SNP 'striking the right chord'

By Andrew Kerr and Chris Mason
BBC News

Peterhead Academy students had different views on independence

The auditorium at Edinburgh's Napier University was filled with the Scottish press pack as they heard the first minister set out the reasons why he wanted Scotland to become independent, as he unveiled his white paper for a referendum.

But they weren't the only ones listening intently. At Peterhead Academy, in the north-east of Scotland, a group of senior pupils watched the speech live on the BBC News Channel.

They were interested in what was going on. The referendum may never see the light of the day because of the unionist parties' opposition, but, if there was one in 2010, they would be invited to vote.

For most of them, Alex Salmond's plans seem to strike the right chord.

Karen Smith, who's 17, feels Scotland's currently being ignored.

I think they should have the referendum next year but I do think there are more important things going on in the world

Jana Clueit, 15

"You kind of get the impression that the people sitting in the Houses of Parliament don't really have any clue about what's going on up here," she said.

"It could be anywhere in the world. Life down there is totally different to life up here."

Alex Salmond has been "down there" at Westminster for many years, representing the Banff and Buchan constituency as an MP.

He's made this area a Nationalist stronghold and has been the launch pad for the Scottish government and Mr Salmond's role as first minister.

But his plans for the referendum don't seem to be coming at the right time for 16-year-old Lauren Taylor.

She said: "They'd probably get a better response from people if they left it for a few years because people have got other things on their mind right now.

"People might think, 'I can't bet bothered with that, I've got to sort my own life first', so I do think they should have the referendum but I think they should sort the country out first."

Global perspective

Jana Clueit, 15, agreed with her class-mate, adding: "I think they should have the referendum next year but I do think there are more important things going on in the world, so let's wait a couple of years and see what happens then."

Liam Stalker, 17, doesn't mind when a referendum is held.

He thinks of Scotland in a global perspective, telling BBC News: "Hopefully, if Scotland becomes independent, we'll have a bigger voice in international affairs.

"People would pay more attention to us and focus on what we have to say. Hopefully, in the future, Scotland will stand out on the global map."

Peterhead is part of Alex Salmond's political stomping ground

It's not just international affairs where Scotland could benefit, according to the students.

International sporting competitions are another area where the country could excel, according to 16-year-old Dean Peacock.

He said: "I think it would be better for Scottish athletes. They'd have more opportunities.

"If a Scottish swimmer was good for Scotland but didn't get picked for the GB team, they'd have more opportunities to do well for their country and Scotland could do better in the sport."

The last word goes to 16-year old Laura Hewitson.

The first minister could take heart from her thoughts, as he's unable to find a majority in the Scottish Parliament for a Referendum Bill.

Asked if she thought there would be independence one day she said: "I think there will be and I think it would be better for Scotland - but not just now."