Of Scots Say 'No' To Independence From UK -- RTT
Scotland voters reject independence -- Al Jazeera
Scotland votes 'No' to split from UK in independence referendum -- RT

Relief, not euphoria, for UK markets as Scots vote to stay -- Euronews
Cheers and tears from winners and losers in Scotland referendum -- Reuters
Scottish referendum: The morning after the No before -- BBC
Scottish referendum: Glasgow No supporters celebrate with cheers at dawn -- BBC
EU chief Barroso hails Scots result, welcomes EU commitment -- Reuters
NATO glad Britain to remain united after Scots vote -- Reuters

Scotland votes to stay in UK: world reaction -- The Telegraph
EU relief at Scotland result tinged with fear -- Irish Times
How Scotland's 'No' vote resonates around the world -- BBC
Scotland votes 'No': Many nations will welcome verdict -- BBC
The agony of defeat: Public reaction Scottish referendum -- RT
Scots Begin to Reconcile After a Tough Battle -- Megan Gibson, Time
Pro-'Yes' Glasgow is introspective after Scotland opts to stay in UK -- CSM

Special Report: Scotland stays in UK, but Britain faces change -- Alistair Smout, Kylie MacLellan and Kate Holton, Reuters
Scotland: Who Won? Who Lost? -- ABC News
The winners and losers of Scotland’s historic referendum -- Washington Post
Scotland's No vote doesn’t mean satisfaction with the way things are -- Margaret Evans, CBC
U.K.'s price for keeping Scotland: More autonomy -- USA Today
Scotland votes 'No': How the 'No' side won the referendum -- Vanessa Barford, BBC News
Fear of the financial future turned Scotland away from independence -- The Telegraph
Neverendum: 'Not at this stage' -- Douglas Frasier, BBC
8 reasons why Scots voted ‘No’ to independence -- RT
Why Scotland's 'No' vote will relieve UK allies and make an EU exit less likely -- Andrew Hammond, Special to CNN
What Scotland's 'No' vote means for David Cameron -- Robin Oakley, CNN
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According To CNN The Scottish Referendum Vote Result Is 58% Yes, 54% No


My Comment: It looks like someone is definitely excited in CNN on Scotland declaring independence with 110% of the vote.

Hat Tip: Zero Hedge
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First Results Declared In Scottish Referendum: No 54%, Yes 46%


Scottish Independence: First Referendum Results Declared -- BBC

The first results are coming in for the referendum to decide whether Scotland should stay in the UK or become an independent country.

Clackmannanshire was the earliest to declare, with "No" winning 19,036 votes and "Yes" on 16,350 on an 89% turnout.

Counting will be carried out through the night, with individual results announced for each of Scotland's 32 local authority areas.

The final national result is expected after 06:30 BST (05:30 GMT) on Friday.

A YouGov on-the-day survey published shortly after polls closed suggested "No" was on 54% and "Yes" on 46%.

The survey questioned 1,828 people after they voted, together with the postal votes of 800 people, although it is not a traditional exit poll.

YouGov said its responses suggested there had been a small shift from "Yes" to "No" on polling day, and also that "No" supporters were slightly more likely to turn out to vote.

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My Comment:  If these results hold .... the dream of Scottish Independence is going to be put on hold for next few years .... if not longer.
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Breaking News: Scotland Exit Poll Suggests 54% Scots Voted No, 46% Voted Yes

WNU Editor: This news is from The Guardian.
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If Scotland Votes 'Yes' How Much Gold Will They Get From The The Bank Of England?

Gold bullion in the vaults at the Bank of England. The posters on the walls remain from the time during World War II when it was used an underground staff restaurant. Daily Mail

Ownership Of UK Gold Up For Negotiation If Scotland Votes "Yes" -- Reuters

(Reuters) - An independent Scotland could lay claim to a part of the United Kingdom's 310-tonne gold reserves if votes go in favour of the "Yes" campaign this month, with ownership of Britain's bullion hoard up for negotiation along with other assets.

"The distribution of the UK's assets in the event of Scottish independence would be subject to negotiation between an independent Scottish Government and the continuing UK government," a spokesman for the United Kingdom Treasury said on Monday.

The United Kingdom, whose reserves are worth 7.84 billion pounds ($12.6 billion) at today's prices, is currently the world's 18th largest official sector gold holder.

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My Comment: Here is an easy prediction .... if Scotland does vote Yes (which I doubt) .... economic/financial/Gold/division of assets/debt/etc. .... this is where the fireworks between Scotland and Britain will really break out.
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Will Scotland Vote For Independence?



My Comment: I do not live in Scotland .... and I will confess that I am slightly ignorant on the issues that have framed this independence vote. But .... I have experienced and lived through independence votes in the past (Ukraine, Quebec) ... and it is in this context that I am making this analysis. To begin .... I just do not feel that the passion is there for a Yes vote to succeed. There is also a great deal of uncertainty .... especially on economic issues. People want and need to feel reassured that if they vote for a change .... their standard of life will not change .... that life will go on (if not better). Have the Yes side made their case on this critical issue .... maybe .... but from where I am standing I am not getting that guarantee that would be important for me. But that is just me.

In the end ... people will vote Yes because to them it is a new start and a hope that their Scottish cultural identity will be preserved. The ones who will vote No will do so because of economic reasons .... and a loyalty towards the U.K..

My prediction .... the undecided will swing and vote No .... the final result will be 58% No, 42% Yes.
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Scotland Goes To The Polls To Vote On Independence



Scots Vote On Independence, United Kingdom's Fate On Knife-Edge -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Scotland voted on Thursday on whether to stay within the United Kingdom or end the 307-year-old union with England and become an independent nation in a finely balanced referendum with far-reaching consequences.

From remote highlands and islands to the tough city estates of Glasgow, people were almost equally divided over a vote watched closely by Britain's allies, investors and restive regions at home and abroad.

Pre-voting opinion polls gave the "No" campaign - those in favor of remaining in the United Kingdom - a slight edge. But hundreds of thousands of people still making up their minds held the key as polling stations opened.

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More News On Scotland Going To The Polls To Vote On Independence

Scottish referendum: Live -- Reuters
Scottish referendum: Scotland decides 'yes' or 'no' to independence - live -- The Guardian
Scottish independence referendum live: Latest news as Scotland decides Yes or No -- Independent
LIVE: As Scots vote on independence from UK, each camp trying to expose other's 'lies' -- Zee News
Scottish independence referendum LIVE UPDATES -- RT

Scottish independence: Voters turn out in droves -- Scotsman
Scottish independence: Voting under way in referendum -- BBC
Scottish independence: decision day arrives with many still undecided -- The Guardian
Scottish independence campaign - live -- The Telegraph
Scots decide whether to declare independence -- AP
Scotland independence referendum: Voters line up to decide fate of U.K. -- CBC/AP
Scotland Heads to the Polls for Independence Vote -- NYT
Scots turn out to vote in independence referendum -- Washington Post
Record Turnout Expected as Scots Vote in Independence Referendum -- NBC
Scotland's voters make their choice in independence referendum -- CNN
Scotland Heads to the Polls to Vote on Independence -- Time
Scotland Votes in Pivotal Independence Referendum -- WSJ
Scotland independence vote underway -- Al Jazeera

Scottish independence: Poll gives No slender lead -- Scotsman
Support for Scotland staying in United Kingdom at 53 percent: Ipsos -- Reuters
Final poll puts No ahead by six percentage points -- Independent
Scotland set to REJECT independence... but only just, as 'No' campaign takes a six point lead over Alex Salmond -- Daily Mail
Scotland 'to Remain in UK' - Last Poll -- Novinite

Enthusiastic Dundee Yes campaigners confident of win -- Irish Times
Voter Intimidation Grips Scotland as It Votes on Independence -- Daily Beast
The man determined to shatter the UK: He is a gambler and former Maoist rabble-rouser who favoured direct action. Whatever else Salmond might lack, it is not self-belief -- Daily Mail
Newspapers mark Scotland's historic day with Burns and banners -- Reuters
Yes or No, Edinburgh hotels and bars win big in Scottish vote -- Reuters
Scottish referendum ballot explained -- RTE

Global Audience Watches as Scots Go to the Polls -- Voice of America
Scottish independence: How the world has reacted -- The Telegraph
Obama weighs in on Scottish independence vote -- CNN
Obama urges UK to remain 'strong robust and united' in last-minute intervention on eve of referendum -- Daily Mail
French split on Scottish independence -- The Telegraph

In pictures: Scotland goes to the polls -- BBC
Scotland decides - in pictures -- The Guardian
Scotland Independence Vote In Photos: Minister Alex Salmond, Alistair Darling Head To The Polls -- IBTimes

What time will we know if it is a Yes or a No win? -- The Telegraph
When will the result be announced -- The Independent
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Video: Drone Captures Amazing Footage of Scotland

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As we head into the long weekend here in the States, I thought we'd end a busy week with this fantastic video. It was shot using a DJI Phantom Vision 2+ drone and features some spectacular footage of Scotland. The music is the perfect accompaniment to the great images as well. Very beautiful and tranquil. I hope you enjoy.

The Phantom of Scotland from Sulaiman Sibai on Vimeo.
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Video: Downhill Mountain Biking in Scotland

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You don't usually think of Scotland as being a mountain biking mecca, but the video below, which features talented rider Emma Atkinson, gives us a glimpse of what the Scots have been keeping a secret from the rest of us. Namely, wild downhill single track that looks like a lot of fun. We should all be so luck to have this kind of a ride in our backyards.

Emma Atkinson Rides Full Colour from BSWmedia on Vimeo.
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Video: Night Of The Northern Lights

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Back in February the Earth was subjected to some of the best displays of the Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights, that have been seen in decades. Extreme northern locals across the globe were treated to a spectacular light show, including parts of Scotland. The video below was shot on February 27, just a few days after one of the biggest solar flares ever detected. For those of us who didn't get a chance to see this amazing natural display for ourselves, the clip gives a sense of what it was like, in a beautiful timelapse no less.

Night of the Northern Lights from Maciej Winiarczyk on Vimeo.
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What Happens To Britain's Trident Base If Scotland Says Yes To Independence

HMS Astute sailed into the Clyde and up the Gareloch to Faslane. BBC

MoD Fears For Trident Base If Scotland Says Yes To Independence -- The Guardian

Whitehall looking at plan to designate home of nuclear fleet as sovereign United Kingdom territory

The British government is examining plans to designate the Scottish military base that houses the Trident nuclear deterrent as sovereign United Kingdom territory if the people of Scotland vote for independence in next year's referendum.

In a move that sparked an angry reaction from the SNP, which vowed to rid Scotland of nuclear weapons as quickly as possible after a yes vote, the government is looking at ensuring that the Faslane base on Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute could have the same status as the British sovereign military bases in Cyprus.

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More News On What Happens To Britain's Trident Base If Scotland Says Yes To Independence

Scottish trident base claims a 'preposterous threat', says SNP deputy -- The Telegraph
Trident submarine base: No 10 disowns MoD's Faslane sovereignty proposal -- The Guardian
Britain mulling sovereignty over Scottish nuke base: report -- FOX News/AFP
Trident sovereign territory in Scotland claim denied -- ITV
George Kerevan: Beware Cyprus repeat at Faslane -- Scotsman
Scottish government says no place for Trident in independent state -- Financial Times
Trident could take a decade to dismantle, says Hammond -- The Guardian
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An Independent Scotland Will Be Nuclear Free


Photo: Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde, Scotland. Wikipedia


Independent Scotland Would Ban Nuclear Weapons But Join Nato -- The Telegraph

Alex Salmond has promised SNP members a separate Scotland will have a written constitution banning nuclear weapons if they reverse their decades-long opposition to Nato.

The First Minister said the document would include a clause declaring weapons of mass destruction illegal, meaning the UK’s Trident submarine fleet would have to be moved from its base on the Clyde.

He made the pledge to placate his party members ahead of their conference later this month, at which they will vote to reverse SNP policy on an independent Scotland being part of Nato.

The Nationalists have opposed membership for years because the alliance is based on nuclear weapons, but this stance has severely undermined the credibility of their defence policy in the debate over separation.

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More News On Scotland's Position In Regards To Nuclear Weapons And NATO If It Votes For Independence

Scottish independence: We’ll stay in Nato but ban Trident, says Alex Salmond -- Scotsman
Scottish constitution would ban nuclear weapons -- Herald Scotland
SNP to 'ban Trident' in constitution -- Defence Management
First minister's proposal seeks to ban all nuclear weapons from Scotland -- Examiner
Leaders: Constitutional questions go beyond Nato membership -- Scotsman
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Scotland To Vote For Independence In 2014

Scottish To Vote On Independence In 2014: Minister -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Scotland will hold a vote in 2014 on independence in what could result in the eventual breakup of Britain, a British government minister said on Tuesday.

The announcement ended months of stalemate between the Westminster government in London and the Scottish devolved administration in Edinburgh.

"What will happen is that Westminster will devolve the power to the Scottish Parliament to hold a single-question referendum on whether Scotland should be in or out of the United Kingdom," Scotland Office minister David Mundell told Sky News.

"We anticipate that happening in autumn 2014."

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Update: Scottish independence: Deal struck for single-question referendum in Autumn 2014 -- Scotsman.com

My Comment: I lived in the Soviet Union when it broke it up .... and I now live in the french province of Quebec in Canada .... where we have had our fair share of referendums on independence. If you want to vote for independence .... God bless you .... but prepare for the consequences which I can tell you right now are not going to be pretty.
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