From the perils of not being able to use the pound to further separation within Scotland itself, Dundee-born politician George Galloway stated his case against independence last night.
The controversial MP – and former Big Brother contestant – spoke at the Music Hall in Aberdeen after the north-east leg of his Just Say Naw tour was cancelled last year.
And both young and old packed into the venue to hear what he had to say about the upcoming independence vote.
The ongoing argument about whether Scotland will be able to use the pound was the first titbit offered to the audience, with Mr Galloway warning that Iceland’s plight could befall Scotland.
He said: “If Scotland votes yes in September the likelihood is it will not be able to use the pound. You could use the euro, and see how that goes. I am not sure how popular it will be in Scotland if we are told to use the Euro.
“Look how things worked out for Iceland. It is covered in volcanic ash with the entire collapse of the whole country. Not so long ago Alex Salmond was saying we should follow the example of Iceland. He is not saying that anymore.”
A light hearted litany on “grounds for divorce” between Scotland and the United Kingdom followed, with Mr Galloway recalling an unusual argument he had once had.
“Someone said that no-one in England is taught the eightsome reel. He seriously did. Well I have never done that, or the Gay Gordons, but nothing is stopping you doing that now. Is that really grounds for divorce?” he asked.
The north-east’s oil riches was the next topic for analysis, with Mr Galloway raising the scenario of Orkney and Shetland possibly deciding to be autonomous if Scotland votes yes in September.
He said: “The SNP have said we are going to be the 17th richest country in the world. What will Alex Salmond do if Orkney and Shetland decide to self govern and keep their wealth to themselves? Where does it all end? Will he send the Navy that doesn’t exist to put them in order?”
Mr Galloway’s comments were met with concentrated attention from the audience.
His series of talks have already led to controversy after Stirling’s Macrobert theatre cancelled his pending appearance earlier this year.
The decision was made to pull the show following a review of its “content and structure”.