Will Scottish Independence Mean The End Of Britain's Nuclear Deterrent?

Nuclear submarine HMS Vanguard arrives back at the naval base in Faslane, Scotland following a patrol. (Courtesy of Ministry of Defense)

Britain’s Trident Nuclear Program At Stake In Scottish Independence Vote -- Washington Post

HELENSBURGH, Scotland — For decades, Britain’s contribution to the threat of global Armageddon has found a home on the tranquil shores of Gare Loch, where soaring green mountains plunge into murky gray waters plied by sporty kayakers, weekend yachtsmen — and nuclear-armed submarines.

The subs slip past this garrison town as quietly as sea monsters. Their dark hulls breach the water’s surface on their way from base out to the deepest oceans, where British naval crews spend months poised to unleash the doomsday payload.

But if Scotland votes “yes” in an independence referendum next month, the submarines could ­become nuclear-armed nomads, without a port to call home. Washington’s closest and most important ally could, in turn, be left without the ultimate deterrent, even as Europe’s borders are being rattled anew by a resurgent Russia.

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My Comment: I doubt that Scotland will vote for independence .... like Quebec in Canada (where I live) .... the sentiment is not there for independence. But the "what if" questions that are now arising before the Scottish vote do deserve to be listened to and debated.