I’ve always found Scottish engineers to be more talented than us south of the border. If independence comes, I see an even bigger exodus of talent from north to south. It would benefit England – come on down.
Duncan Saunders, Derby
As an England-based ex-pat with no vote, I wonder who would buy from a company based in a country with no clearly defined currency? What would they pay with?
Robert Newton, Whitley Bay, Northumberland
Provided the Scottish government breaks with recent tradition for UK governments, lowers the tax base and intervenes only to promote value-added manufacturing, there is no reason that the sector couldn’t flourish.
Andy Fitton, Derby
United we stand, divided we fall – it would have a negative effect on the manufacturing and engineering sectors in Scotland. I think the referendum is already having a deleterious effect, owing to the confusion regarding currency and operation in the European market.
Colin Sanderson, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
It would be a magnificent challenge for Scottish companies to expand and develop without the limitations and controls that killed off much Scottish engineering and associated companies and development.
Fulton McInnes, Argyll
It would be disastrous. It would also be pretty serious for a while for ‘rump UK’, while everything is being relocated. Then it would be the end of a long legacy of brilliant Scottish engineers, unless they relocate, too.
Geoff Buck, Newton Abbot, Devon
Lack of clarity on EU membership and currency means the impact has to be negative. It’s a pity: Scotland could have a great engineering sector as an independent country, but the SNP has blown its chance.
Stuart Brown, St Andrews, Fife
Much depends on the currency decision. The instability of a new currency for Scotland might well result in the relocation of Scots firms south. International doubt on the sustainability of the Scottish economy with no UK support might well push trade elsewhere.
Ian Ford, Winchester
The Scots would be in competition with the rest of the UK, especially the North East and North West. It could be a tough battle.
Barry Durrant, Devon
With a Scottish government, which will put the interests of all things in Scotland as a priority, there is no doubt in my mind that manufacturing and engineering will prosper after independence.
William Brown, Thurso, Caithness
Will the oil and gas engineering businesses suffer? Perhaps not – there is money to be made for several decades for engineering firms based in Scotland. As for businesses that export to the rest of the UK with few ties to the North Sea, they will struggle if the Westminster parties stick to their guns on the pound.
Martyn Chapman, Aberdeen
Given the excellent and justified international reputation that Scottish engineering has, I think a ‘business as usual’ attitude will apply.
Richard Young, Manchester
Scottish engineers have a strong reputation for quality and innovation. I believe this peaked some years ago, so I hope that a ‘Yes’ vote will be grasped by engineers north of the border as an opportunity to reach new heights.
Geoff Miles, Poole, Dorset
Multinationals operate in all sorts of countries, so independence shouldn’t have any impact on those companies. Only London-centric companies seem to have a problem over whether Scotland becomes independent, so any impact on the engineering sector should be small.
Andrew Brown, Glasgow
It won’t do the offshore industry in North East England any harm – I’m expecting everyone in Aberdeen to pack their bags and head south.
Clare Gibbin, Hartlepool
I’m sure there would be short-term hiccups as everyone adjusted to the idea. But I hope the SNP realise the country wouldn’t survive on tourism, oil and windfarms alone.
Kate Taylor, Hampshire
It all depends on what financial arrangements would result. It would be a shame to split up the UK rather than devolve power to the regions.
Tony Holme, Derby
Extra effort would be required by businesses that currently operate in each of the four parts of the UK. Extra paperwork would not simplify life for anyone.
Andrew Luce, Portsmouth
It would be bad news for Rosyth, Govan, Faslane and their support infrastructure, as it is hard to see the UK placing significant defence contracts in an independent Scotland. Generally, the hiatus in EU membership, and currency uncertainties, would be likely to hit investment.
Allan Macpherson, Shropshire
If a ‘Yes’ meant relaxing food additive laws, Irn Bru could return to its former glory, whereupon demand for Scottish steel girders would go through the roof.
Hayden Cole, Plymouth
If I knew the answer to that question, I think I would qualify for becoming the First King of Scotland.
Roger Dungworth, Sheepy Magna, Leicestershire