Just when we have come through therapy for the grief after Michelle Mone’s declaration she will not linger in Scotland making lingerie if the nation opts for independence, Fred Goodwin, failed banker, may be for the off as well.
Sir Jackie Stewart says Mr Goodwin “could be driven out of Scotland”.
Sir Jackie should know since he is a world-famous driver. He is also a friend of Fred, having worked for RBS as an “ambassador” (posh word for PR man).
He also has experience of exile, having previously lived in Switzerland for 22 years. Mr Goodwin feels he is “abandoned” and a scapegoat.
There is a temptation here to use a Scots phrase about not letting the door hit your backside on the way out. Some might even wish to add some names to the passenger list in the departure lounge.
But let’s not go there. This is no way to conduct ourselves in the early days of a better nation. Let’s keep a haud o’ a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns.
Scotland needs a thriving brassiere industry and who better to lead from the front than Ms Mone? Entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter, who keeps the nation in trainers and casual wear, is apparently no great fan of independence.
He rejected the option of shifting his £250m fortune to a Swiss tax haven to bring up his family in Scotland. That’s the spirit.
And let’s haud on to Fred Goodwin. Corporate Scotland allowed him to get considerably above himself. He should have kept his knighthood. But not his £360,000 a year pension.
Mr Goodwin may have uttered words of contrition and vowed to make amends. I must have missed that. There is still a chance of redemption for Fred.
Some humble voluntary work in the community would be a start.
Finally, I know a bit about leaving Scotland. I try to ensure that I leave Scotland on average nine times a year. This is my selfless contribution to maintaining direct air routes between Scotland and Catalunya.
My dear friends Ryanair are doing their bit by flying me soon from Prestwick to Barcelona for £14.99. How low can dastardly Michael O’Leary stoop?
The best bit is coming back to Glasgow nine times a year. You can leave Scotland but Scotland never leaves you. As Sir Jackie, plain Fred, and Ms Mone will agree.
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