ANY agreement about anything between Scotland and the UK seems about as far-fetched as a perfect Brexit. It's as if the Auld Enemy relationship hasn't changed since the 13th to 16th century, despite the establishment of devolution and Theresa May's reference to her 'precious Union'.

The union continues to be hostile rather than precious. With many reasons on both sides for that, the most constantly grating is not the drive for independence. It’s England’s lack of respect and total ignorance about this country.

The public south of the Border (not that there really is a “border”) aren’t expected to know that much about a country they’ve never lived in, with many believing it’s as much a part of England as Yorkshire.

But for major players in Westminster, political pundits, establishment figures, the BBC, other broadcasters and anyone else who comments about Britain, their lack of knowledge about Scotland is pathetic, but also increases hostility among many Scots.

Many dahn saff refer to Britain as England and consider the Union flag English. Picture: AP

So often “dahn saff” people refer to Britain as “England”, and consider the Union flag to be “English”, along with referring to English passports and the Queen of England. Scotland doesn’t exist.

A year ago, Jeremy Corbyn was discussing improving devolution, and suggested it would be “problematic” for Scotland to have its own legal system. Apparently, he had no idea that had been the case since 1707. Was he aware of other differences, such as education and the health service?

The lack of knowledge in England about independence and the SNP is hugely significant. The recent case of Chris McEleny who worked in the MoD munitions site in Ayrshire in 2016 while running for the SNP deputy leadership, is interesting.

His security clearance failed followed by suspension, after national security officers questioned him over his pro-independence views. How is it possible that supporting a political party (the main leading party in his country) made him a security risk? Would the same have applied to a Labour candidate?

The Fringe brings chaos to the streets of Edinburgh. Picture: Jon Savage

Perhaps these officers (along with many people in England who know nothing about our politics) believed the SNP was a Scottish version of the IRA, some sort of republican army, a small “nutty” sect, rather than the established political party which has ruled Scotland for years, supported by a large percentage of the population. Our devolved government and its voting system were designed by the UK to avoid a “ruling” party, a plan that failed because of the level of SNP votes.

Not all SNP voters necessarily want independence, they just want an SNP government. It’s all too complex for the English to grasp.

The Scottish Employment Tribunal judge presiding over McEleny’s case against the MoD didn’t focus on party loyalty. He said McEleny’s belief in the right of Scotland to national sovereignty was a philosophical belief with similar cogency to a religious belief.

Helen Martin: English pose biggest threat to the Union