Key Takeaways:
- Geoff and Terry, two retired executives from different backgrounds, share common experiences and opinions despite their differing views on Scottish independence.
- Both men agree on the importance of opportunities for future generations and express concerns about restricted opportunities and nepotism.
- They discuss their personal experiences with education, career, and family, highlighting the differences between their generation and the current one.
- Despite their differences, they find common ground and plan to meet again to continue their discussion.
- The conversation highlights the value of respectful dialogue and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Introduction to the Conversation
Geoff, a 66-year-old retired corporate executive from Fife, and Terry, a 68-year-old retired IT executive from Haddington, East Lothian, met for lunch to discuss their views on Scottish independence and other topics. Despite their differing voting records, with Geoff having voted Liberal Democrat once and otherwise always Labour, and Terry having voted Labour until the last two elections when he voted SNP, they found common ground in their shared experiences and opinions.
Sharing Common Ground
The two men discovered that they had a lot in common, including their background as northern, working-class grammar school boys who had done well in their careers. They both had mixed impressions of their time living in the United States and were happy to be back in the UK. Over lunch, they discussed their shared love of food and drink, with Geoff enjoying a whisky and Terry preferring a dessert wine. They also talked about their families and their experiences with education, highlighting the opportunities they had and the challenges they faced.
Discussing Scottish Independence
The conversation turned to the topic of Scottish independence, with Terry expressing his support for the idea and Geoff being more skeptical. Terry argued that Scotland deserved the right to stay in Europe and that the EU referendum should have required a majority in each of the four nations. Geoff, on the other hand, was concerned about the practicalities of independence and the potential difficulties of rejoining the EU. Despite their differences, they both expressed regret over the UK’s decision to leave the EU and a desire to be part of international organizations such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN.
Concerns about Opportunities for Future Generations
Geoff and Terry were strongly aligned in their concern about the limited opportunities available to future generations. They discussed the issue of nepotism and how it can restrict access to education and career advancement. They also talked about their own experiences with education, with Terry crediting his exposure to the Everyman theatre in Liverpool with broadening his horizons and showing him that anything was possible. They both expressed angst about the restricted opportunities available to their relatives and friends and the lack of social mobility in modern society.
Personal Reflections and Common Ground
Despite their differences, Geoff and Terry found common ground in their personal reflections and experiences. They both had put their children through private school, although they expressed some reservations about this decision. They also both had second homes, with Terry arguing that these should be regulated and managed. The conversation highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue and the value of understanding different perspectives, even when there are disagreements.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The lunch meeting between Geoff and Terry was a success, with both men expressing respect for each other’s thoughts and decisions. They plan to meet again in Edinburgh, hoping that someone will recognize them and be interested in their conversation. The encounter highlights the importance of engaging with people from different backgrounds and perspectives, and the value of finding common ground and shared experiences. By listening to each other’s stories and opinions, Geoff and Terry were able to build a connection and gain a deeper understanding of each other’s views, even when they disagreed.
