We love you just the way you are! Even Royal watchers are getting nervous the closer we get to the September 18 referendum on Scottish independence. Some politicians in the United Kingdom would like Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, to put in a good word for keeping the union together. I love Scotland, particularly the west coast, Glasgow, and the small collection of islands that at times seem closer to Northern Ireland than to Great Britain. My push to keep the union together is completely out of self-interest:  I worry that a change in political boundaries and status could somehow affect the unique character of the beloved Scots. Here are five images of the Scotland I love: #1. It never rains in Scotland. There's just an occasional dose of fresh weather!

(Photo: Lois Weatherup courtesy of Visit Scotland)

#2. Amazing art and culture scene – but always with a playful element, even at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum:

(Photo: Ian Watson courtesy of Visit Scotland)

  #3. Scotland's live music scene is one of the liveliest in all of the UK.

 

 (Photo: The Arches courtesy Creative Commons)

  #4. There's a uniquely Scottish trait you'll encounter in any pub: instant gabbing.

(Photo: Zoenet courtesy of Flickr )

#5. Old traditions never peeter out!

 (Photo: Jamie McCaffrey courtesy of Flickr)

Depending how you view the above, I've either charted out five good reasons to keep Scotland as it is – or just one: The Scottish people themselves. You see, when it comes down to it, to echo the cheesy song lyrics, "We love you just the way you are."