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I spotted a copy of this talk given by Alan Bain and thought I'd copy it here. This is the full text of the speech Alan Bain made to the National Tartan Day Congressional Reception, Washington DC March 28, 2012.
By Alan Bain, president of the American-Scottish Foundation: The economic implications of an independent Scotland.
Without having a clear picture as to how Scotland would position itself as an independent nation vis a vis its former partners in the British coalition and, equally importantly, would be viewed by them, it is difficult to forecast what the Political and Economic implications for the United States will be should Scotland achieve independent status.
Consequently, I have chosen to address the question by looking at any current political and economic impact that Scotland may have on the United States and have viewed the question from my own personal perspective, one that has been informed by a twenty year involvement in Scottish American activities, initially as President of the American-Scottish Foundation, and, for the past seven years, also as an investor in a globally branded Scottish textile company.
We already know that uncertainty of outcome of an independent Scotland is a concern, particularly to business which likes order and certainty. This concern is likely to increase as Unionist and Nationalist supporters battle it out in the public arena.
The damage such public battles can inflict is exemplified in current concerns of Republican Party strategists as their Party’s Presidential candidates vie with one another to become the Party’s choice. I would suggest that it is the prospect of the public airing of such potentially divisive issues that is fueling the clamor for DevoMax rather than Independence.
In order to address the question before us, I submit it is essential to consider what sort of Scotland might result after achieving independence – be careful what you wish for is a saying of relevance.
The following are questions I ask myself:
** How will those Scots who have opposed independence react? Will they, like their ancestors, who found themselves on the wrong side of the American independence struggle, leave or be driven out?
** Where will Scotland stand in the “special relationship” that continues to exist between the U.S. and Great Britain? I think with trepidation of the “Banana Wars” scenario when Scotland was the subject of punitive congressional legislation. To indicate congress’ displeasure, import duties were imposed on Scottish products in order to encourage the U.K. government to rescind import preferences on items sourced from former U.K. colonies. I also vividly remember the public outcry and threatening letters received by ASF that followed the release of the Lockerbie bomber.
** What actions might the U.S. take should an independent Scotland carry out its plan to remove Trident submarines from its waters or withdraw from NATO?
How Scotland presents these decisions to the world will, likely, be critical to its standing with the U.S. and, if not presented well, could materially diminish its influence in the world, particularly in geographic areas such as the U.S. where Scotland has long enjoyed special status.
** How will Scotland stand within Europe? Even if accepted within the Union, what benefits will it enjoy? What influence will it have? The answers will, likely, establish its status here and elsewhere, again for better or worse.
** Closer to home but perhaps even more pertinent, will independence be a galvanizing force for the country and its people stimulating them to capitalize on and strengthen the reputation Scotland gained while part of Great Britain?
** Will independence serve to keep its best and brightest at home, rather than going south of the border or abroad as many do now?
** Will Scotland, as an independent Nation, continue to attract world class talent to its Universities as it does now based on the quality of life and professional opportunities Scotland offers currently as part of a larger community?
** Will independence motivate Scotland to be more aggressive in monetizing its inventiveness and creativity keeping the added value benefits in Scotland as opposed to assigning them to outsiders through licenses?
** Will Scotland and its people think bigger and act more collaboratively among themselves and with others? Will they become more entrepreneurial?
** Will Scotland be more encouraging and accepting of success and more tolerant and understanding of failure?
** Will the Scottish people be willing to be less reliant on its government and become more self reliant?
** Will Scotland’s press act more wisely and more maturely becoming a constructive rather than destructive force?
** How will Scotland view its Diaspora?
** How will its Diaspora view Scotland? As I can attest a real asset exists but it is not well understood, poorly served and its capabilities are underutilized.
It is dangerous to think, as many do, of an established, cohesive and influential American-Scottish community. Such a view is misguided. The opposite is more reflective of reality. Such community as exists is unconnected, independent and inward looking. For Political and Economic influence here one must look to the American Irish and Jewish communities, in particular. There are historic reasons why this is so. Scotland’s history in the U.S. is very different.
Will we, American-Scots be motivated to engage politically on behalf of an independent Scotland? I have my doubts.
** How will Scotland’s private sector respond to Scotland’s independence and the economic policies that ensue?
For better or worse, the answer to these questions may, if amplified locally, influence the Scottish Congressional Caucus one way or another and thereby impact the political and economic consequences of Scotland’s independence here.
As an aside, one important area in which we American Scots should, organizationally as well as individually, be soliciting The Caucus’ active support is in backing the establishment of The National Museum of the American People . The Museum, if brought into being, will allow the story of the Scots in America to be told in a way that we feel it deserves to be told.
I encourage those present today, who represent organizations that have not already signed up to support the establishment of the Museum, to do so right away and to find out if there are ways in which they can be politically helpful.
A more immediate visibility and revenue generating opportunity for our respective organizations lies in a recent agreement that ASF negotiated with the Disney Corporation to assist it in a national outreach to a Scottish American audience to promote its animated Scottish themed film “Brave”. ASF will be reaching out to The Scottish Coalition, of which it is a founding member and currently serves as Treasurer, and to other individual American Scottish organizations around the country. Details can be found here.
Success with these two programs will demonstrate our ability to act collectively and collegially; a result that will be both in our own collective interest as well as that of Scotland, whether or not an independent Nation.
Inspirational leadership with a clear vision of Scotland’s role and aspirations as an independent Nation will be critical as will a resurgence of the spirit and toughness of the Scottish people and their willing acceptance not only of the responsibilities assigned them but also of the many challenges that independence will certainly bring.
Scotland has a storied history of strength achieved in adversity. If independence is what Scotland chooses, there is every hope that history will repeat itself and that Scotland will rise to the challenge.
What are the specific challenges that I have experienced from my involvement with Scotland through the American-Scottish Foundation since 1991 and through doing business there since 2005?
Insight into the challenge that Scotland currently faces in engaging with elements of its Diaspora is evidenced in the following a quote from a letter received by ASF from another American-Scottish organization in 2003 and that ASF included in its response to a Scottish Parliamentary body inquiring into “the external relation policy, strategy and activities of the Scottish Executive.”
“We've been in this business a long time, have an active, growing membership of over 400 men, and are financially rather secure. We are also very American, and do not identify much with Scottish leaders. We have a hard time identifying a need for a First Secretary for Scottish affairs in Washington, to tell the truth.”
In ASF’s response it also highlighted important steps that had been taken by Scotland to engage more fully with its Diaspora while, at the same time, noting issues of real concern in that context.
On a positive note the letter acknowledged Scottish:
** Recognition of Tartan Day’s potential and participation therein;
** Appointment and installation in the USA of First Secretary, Scottish Affairs;
** Initiation of Scottish International Forum;
** Unification under the Scottish Executive of the responsibility to promote Scotland abroad;
** Establishment and operation of the Global Scot-Network.
But, the response also observed that: “The Scottish Executive and its agencies do not consult, coordinate or communicate adequately with Tartan Day planners in the U.S. The advent of the First Secretary’s Office has resulted in a marked improvement in this regard but the Office appears under resourced given the magnitude and importance of the task.”
The improvements noted then have continued apace but the office still appears to remain under resourced to handle its continually growing task.
If the Diaspora remains a centrepiece of an independent Scotland’s strategic plans, the roles of this office will require substantial thought as well as investment.
The response continued: “The Scottish Executive and its agencies engage Scottish based entities to implement its Tartan Day programming in the U.S. without mandating either that: (i) they work with the local Tartan Day organizers, or (ii) they budget for the support that they either take advantage of or require of the local American-Scottish community to be successful in markets with which they are unfamiliar.”
The above observation not only applies to Scotland’s Government and its agencies but it also now, more significantly, applies to Scottish organizations and institutions of every stripe that seek to engage here, particularly to fund- and friend-raise, counting on the advice, support and introductions of the local community to further their aim.
Again, matters are improving but there is need for a clearer understanding in Scotland of the burdens being placed on American Scottish charitable organizations as a result of their desire to be responsive, most of which are underfunded without endowment and volunteer driven. This is particularly the case with ASF because of its unique transatlantic mission and active engagement and presence in and/with Scotland.
** As an investor, I have noted a seemingly fatalistic acceptance of disappointment and an unwillingness to fight for change against entrenched interests or traditional ways of doing business.
I have often been disturbed at a lack of ability and true commitment from governmental agencies to fulfill their mandates. This stems not from incompetence but lack of confidence, appropriate experience and training. Unless changed these attributes will be a serious impediment to the full realization of the potential benefits of independence.
In my view the following actions need to be taken to ensure that an independent Scotland has the best chance for making an impact on the United States whether politically or economically or, indeed, in any other sphere of interest:
** Break down the silo mentality that currently pervades parliamentary and bureaucratic thinking.
** Focus on long-term strategic goals that have bipartisan support and dedicate the human and financial resources, over the time necessary, for their achievement.
** Motivate cross sector thinking and recognize and reward all participants in successful collaborations of all kinds.
** Put the needs of Scotland’s clients first rather than tolerate bureaucratic turf building or protection.
** Engage with the Diaspora in a respectful and jointly beneficial way; harness its passion, energy and expertise in support of Scotland’s goals and objectives.
** Make better use of those in the Diaspora willing to mentor, advise and facilitate in their areas of expertise.
My involvement in the textile mill and support of other efforts to sustain fragile Western Island economies leaves me with a real concern that the risk adverse, placid and unemotional nature of many Scots that I encounter will be hard to overcome, as it must be, if Scotland is to succeed as an independent nation. A cultural sea change is vital. Such a change will be challenging for a small country whose people seem to prefer the status quo and choose not to offend.
In closing, I speak of two personal experiences; the outcomes of each were radically different and the reasons for and results of that difference may well signal what kind of Scotland will result from independence and thus determine, what kind of impact it will have as an independent nation whether on this country or elsewhere.
In the first instance, ASF was collaborating with the organizers of a NY City Trade and Cultural Festival, “UK in NY”. The Festival was to take place in October 2001. ASF had secured the Scottish participation.
Following 9/11 the Festival’s name was changed to “UK with NY”, and, regretfully, ASF’s event was no longer appropriate in the immediate post 9/11 environment. We needed an alternative and quickly. Three telephone calls secured the commitment of The Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards and The Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards to be in NY City for a four day tour of “Unity, Solace and Hope” as well as the financing to make the visit possible. At the eleventh hour, a fourth call was required to avert a visa crisis. That call secured a NATO directive for the Bands to be in the U.S. thereby obviating the need for visas.
Moral of the story – if those involved want badly enough to achieve a desired result they will, despite obstacles.
In the Second instance, ASF was a participant in “The Gathering”, a key component of Scotland’s Year of the Homecoming. (In the interest of full disclosure, The Gathering’s organizer, Lord Sempill, is a recent addition to ASF’s Board).
By any measure, other than financial for the event’s organizer, the event was a rousing success. Even the reporting of Scotland’s rather jaded journalists recognized this fact. Its financial contribution to both the Country and the City of Edinburgh were fulsomely and officially recognized.
The event, though, lost money and vendors were hurt. As a consequence, the organizer was pilloried in the Press and elsewhere in the aftermath and continues to be so even as recently as this month as preparations were announced for the next Gathering in 2014. Why? What constructive purpose did and does such reporting serve? Is Lord Sempill’s entrepreneurial spirit and can do attitude either not recognized or appreciated or does some other unstated editorial or other purpose exist? Sadly, I had personal experience of such an unwarranted attack in my capacity as President of ASF. I had to resort to legal action to force a retraction and to recoup my expenses!
Excuses were made why the official bodies, who do not deny the benefits received, declined to help. Little attention, sadly, has been given to the important facts of the case. It was a massive undertaking – the first of its kind. Clans from around the world returned to their ancestral home and united under their Clan banners and, together with their respective Chiefs, marched from Holyrood Palace to The Castle. – a magnificent and stirring spectacle!
The Gathering was the kind of spectacular event that the planners had reasonably expected the private sector to rally around and sponsor.
Regrettably, the unforeseen and ill timed unfolding of a global economic crisis coupled with the risk adverse nature of the Scottish psyche impacted the ability/willingness of those solicited to support the event and immediately caused it severe economic difficulties from which the event was never able to recover.
However, by every other measure, the Gathering was a resounding success. Not only is the Gathering to be repeated in 2014 in Scotland but the idea has been adopted by Ireland for 2013. Had this effort been supported, even after the fact, it might have led to a role for Scotland to provide expertise to other countries, in addition to Ireland, as they saw, or could be persuaded to see, the value of cultivating their own Diaspora.
The actual result reflects a worrisome pettiness and divisiveness to those of us, who, like myself, had found the experience so uplifting and transforming in many important and lasting ways.
Moral of the story: success has many fathers, failure is an orphan.
The lesson to be learned from it: a positive experience for Scotland and its Diaspora has been diminished and tainted by internal bickering and finger pointing and the reputation of both Scotland and of a good Scot and friend to the Diaspora has and continues to be damaged to the detriment of both. In business, I have learned the truism that you can profit more from a failure or mistake by responding openly, quickly and positively to a problem than by looking around for exculpatory excuses.
I leave you with the thought: which outcome will Independence, if achieved, provoke?
By Alan Bain, president of the American-Scottish Foundation: The economic implications of an independent Scotland.
Without having a clear picture as to how Scotland would position itself as an independent nation vis a vis its former partners in the British coalition and, equally importantly, would be viewed by them, it is difficult to forecast what the Political and Economic implications for the United States will be should Scotland achieve independent status.
Consequently, I have chosen to address the question by looking at any current political and economic impact that Scotland may have on the United States and have viewed the question from my own personal perspective, one that has been informed by a twenty year involvement in Scottish American activities, initially as President of the American-Scottish Foundation, and, for the past seven years, also as an investor in a globally branded Scottish textile company.
We already know that uncertainty of outcome of an independent Scotland is a concern, particularly to business which likes order and certainty. This concern is likely to increase as Unionist and Nationalist supporters battle it out in the public arena.
The damage such public battles can inflict is exemplified in current concerns of Republican Party strategists as their Party’s Presidential candidates vie with one another to become the Party’s choice. I would suggest that it is the prospect of the public airing of such potentially divisive issues that is fueling the clamor for DevoMax rather than Independence.
In order to address the question before us, I submit it is essential to consider what sort of Scotland might result after achieving independence – be careful what you wish for is a saying of relevance.
The following are questions I ask myself:
** How will those Scots who have opposed independence react? Will they, like their ancestors, who found themselves on the wrong side of the American independence struggle, leave or be driven out?
** Where will Scotland stand in the “special relationship” that continues to exist between the U.S. and Great Britain? I think with trepidation of the “Banana Wars” scenario when Scotland was the subject of punitive congressional legislation. To indicate congress’ displeasure, import duties were imposed on Scottish products in order to encourage the U.K. government to rescind import preferences on items sourced from former U.K. colonies. I also vividly remember the public outcry and threatening letters received by ASF that followed the release of the Lockerbie bomber.
** What actions might the U.S. take should an independent Scotland carry out its plan to remove Trident submarines from its waters or withdraw from NATO?
How Scotland presents these decisions to the world will, likely, be critical to its standing with the U.S. and, if not presented well, could materially diminish its influence in the world, particularly in geographic areas such as the U.S. where Scotland has long enjoyed special status.
** How will Scotland stand within Europe? Even if accepted within the Union, what benefits will it enjoy? What influence will it have? The answers will, likely, establish its status here and elsewhere, again for better or worse.
** Closer to home but perhaps even more pertinent, will independence be a galvanizing force for the country and its people stimulating them to capitalize on and strengthen the reputation Scotland gained while part of Great Britain?
** Will independence serve to keep its best and brightest at home, rather than going south of the border or abroad as many do now?
** Will Scotland, as an independent Nation, continue to attract world class talent to its Universities as it does now based on the quality of life and professional opportunities Scotland offers currently as part of a larger community?
** Will independence motivate Scotland to be more aggressive in monetizing its inventiveness and creativity keeping the added value benefits in Scotland as opposed to assigning them to outsiders through licenses?
** Will Scotland and its people think bigger and act more collaboratively among themselves and with others? Will they become more entrepreneurial?
** Will Scotland be more encouraging and accepting of success and more tolerant and understanding of failure?
** Will the Scottish people be willing to be less reliant on its government and become more self reliant?
** Will Scotland’s press act more wisely and more maturely becoming a constructive rather than destructive force?
** How will Scotland view its Diaspora?
** How will its Diaspora view Scotland? As I can attest a real asset exists but it is not well understood, poorly served and its capabilities are underutilized.
It is dangerous to think, as many do, of an established, cohesive and influential American-Scottish community. Such a view is misguided. The opposite is more reflective of reality. Such community as exists is unconnected, independent and inward looking. For Political and Economic influence here one must look to the American Irish and Jewish communities, in particular. There are historic reasons why this is so. Scotland’s history in the U.S. is very different.
Will we, American-Scots be motivated to engage politically on behalf of an independent Scotland? I have my doubts.
** How will Scotland’s private sector respond to Scotland’s independence and the economic policies that ensue?
For better or worse, the answer to these questions may, if amplified locally, influence the Scottish Congressional Caucus one way or another and thereby impact the political and economic consequences of Scotland’s independence here.
As an aside, one important area in which we American Scots should, organizationally as well as individually, be soliciting The Caucus’ active support is in backing the establishment of The National Museum of the American People . The Museum, if brought into being, will allow the story of the Scots in America to be told in a way that we feel it deserves to be told.
I encourage those present today, who represent organizations that have not already signed up to support the establishment of the Museum, to do so right away and to find out if there are ways in which they can be politically helpful.
A more immediate visibility and revenue generating opportunity for our respective organizations lies in a recent agreement that ASF negotiated with the Disney Corporation to assist it in a national outreach to a Scottish American audience to promote its animated Scottish themed film “Brave”. ASF will be reaching out to The Scottish Coalition, of which it is a founding member and currently serves as Treasurer, and to other individual American Scottish organizations around the country. Details can be found here.
Success with these two programs will demonstrate our ability to act collectively and collegially; a result that will be both in our own collective interest as well as that of Scotland, whether or not an independent Nation.
Inspirational leadership with a clear vision of Scotland’s role and aspirations as an independent Nation will be critical as will a resurgence of the spirit and toughness of the Scottish people and their willing acceptance not only of the responsibilities assigned them but also of the many challenges that independence will certainly bring.
Scotland has a storied history of strength achieved in adversity. If independence is what Scotland chooses, there is every hope that history will repeat itself and that Scotland will rise to the challenge.
What are the specific challenges that I have experienced from my involvement with Scotland through the American-Scottish Foundation since 1991 and through doing business there since 2005?
Insight into the challenge that Scotland currently faces in engaging with elements of its Diaspora is evidenced in the following a quote from a letter received by ASF from another American-Scottish organization in 2003 and that ASF included in its response to a Scottish Parliamentary body inquiring into “the external relation policy, strategy and activities of the Scottish Executive.”
“We've been in this business a long time, have an active, growing membership of over 400 men, and are financially rather secure. We are also very American, and do not identify much with Scottish leaders. We have a hard time identifying a need for a First Secretary for Scottish affairs in Washington, to tell the truth.”
In ASF’s response it also highlighted important steps that had been taken by Scotland to engage more fully with its Diaspora while, at the same time, noting issues of real concern in that context.
On a positive note the letter acknowledged Scottish:
** Recognition of Tartan Day’s potential and participation therein;
** Appointment and installation in the USA of First Secretary, Scottish Affairs;
** Initiation of Scottish International Forum;
** Unification under the Scottish Executive of the responsibility to promote Scotland abroad;
** Establishment and operation of the Global Scot-Network.
But, the response also observed that: “The Scottish Executive and its agencies do not consult, coordinate or communicate adequately with Tartan Day planners in the U.S. The advent of the First Secretary’s Office has resulted in a marked improvement in this regard but the Office appears under resourced given the magnitude and importance of the task.”
The improvements noted then have continued apace but the office still appears to remain under resourced to handle its continually growing task.
If the Diaspora remains a centrepiece of an independent Scotland’s strategic plans, the roles of this office will require substantial thought as well as investment.
The response continued: “The Scottish Executive and its agencies engage Scottish based entities to implement its Tartan Day programming in the U.S. without mandating either that: (i) they work with the local Tartan Day organizers, or (ii) they budget for the support that they either take advantage of or require of the local American-Scottish community to be successful in markets with which they are unfamiliar.”
The above observation not only applies to Scotland’s Government and its agencies but it also now, more significantly, applies to Scottish organizations and institutions of every stripe that seek to engage here, particularly to fund- and friend-raise, counting on the advice, support and introductions of the local community to further their aim.
Again, matters are improving but there is need for a clearer understanding in Scotland of the burdens being placed on American Scottish charitable organizations as a result of their desire to be responsive, most of which are underfunded without endowment and volunteer driven. This is particularly the case with ASF because of its unique transatlantic mission and active engagement and presence in and/with Scotland.
** As an investor, I have noted a seemingly fatalistic acceptance of disappointment and an unwillingness to fight for change against entrenched interests or traditional ways of doing business.
I have often been disturbed at a lack of ability and true commitment from governmental agencies to fulfill their mandates. This stems not from incompetence but lack of confidence, appropriate experience and training. Unless changed these attributes will be a serious impediment to the full realization of the potential benefits of independence.
In my view the following actions need to be taken to ensure that an independent Scotland has the best chance for making an impact on the United States whether politically or economically or, indeed, in any other sphere of interest:
** Break down the silo mentality that currently pervades parliamentary and bureaucratic thinking.
** Focus on long-term strategic goals that have bipartisan support and dedicate the human and financial resources, over the time necessary, for their achievement.
** Motivate cross sector thinking and recognize and reward all participants in successful collaborations of all kinds.
** Put the needs of Scotland’s clients first rather than tolerate bureaucratic turf building or protection.
** Engage with the Diaspora in a respectful and jointly beneficial way; harness its passion, energy and expertise in support of Scotland’s goals and objectives.
** Make better use of those in the Diaspora willing to mentor, advise and facilitate in their areas of expertise.
My involvement in the textile mill and support of other efforts to sustain fragile Western Island economies leaves me with a real concern that the risk adverse, placid and unemotional nature of many Scots that I encounter will be hard to overcome, as it must be, if Scotland is to succeed as an independent nation. A cultural sea change is vital. Such a change will be challenging for a small country whose people seem to prefer the status quo and choose not to offend.
In closing, I speak of two personal experiences; the outcomes of each were radically different and the reasons for and results of that difference may well signal what kind of Scotland will result from independence and thus determine, what kind of impact it will have as an independent nation whether on this country or elsewhere.
In the first instance, ASF was collaborating with the organizers of a NY City Trade and Cultural Festival, “UK in NY”. The Festival was to take place in October 2001. ASF had secured the Scottish participation.
Following 9/11 the Festival’s name was changed to “UK with NY”, and, regretfully, ASF’s event was no longer appropriate in the immediate post 9/11 environment. We needed an alternative and quickly. Three telephone calls secured the commitment of The Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards and The Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards to be in NY City for a four day tour of “Unity, Solace and Hope” as well as the financing to make the visit possible. At the eleventh hour, a fourth call was required to avert a visa crisis. That call secured a NATO directive for the Bands to be in the U.S. thereby obviating the need for visas.
Moral of the story – if those involved want badly enough to achieve a desired result they will, despite obstacles.
In the Second instance, ASF was a participant in “The Gathering”, a key component of Scotland’s Year of the Homecoming. (In the interest of full disclosure, The Gathering’s organizer, Lord Sempill, is a recent addition to ASF’s Board).
By any measure, other than financial for the event’s organizer, the event was a rousing success. Even the reporting of Scotland’s rather jaded journalists recognized this fact. Its financial contribution to both the Country and the City of Edinburgh were fulsomely and officially recognized.
The event, though, lost money and vendors were hurt. As a consequence, the organizer was pilloried in the Press and elsewhere in the aftermath and continues to be so even as recently as this month as preparations were announced for the next Gathering in 2014. Why? What constructive purpose did and does such reporting serve? Is Lord Sempill’s entrepreneurial spirit and can do attitude either not recognized or appreciated or does some other unstated editorial or other purpose exist? Sadly, I had personal experience of such an unwarranted attack in my capacity as President of ASF. I had to resort to legal action to force a retraction and to recoup my expenses!
Excuses were made why the official bodies, who do not deny the benefits received, declined to help. Little attention, sadly, has been given to the important facts of the case. It was a massive undertaking – the first of its kind. Clans from around the world returned to their ancestral home and united under their Clan banners and, together with their respective Chiefs, marched from Holyrood Palace to The Castle. – a magnificent and stirring spectacle!
The Gathering was the kind of spectacular event that the planners had reasonably expected the private sector to rally around and sponsor.
Regrettably, the unforeseen and ill timed unfolding of a global economic crisis coupled with the risk adverse nature of the Scottish psyche impacted the ability/willingness of those solicited to support the event and immediately caused it severe economic difficulties from which the event was never able to recover.
However, by every other measure, the Gathering was a resounding success. Not only is the Gathering to be repeated in 2014 in Scotland but the idea has been adopted by Ireland for 2013. Had this effort been supported, even after the fact, it might have led to a role for Scotland to provide expertise to other countries, in addition to Ireland, as they saw, or could be persuaded to see, the value of cultivating their own Diaspora.
The actual result reflects a worrisome pettiness and divisiveness to those of us, who, like myself, had found the experience so uplifting and transforming in many important and lasting ways.
Moral of the story: success has many fathers, failure is an orphan.
The lesson to be learned from it: a positive experience for Scotland and its Diaspora has been diminished and tainted by internal bickering and finger pointing and the reputation of both Scotland and of a good Scot and friend to the Diaspora has and continues to be damaged to the detriment of both. In business, I have learned the truism that you can profit more from a failure or mistake by responding openly, quickly and positively to a problem than by looking around for exculpatory excuses.
I leave you with the thought: which outcome will Independence, if achieved, provoke?
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