MONDAYLecture on Parliament

In 1979, a referendum to establish an assembly failed.40% of the electorate had to vote for it but it only received 33%.There was no unity and a great deal of diverse opinion between the highlanders and lowlanders.Probably the biggest obstacle was Margaret Thatcher who was very much against it.

The next process for the new parliament started in 1995 and passed in 1997 with 64% voting for it because of much more unity between the highlanders and lowlanders.Scotland had not had a parliament for over 300 years until the new parliament was finally established in 1999.Scotland had been part of Westminster, England and still is when it comes to the areas of foreign policy and taxation.Tony Blair and the Labor Party agreed to have a Scottish Parliament.

The Labor Party has dominated Scotland until last year when the Scottish National Party took control.This party is very much in favor of a self government for Scotland.In 1997 Scotland and Wales did not return a single conservative.They celebrated a Tory-free Scotland which gave them a sense of liberation from the alienating government of England.

Policies issued in Westminster were not favorable to the Scotland people.The poll tax (head tax) which everyone had to pay regardless of ability was deemed unfair.It was first tested in Scotland and there were so many demonstrations against it that it was eventually scratched and cost Margaret Thatcher her post.

Shipbuilding used to be a large industry - more than 40 shipyards once existed and now there are only 1 ½ in existence.During the 1970's and 1980'2, extreme competition caused this and the steel industry to dwindle.There were 30-40 coal mines in 2002 and just recently the last one closed.Unemployment rose in Scotland because Westminster would not put money in industry.The government considered Scotland a recreation area and gave them no assistance.They did not realize that industry was the backbone of the United Kingdom.

The Scottish Parliament has a different electoral system than Westminster.There are 73 representatives from precincts, 8 regents who elect 7 members to balance out the disparities between the party representatives.This means that no party will have the absolute majority in parliament.Last year there were 47 SNP and Labor 46..

Last year is the first year that the Scottish National Party has done good things - abolished bridge tolls and reduced the co-pays on prescription medicines.One big issue is taxation - there is support for additional power for the Scotland government.At the present time, they are only responsibility for health, education, transport and local government.

The Scots have to use the amount of money given them by Westminster because they do not have the power of taxation.There is a potential for major changes in English projects in the near future.The UK government does not seem to recognize that Scotland is part of the union.There seems to be no master plan.

The percentage of expenditure of the United Kingdom is relative to the population.The Scottish population is growing smaller than English population.Oil prices are skyrocketing.It costs 60% to 80% more per head than the English because Scotland is more diversified and has a more rural population.The Scots oil is subsidizing England and England feels they are subsidizing the Scots.There is an on-going debate as to the future.

The head of the Labor Party was recently interviewed and announced a referendum for total independence (23% to 35% are in favor) causing a total controversy between the Scottish National Party and the Labor Party.The Labor Party is mismanaging their objectives and are having difficulty in finding their role - are in total disarray and are contaminated by conservatives.It is very interesting politics because of lack of majority.The Scottish National Party seems to suit the Scots - opinion points ahead by 57%.The drive for independence has plummeted.

Edinburgh Castle

This castle is located on the highest part of Edinburgh and gives wonderful views of the city.It was once the home of the country's kings and queens.It is located on top of an extinct volcano.As you enter the castle, you first notice the statues of King Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, two of the country's heroes.It contains St. Margaret's Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh), Mons Meg siege cannon, The Great Hall (home to many balls, banquets, etc.) the Scottish National Ware Memorial and the Crown Jewels of Scotland.Foreign prisoners of ware were held in the prisons below the castle in the 18th and 19th century.This was a self - guided audio tour and views from the castle were absolutely spectacular.We watched the master gunner fire the cannon at 1:00 p.m. which is a daily tradition.It amazes me that it is in such good condition after so many centuries.This was one of the highlights of my trip.

Three of us ate lunch at The Witchery - a very upscale dining experience.I had the fish bisque which was excellent.Unfortunately, we did not have time to really enjoy this experience as we had a tour of the parliament building next.

Parliament

This building initially was supposed to cost 40 million pounds but resulted in a 416 million pound expenditure with an additional three to four years to build.It is very modern but the architect was also interested in blending some of the old surrounding structure with the new, reflecting a great deal of insight.The debating chamber was designed in a semi-circle so opposing parties would not be sitting directly in front of each other in a controversial manner, moving away from the traditional setting in Westminster.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Four of us took this tour.We were given a small taste of Scotch, learned the proper way to drink whisky, how it was made, and were explained the history.