"It's all about individual opinions", I was told.
For such a long time I was "undecided". I listened... I asked... I considered.
Things DO need to change... I am a passionate Scot and love my country. I am Scottish first and British second.
Something struck me quite recently as the two sides of the debate seemed to give up debating in order to round on each other...
YES is a campaign... a cause... something that some people have spent their whole adult lives campaigning for. A deep seated belief worth fighting for. I have no problem with that... I admire the passion.
NO is not so much a campaign as a response... that for me explains the apparent apathy... the late rallying call. It is no less valid for that.
Anyway... I digress.
I asked questions of politicians I admire and respect... but was left with more questions as a result.
If we are so anti-Trident, why retain membership of NATO which is committed to retaining a nuclear deterrent? NIMBY hypocrisy in my opinion.
If we want full independence, why fight to retain the pound and demand a currency union where our intetest rates will be set by the central bank of another country?
If we want to make our own choices, why try to break free from Westminster whilst by default, ceeding more power to Brussels?
If our economy is to be centred around banking, the public sector and oil, isn't the volatility a high risk strategy best spread over a larger number of people?
If so many people are unemployed in Scotland, why is the White paper committed to increased immigration for Scotland?
If we are committed to retaining free education then why is nobody talking about the 130,000 college places that have lost funding to pay for Uni places? College places are just as important and will boost the working sector.
With the White Paper projecting an initial annual deficit of 5.5 Billions, how are oil reserves going to be built up whilst we also increase spending on a number of key areas?
As I said at the start... CHANGE is required... but change for changes sake is a dangerous thing.
The needs in Scotland are very different from those of London... but the needs in Shetland are very different from those in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Increased devolution throughout the whole of the UK has always been my preferred option. That is still a possibility.
I share this not to try and sway anyone's vote... and NOT to invite personal abuse or criticism.
I share it simply to evidence that I HAVE actually spent time considering the options and thinking about the consequences of my vote.
Regardless of my vote and regardless of the outcome, I vote with the best interests of Scotland at heart and remain a passionate Scot.