Sir, Quite apart from Scotland choosing to assert its independence, thus ending the union of 1707, it is a valid thing to ask every citizen of the UK whether they agree that the UK is no longer fit for purpose and so should end.
Indeed, we may find that the majority agree once the reasoning is known and the political points debated. However, this is not the question the Scottish Parliament, speaking on behalf of the people it represents, is asking.
Since the question on UK validity has not yet been asked by the Westminster Parliament (and it is highly unlikely they ever would ask), Scotland is thus considering asserting its independence from the UK.
In other words, Scotland, one half of this contractual partnership of equals, is asking whether or not the union is fit for purpose and if not, should it end? If the vote is “yes” to independence, the union will end on March 24 2016.
If the vote is “no”, the union will continue indefinitely. Possibly (probably), with the continuing erosion of Scottish representation and influence.
The referendum is not an anti-English or ‘anti’ anyone agenda, it is a political decision based upon a judgment of whether the union suits Scottish needs and concerns in the modern global political era.
It is a judgement of the Scottish people of their own abilities to run, maintain and make a success of their country in consideration of their talent, industriousness, inventiveness and economic shrewdness. Are we a capable people? The 1000 years we existed and survived prior to 1707 suggests yes, we can . . . and thrive. But that is a judgement Scots themselves must make.
That it affects other nations is not our concern, the political world changes daily, what happens in one part of the world may affect many others, political and economic unity or not. That’s just the way of the new global era.
The world changes. Get used to it.
John F Campbell. (ex-Dundee resident). British Columbia, Canada.
Dream quickly shattered
Sir, A few days ago I had a dream at the time just before waking when I normally have minor nightmares.
I dreamt that that nice Mr Salmond was giving out the facts and financial figures of the future Scotland. In that dream, Alex had the same modesty and self-doubt shared by most of the rest of the human race. He was paying for SNP propaganda out of party funds and not taxpayers’ money.
In my fantasy a Westminster member was giving an apology that was not only fulsome but sincere. PM’s question time was conducted in a civil manner.
And, wonder of wonders, MPs were finding out what their constituents wanted and not servilely obeying their party leaders. Expenses were not being fiddled in the slightest. I think it was one of the most pleasant dreams I have ever had.
Then I woke up and not long afterwards I read The Courier. Ere long my dream was shattered in every sense of the verb.
Robert Lightband. Clepington Court, Dundee.
To aid in black box searches
Sir, The missing aircraft MH370 is still no nearer to being found, according to world news .The main problems in trying to locate the plane appear to be the depth of the seas and the black box running out of power.
With regard to the black box, is it not possible to attach a high flotation unit with batteries, a strobe light and also a signal sender which could be activated by sea water and released on a line of fine wire or even nylon type fishing line which is extremely strong?
The whole package could be accommodated on or in a wing surface or even both wings with little demand on space and with sufficient line length for our deepest seas.
J R Smith. Morar, 44 Glamis Road, Kirriemuir.
Why not move the cup final?
Sir, I see that St Johnstone and Dundee United fans heading to Celtic Park for the Scottish Cup final will face travelling difficulties because of scheduled works on the railway in the vicinity of Larbert, meaning no direct trains to Glasgow.
Scotrail are trying to arrange extra trains round alternative routes to cope.
Would it not be simpler to move the match to, say, Pittodrie, thus avoiding the problem area altogether by directing football fans away from it?
Plus, it is reasonably straightforward to travel from both Perth and Dundee to Aberdeen by rail.
After all, who says the cup final must be held inGlasgow?
Jane Ann Liston. 5 Whitehill Terrace, Largo Road, St Andrews.
The clue is in the title
Sir, With regard to your story, Political gulf flagged up (Wednesday), Fife SNP councillors Mr Chisholm and Mr Giacopazzi voted against a request to fly the Union Jack from the Forth Road Bridge to commemorate the First World War.
Regardless of the rights and wrongs of this war (and rights are hard to think of) men from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales all laid down their lives for their country. Perhaps we should reflect on all those who made the ultimate sacrifice regardless of which side they were on.
It was a world war after all. The clue is in the title.
Alan Shepherd. Manor Street, Forfar.