Last updated at 15:07, Thursday, 02 February 2012

I'm really looking forward to the Six Nations kicking off this weekend – and especially the match between Scotland and England this weekend.

The usual rivalry has been ramped up for some by the recent debate over independence.

A century ago, author and Anglican priest William Inge came up with his definition of what constitutes a nation: “A society united by a delusion about its ancestry and by common hatred of its neighbours.”

All kinds of articles and programmes, rows and discussions are taking place, involving everyone from Government ministers up to bar pump politicians.

The general opinion is that independence is not as popular as Scottish nationalists think and that the wording on the ballot paper may need changing.

My insider at Holyrood has told me that Alex Salmond, leader of the SNP, the Scottish Parliament and big chief Braveheart of all Scotlandia has already decided to make amendments to the wording on the ballot paper for the referendum on Scottish independence.

Now voters will be a given ballot paper stating the following:

“Do you agree that Scottish independence would be a really good idea?

“Do you think an independent Scotland is an excellent idea?”

Then you tick the box: “Yes, I think it is a brilliant idea.”

Or the other box, which states: “Yes, yes, yes.”

First published at 11:29, Thursday, 02 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk