after voters here emphatically backed remaining in the EU

這裡的選民強力支持英國留在歐盟

while a majority across the UK voted to leave.

而大多數的英國選民卻決定要退出

Diverging trends are putting unprecedentedly strain

分歧的意見施加了前所未有的壓力

on the three century old political union

於英國與蘇格蘭

between England and Scotland.

——這擁有三個世紀歷史的政治聯盟

Many voters here who back to Scotland

不到兩年前的公投中

to stay in the UK in a referendum

支持蘇格蘭

less than two years ago

留在英國的蘇格蘭選民

are deeply dismayed at the prospect of being forced out of the EU.

對於被迫退出歐盟感到非常沮喪

With cross party backing in the Scottish parliament

加上蘇格蘭議會的跨黨支持

first Minister Nicola Sturgeon

部長尼古拉·斯特金

is launching a diplomatic campaign

將發起一個外交活動

to secure Scotland's European status

以用來保全蘇格蘭在歐洲的地位

"This is not a statement I wanted to make,

「這不是我想要做的聲明，」

The Scottish government didn't seek a referendum

「蘇格蘭政府並沒有希望舉行公投，」

on our membership of European Union

「關於我們在歐盟的會員資格，」

and we certainly did not want this result.

「而我們更沒有想要得到這樣的結果。」

Scotland spoke clearly for remain.

「蘇格蘭清楚表達想要留下，」

I am determined that Scotland's voice will be heard."

「而我也確信蘇格蘭的聲音會被聽見。」

Ms. Sturgeon said she's ready to consider all options

斯特金部長表示她決定要考慮所有的選擇

but she's warned that a second independence referendum

但她也被警告發起第二次獨立公投的可能性

is highly likely.

非常高

"Based on the very clear result in Scotland:

「蘇格蘭的結論明顯表示：」

If we were to be removed from the EU,

「如果我們將被剔除於歐盟，」

it would be against the will of our people.

「那會違背我們人民的意願，」

That would be democratically unacceptable.

「也會是民主社會無法接受的。」

It is for that reason that I've said that everything must be on the table

「這是為什麼我說過，所有事情必須公開地討論，」

to protect our place in Europe,

「才能保護我們在歐洲的地位，」

including a second independence referendum."

「而那包含第二次獨立公投。」

In an impassioned speech at the European parliament

於歐洲議會舉行的一場激昂的演講之中

Alyn Smith of the Scottish National Party demanded that the Scotland should be allowed to stay

蘇格蘭民族黨的議員史密斯要求蘇格蘭應該被允許留下

And it won a standing ovation from sympathetic fellow MEPs.

而他得到了同情他的歐洲議會會員的起立鼓掌

"Monsieur Nicole, do not let Scotland down now."

「尼可先生，現在不要讓蘇格蘭失望。」

(clapping)

（鼓掌）

But whether EU leaders in member states will be willing to accomodate Scotland

但是，歐盟成員國的領導人是否會收留蘇格蘭

is highly unclear.

仍是個謎

As is the likely level of support for Scottish independence

相同於下一次公投中

if another referendum is called.

支持蘇格蘭獨立的可能性

Much may depend on how the UK Brexit negotiations go.

應多是取決於英國脫毆的談判如何進行

This drama is just beginning.

這齣戲才剛剛開始

Mure Dickie

Mure Dickie（記者名）

Financial Times, Edinburgh

金融時報，愛丁堡