GBZ,
The reason the BHR has gone up in my estimation is because at least he is prepared to give an opinion from a political point of view. You seem to think it is a Scottish thing, let me assure you it isn't. Personally I hope Scotland stays in the Union though I dare say the McReich up here will eventually get their way.
Carriers are not the b-all and end-all of the navy many other nations on an economic par with the UK do very well without them (Japan springs to mind) But you are right, loose the carriers and there will be nothing to replace them.
Even if the UK did give up being a world power, we would still need strong Armed forces and in particular Carriers. As the realm as BHR puts it, extends much further than our own shores.