Independence is once more a going concern in Scotland, where the nationalists have good chances in elections slated for May, wrote Georges Waser in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung on Friday.

“What economic consequences would an end to the marriage of convenience with England have for Scotland? Until now nationalists have argued that if an island like Malta – with fewer inhabitants than the city of Edinburgh – can be independent, there’s no reason to prolong Scottish dependence on England.

“But now, a report published by the British government in 2005 that had been kept secret for 30 years, is adding even more grist to their mill. It concludes that an independent Scotland – with title to 90 per cent of North Sea oil and gas reserves – would be one of the richest countries in Europe.”