Scots' No vote leaves many expats regretful

BANGALORE: Some tears and some cheers greeted the Scottish referendum at the Whitefield home of David Scot and Claudia Philip. While 55% nays and 45% ayes decided the fate of the United Kingdom, here it was a split vote. "I couldn't sleep last night. You feel more patriotic when you are away from your homeland. We lost a chance to prove our power and craving for independence. I'm disappointed. My children haven't seen the beauty of Scotland as I did," says David Scot, 47.What his children did see on Friday were tears in his eyes.
His English wife Claudia, 54, is happy that Scotland is still with Great Britain. "I'm afraid Scotland wouldn't have been able to sustain by herself. I'm sad that my husband is sad, but in reality I'm happy with the results," said Claudia, looking at the issue holistically.
As early as 5am on Friday, the couple was glued to BBC, Facebook, Twitter and news sites, as election results poured in over the lines.
Those expats who weren't keen on independence are heaving a sigh of relief. "I'm happy that Scotland will remain with the UK and have a more certain financial future," said Dawn Mottram, 44, from St Andrews, Scotland, now living in Bangalore.
Jenine Paxton, 38, is sad because the Scots didn't believe enough in themselves, but feels there's still hope for Scotland. "This whole exercise was democratic. It also got a nation absorbed in and talking about its political future. I hope this will continue and help us see through further positive changes that allow us more control and say in our futures," she adds.
Wil l Scotla nd get another chance? "No, not for the next 25 year s. But by then, our oil resources might be exhausted and we might be financially sound," feels David Scot.