The independence referendum splits the Scottish society: friendships break, spouse argue over the future of the country. As Rachel and Stephen.

When Rachel Holmes talks about Scottish independence, it gets hot rapidly. The financial lecturer of the University of Edinburgh has all the economic numbers in your head, on podiums she is a welcome guest. Since her youth, the native Glasgowerin is an ardent nationalist, and those who listen to her for a while, inevitably wonders why Scotland is not independent already.

For Rachel might get it on 18 September, the political dream. Then the Scots vote in a referendum on its spin-off from the UK – and the polls say a head-to-head race ahead.

If only there were not so many guys like her husband. Stephen Holmes, grew up in Kent, the Garden of England conservative, through and through Unionist. The Episcopalian priest like the pound, the monarchy, the BBC – risking nothing of it he wants. “The nationalists promise that in an independent Scotland every day the sun will shine,” he says. “We all know that this will never happen.”

Rachel, 47, and Stephen, 49, is one of thousands of pairs in Scotland, which are reflected in the national debate in opposite camps. Rachel will of course vote yes when it says in a few days: “Should Scotland become an independent country” For Stephen nothing but a no is eligible.

Scotland Independence Referandum 2014:”I am the United Kingdom”

A conversation with the two runs as countless conversations across the country. We sit in the “Film House Café” in Edinburgh, a popular meeting place in the city. Why does Stephen say No?

Rachel: “Good question.”

Stephen: “I have a strong sense of home My ancestors are English, Irish and Welsh I am the United Kingdom…”

Rachel (snorts): “When did you come up with for that?”

Stephen (grinning): “Just now.”

In the frotzelnden tone it goes on. Both have a fine sense of humor and are convinced of their positions. Rachel wants above all sovereignty over economic policy and tax revenues. “Every country should be able to set its own tax rates,” says financial historian. London does not meet the best decisions for the Scottish economy.

Stephen: “But more tax autonomy, there will be in a no-vote, the parties have all promised in Westminster..”

Rachel: “I will be satisfied in full control of our resources you like with eight percent of Scottish MPs in the House I do not…”

Stephen: “The Scots get a larger part of the British government spending than the English.”

Rachel: “Yes, we get more per capita But our deficit is smaller We finance the British deficit…”

Stephen: “Ok, we have the case of the Finance you can not get to it..”

They met the two in 2008 in a monastery bookstore. Stephen was then Benedictine monk at the Abbey Pluscarden in the Highlands, Rachel took part in a tour. He spoke to the foreign visitor, they wrote letters (Internet was not in the convent), three months later, he left the monastery and asked her to marry him.

Scotland Independence Referandum 2014:”It is sometimes difficult, but that’s democracy”

Your love is now being made by referendum on an unusual specimen. “We let our relationship does not suffer,” says Rachel. “I think it’s difficult because I am emotionally involved in the independence movement.” Stephen supports their public appearances. But it gets a lot of headwind, even from friends and colleagues. “It is sometimes difficult, but that’s democracy.”

Stephen knows people whose friendship is broken on the independence question. Both, however, welcome the openness, is now discussed with the. “Finally you can talk about it,” says Rachel. “In the past this did not work. People were really mad at me when I started with the independence. Now it is accepted.”

Stephen nods. “I have learned to respect the nationalists. There are still quite a lot of romantics., But I do not think independence would be a disaster.” He had become much more understanding – “the face of domestic pressure”. To a Yes he would still be carried away never. He fears the vengeance of the English.

Stephen: “After cleavage, the English are a hard bargain.”

Rachel: “Please do not use the word secession We only claim back what we once had:.., Our independence”

Stephen: “. Okay After our amicable divorce, we will fight for the common wealth, and at the end of Scotland will lose I’m sure that Scotland would lose even the monarchy at the end..”

Rachel: “The majority of Scots want to keep the Queen The risk therefore does not exist.”.

Stephen: “People like the Queen But once Prince Charles would take over, the monarchy would be in danger..

It’s like in the national debate: Another counter-argument can always be found. In a few days time the endless discussions has one end, then the vote. Rachel and Stephen see the outcome with trepidation contrary. “There is a last minute comeback of the Yes camp,” says Stephen. “But if I had to bet money, I would put on an No, although very scarce.”

“I’ve imagined it in my head a defeat,” says Rachel. “I would be frustrated that a huge opportunity was wasted. The next referendum would there be no earlier than when I’m 80. But life will go on, I will drink wine and go to the movies.”

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