From an unremarkable property in a disheveled neighborhood not far from Glasgow city center, some spooks of MI5 operate, searching for ripples in Britain's northern approaches.
Their permanent presence in Scotland, if not their actual residence, isn't a secret known only to an anointed handful. After all, why wouldn't there be some surveillance operations based in Scotland's busiest city and one of the United Kingdom's most turbulent? They have been there for 10 years or so, but whether they remain following a yes vote in September's referendum is at the heart of one of the most vexed and intriguing issues surrounding the independence debate.
There are several nuances in Scotland's political, social and economic landscape that will always separate it from London and the southeast of England. Occasionally these have required special scrutiny from Britain's intelligence forces, such as the fallout and aftermath of the terror attack on Glasgow airport in 2007.
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