Foreign correspondents from the US, Germany, Spain and Australia tell us how they're finding covering the Scottish referendum
The Scottish independence referendum is having a worldwide impact, with foreign correspondents from all over the globe descending on Scotland to report on the story.
The Drum spoke to four leading members of the international press corps to ask about their impressions of the debate
Jenny Gross, Wall St Journal, USA
I’ve been in Aberdeen for the last few days, it’s been really exciting with people on the streets mostly surprised to meet international journalists. The highlight is getting to meet Scottish people, they have been warm, friendly and really talkative.
People in the US are generally interested in Scotland – many people have Scottish roots – but I’m not sure how much the referendum has been on most people’s radar. For the Wall St Journal it’s a very important business story potentially affecting the value of the pound and the markets.
Christian Zaschke, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Germany
I’ve came up to Scotland several times in the run-up to the referendum. It's remarkable how well spirited it is and how positively people have reacted; people are very engaged in the debate. While Edinburgh doesn’t feel like it is on the brink of a massive decision, in the town hall discussions people are very informed on very specific points such as the NHS.
In Germany this is a big story which very much exploded two weeks ago when a YouGov poll put Yes in the majority. Our website traffic repeatedly shows that articles about the referendum are the most read – there is even more interest than in German domestic politics and celebrity stuff. People in Germany feel friendly towards Scotland which they have a very romanticised image of.
Lourdes Gomez, freelance reporter for El Mundo, Spain
It’s very exciting, very friendly. I’ve not seen any of the aggressive actions being reported in the media. In Spain everybody is talking about it – there is a lot of interest. I’ve heard politicians from the Basque country are coming over for the vote and groups of ordinary people are coming from Catalonia to learn how it works. In Spain most people would be against a Yes vote but in Basque country and Catalonia the majority are for independence or support the idea of having a referendum without taking sides, as in Spain a vote like this would be seen as illegal and against the constitution.
Philip Williams Bureau chief ABC, Australia
It’s an exciting, nail-biting finish and people love a close contest. I’m conscious it means so much to so many people and worried Scotland could end up with a divided nation. In Australia there's lots of demand for news about the vote, people are taking it seriously, it has an intrinsic news value.
We have strong connections to Scotland and UK as most Aussies trace their family roots to Britain. I don’t know sentiment back home but think most people would want the UK to stay together. It’s not scientific but it is what we are used to, most Australians like the fact Great Britain is Great Britain but I’m sure they will embrace whatever decision is made.