{IMAGE VIA - dreamstime.com} Arguably, Scotland, independent of the UK, would be better able to manage the demands of independence than all of the former British Caribbean colonies. But the challenges will be many and the costs high, outweighing the benefits of going it alone.  Even at the point of a split with the UK, Scotland would be confronted with huge issues; among them: acceptance of a part of the UK national debt (now around US$1,902 million).  Estimates put the portion of the debt that Scotland would have to assume at about 123% of its GDP. This would have a deleterious effect on Scotland's ability to raise money on the international market except on very onerous terms. There would also be maritime limitation issues with the United Kingdom that would reduce the share of benefits from North Sea oil.  In any event, oil revenue is not assured. Tax revenue is dependent on the price of oil which is set in world markets.
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