Small populations spread across large territories, long coast lines and a traditional dependence on maritime activities. The similarities between Scotland and Scandinavia are numerous…

Yes

All three of these nations are broadly comparable to Scotland, at least at first glance: small populations spread across large territories, long coast lines and a traditional dependence on maritime activities, including fishing and shipbuilding. Norway has an oil industry and they’re largely benign, non-belligerent, socially harmonious and prosperous social democracies.

No

Finland illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of small independent nations. For decades after the Second World War, it was almost entirely dependent on trade with the Soviet Union. And it thrived. But then the crash came. Its dependence on the Soviet Union meant that in 1991 a major export market disappeared. The Scottish Government argues that it could, in time, start an oil fund. But the Norwegians have a 40-year head start, and it seems much of the potential that was there has now gone.

This article is a Fika Online exclusive.