306-year-old union still has 28 months left in it

Scotland could be independent on 24 March, 2016, if voters back leaving the UK in the independence referendum next year, the Deputy First Minister has announced. The date is included in the Scottish government's White Paper, described as a "blueprint" for independence. Nicola Sturgeon said it was a "landmark document" which has economic growth, jobs, and fairness at its heart. "This guide to an independent Scotland will be the most comprehensive and detailed blueprint of its kind ever published, not just for Scotland but for any prospective independent country," she said. "It is a landmark document which sets out the economic, social, and democratic case for independence. It demonstrates Scotland's financial strengths and details how we will become independent - the negotiations, preparations, and agreements that will be required in the transition period from a vote for independence in September next year to our proposed Independence Day of 24 March 2016 and in time for the first elections to an independent Scottish Parliament in May of that year." But enough about that because plans for a 1km inflatable solar chimney have been outlined by a leading balloon specialist. Per Lindstrand, who crossed the Pacific in a balloon with Sir Richard Branson in 1991, said the technology could offer more efficient green power generation in remote areas. It could help in areas with high seismic activity, where maintenance of solid structures is difficult. But what would really help is if this novel power generator became widespread enough to put Big Oil out of business, and then we would have cheaper, cleaner power where it is needed.