Ian Scarr-Hall: Full independence would benefit both Scotland and England

SOME years ago, I worked with the people of North Harris to help deliver what was at the time the largest community land buy-out in Scotland.

The community of North Harris themselves bought the North Harris estate. This meant that, for the first time, the estate would benefit from continuity of ownership thereby removing the uncertainties that inevitably arise when an estate changes proprietorial ownership.

Being a partner with the community in the buy-out enabled me to witness the immeasurable energy that is released when a community takes ownership of their destiny. Whisky, oil and many other material products are valuable assets but these are minor when compared to the value of energy released when people are given freedom to govern their own future.

There was something indescribably empowering when standing with a group of people and charting a new, brighter future. And that is the same sentiment that has led me to believe in independence and freedom for Scotland.

Originally from England, I first came to Harris more than 40 years ago. As I started to believe in Scottish independence, I wondered for a time whether or not to add my voice to the debate. I was not sure if my perspective on this would be welcomed.

One of the truly exceptional things about the debate surrounding independence is that it welcomes all voices, from all political parties, from all countries.

As far as I can tell, the only criterion that matters to those advocating self-determination is an interest in the future of the Scottish nation. I firmly believe that both Scotland and England would flourish as independent nations.

We know that individuals can only expand, develop and become fulfilled if they have freedom and then exercise that freedom responsibly. A person trying to develop and contribute to the best of their ability cannot be constrained forever. Neither can an eager dynamic nation like Scotland.

England has a great history of releasing countries around the world to make their own way forward. Constraining an individual or a family or a nation is eventually counterproductive.

At the start of the 20th century, Australia, Canada and Ireland were still formally governed from London. Scotland is an even older democracy and is certainly capable, I believe, of running its own affairs.

Scotland will become independent, the only question is when. My hope is that we can chart a way forward sooner, rather than later. I have heard the argument that now is not the time for independence, but to my way of thinking, now is precisely the time for independence.

Countries around the world are finding their way out of the global recession by finding solutions that fit their circumstances. Scotland would be no different. I have no doubt that Scotland would be quicker to recover if its people and its leaders were responsible for its own future.

Scotland's reputation for prudence and conservatism would serve it well. Looking at the vast resources of the country – particularly its innovative, industrious people – does any one seriously think that Scotland could not manage its own affairs?

Scotland and England will always share ties of family, business, and geography, and values we all hold dear include a freedom-loving democracy, admired throughout the world.

Scotland will become stronger, England will become stronger, and both nations will move ahead, united in mutual respect and support.

• Ian Scarr-Hall is group life president of GSH, an international property management company