I left Scotland when I was 25. Spent 3 years based in England but roving all over Europe. Then I came 3000 miles West to the US. I've often been asked - particularly after Sarah and I split - if I would ever go back to Scotland. After 7.5 years in NH, I just moved 3000 miles further West. What does that tell you?
There are many reasons why I have - at the moment - no intention of going back to Scotland (to live). I won't even try to list them, but the overriding reason is this : Britain is going to the dogs faster than the US could ever dream of. Never thought I'd admit that. But it's true, especially in the last 10 years.
A perfect example of this is something I came across on the BBC News website. I still like to keep tabs on what's going on in the home country, and I frequent the BBC News website quite a bit. Most of the time I just sigh. But this little gem actually had me with my head in my hands. The site has something called 'Have Your Say' which is basically like any other feedback forum on news sites. The topic of this particular one was the fact that Imperial College in London is planning to introduce entrance exams as it can no longer use the usual A Level qualifications as a good enough differentiator.
I have copied verbatim the posting of this particular, umm, gent (BBC - this is fair use and hell, I paid my license fee long enough when I lived there)

Added: Wednesday, 4 June, 2008, 12:26 GMT 13:26 UK
I am an Oxford graduate who now has a proffesional posting at Oxford. I beleive this 'entrance exam' is simply an aptitude test which I for one welcome. I agree with the numerous postings on here regarding students these days having a lack of general knowledge, common sense, and grasp of the english language.
Academia is not a true reflection of intelligence anymore, and it is about time the two were alligned.
Richard Adams, Oxford, United Kingdom
Recommended by 7 people

This is kinda funny, but it's more depressing than anything else.

If you can't even spell the word professional, that automatically bars you from being or calling yourself one.
I believe the word English requires a capital letter.
I can't think of anything witty about the word aligned

Mr Adams, you pompous, pretentious prick, if you're going to pontificate about how everyone else's intelligence is inferior to yours, and how nobody seems to have a grasp of the English language, first make sure you have one yourself, and then at least use your obviously superior intelligence to learn how to use a fucking spelling checker.
Even sadder is the fact that seven people recommended this post, and I doubt they were being ironic when doing so.
But the saddest part about this whole thing is, while his credibility is seriously impaired by his lexicographical shortcomings, the point he is making is sadly on the mark. A brief scan through the other entries - or any feedback forum on any site on any topic - and you'll see the appalling level of literacy that's prevalent in the UK (and the US for that matter).
Think about it. This is the standard of graduate one of the UK's, or even the world's most renowned universities is spitting out. If, as a UK citizen (or should I say, subject) that doesn't make you throw your hands up in horror (or as I did, hold my head with them) then you're as much a part of the problem as anyone.
I won't get into a debate about the causes of this shambles, that would take hours. But it's a telling example of just how far and fast the UK is sliding into the shitter. Unfortunately that includes Scotland.
Maybe if Scotland does get its independence back, things may turn around, but I might win the lottery too