Gordon Wilson on Scottish Independence

Gordon Wilson interviewed by Gordon Brewer on Scottish Independence.

[@halbarbour7805]

Coming from an American, although one of Scottish ancestory, I eargerly am interested in the debate in Scotland about Independence. And again being an American am naturally a proponent of Independence. But information is power and also being an ally of Scotland in that my family originally came from there, I would want what is best for Scotland. I'm sure that the opinions will come and I welcome respectful comments, and will respond in kind to those less respectful, thanks!

[@clnic9]

I'm a YES! voter and for me, independence is about getting rid of the corrupt UK government. The sooner the rest of the UK wake up, the better. Divide the old boys network, and conquer. I'm in favor of independence for all the nations that make up the UK. Do you know what part of Scotland your ancestors are from? Best regards from Ayrshire

[@halbarbour7805]

Aye Right Right there, Ayrshire, they left sometime in the 1780's the first bunch on my fathers side, from my mom's all the way through from 1780's to 1862, just in time to get inducted into the American Civil War, on the Union side. Here in the US, the Scottish bid for independence is low on the radar, except for those of us who keep our eye on the happens there, all us wayward sons and daughters of Alba. The overwhelming opinion is again from my perspective is a YES vote, so perhaps once again the Nation that provided so much to this one, in the way of her genius, and ideas (Jefferson, Wilson, Hamilton, John Paul Jones) can can see her true calling, Independence! My primary Clan is Montgomerie (Barbour) and others are McGowan, Murdoch and Sheridan........Alba Gu Brath! Thanks for responding.

[@clnic9]

Hal Barbour Barbour is an Ayrshire name, which was what caught my eye. The most common of the names you have listed would be Murdoch. Do you know which part of Ayrshire? The Barbours of Carrick by any chance? We may share some common history. Best Regards from Cumnock and Doon Valley in Ayrshire

[@halbarbour7805]

Aye Right The place and time were what I researched but the particulars are hard to pin down, for example when they got to Canada from Scotland, then migrated to the US, (I live in Michigan, on the border with Ontario) some changed the spelling of their last name to Barber, to make it easier to pronounce, and to sound more "American" whatever that means? I would have to think that any Barbour in the area would be kin to one another, or share a common ancestor. I'm not even sure why they left, probably for many of the same reasons many did. Now you've given me something to look into as far as Carrick goes. Thanks for responding, and I'll be watching the vote, and hopeing for a Independent Scotland, it's about time!

[@clnic9]

The Barbours of Carrick were fierce men who would likely have stood at Burnsweil (Burns Well) hill with Wallace, watching the treacherous 'Black Parliament' burn with its occupants inside. Google 'Burning of the Barns in Ayr' for more info. Carrick Castle is very much a ruin now. The remains do show very fine masonry work. l am sure l have some digital images stored somewhere. l'll send you a link if l can find them.

[@ehairgrove]

It all seems so very sad