I realize "Scotland" isn't trying to become independent; a group of politicians are trying to make Scotland independent, and a lot of people in Scotland (roughly half, depending on the poll and the day) support them. However, in all the news I read, I can't figure out why. Aside from Scottish pride / nationalism, what sparked all this?
I realize there would be upsides and downsides you could endlessly argue, and ways to make either side (yes or no) more or less palatable or effective. But the UK has been united for 300 years - why is Scotland trying to split off now?