With the arrival of Scottish devolution, only the stories that fit into a limited narrative – of political incompetence, Holyrood profligacy, urban grit or Hebridean whimsy – are paid much attention in the London news sift. The assertion that Scots are overfunded by the Treasury is now a given on London newsdesks, but not the fact that Londoners have more spent on them per head. It all contributes to a combination of mutual ignorance and indifference between London and Scotland.
For those who want to see the independence movement thwarted, this matters hugely. Even for those, like Alex Salmond, the Nationalist first minister, who wants to see Scotland shift "from surly lodger to friendly neighbour", it should matter. Lurking behind ignorance and difference is grudge and hostility. Where Scotland has long been accused of a grievance culture, the grievance is increasingly England's.
Douglas Fraser.
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