Sir, – Surely if any further evidence were needed, the effects of the coronavirus make it very clear that Scotland is far better off being within the Union, than being outside and independent.
If Scotland were independent today, from where would it find the huge sums of money presently being raised by the UK Treasury required to support society?
Furthermore, recent events have shown that the old SNP policy on which it based its economic persuasions (Scotland’s oil) was always a fallacious means of obtaining votes.
We have all seen the Brent crude oil price drop spectacularly, showing up the fallacy of building a national economy on a volatile commodity whose value is not within national control, and therefore neither are the taxes derived from it.
At the same time, the publicity given to the independence campaign turns away the investment needed for jobs and wealth due to the perceived risk to any such investments that the independence issue causes.
The SNP in government tries to make up for this by concentrating on public services. But brushes under the carpet the fact that public services must be paid for and there is insufficient tax-take to sustain such a strategy.
I also see that fruit farms are now, at long last, advertising for local berry pickers.
For far too long the focus has been on importing foreign workers as a cheap and easy alternative.
But now foreign workers are banned from travelling by their own governments, there is no alternative than to bite the bullet.
How nice it would be if, within our current generation, we could have less grandstanding on selfish issues, and a bit more social reality and truth.
Derek Farmer.
Knightsward Farm,
Anstruther.
Time Scots took back control
Sir, – Sadly, supporters of Westminster rule have used the coronavirus pandemic as a means of attacking future Scottish independence.
Their argument that Scotland can only deal with this current health crisis with London’s help runs contrary to evidence from our Nordic neighbours.
Scotland-sized, with governments truly representing their citizens, they demonstrate perfectly how independent countries successfully find common cause during difficult times.
Of course, Martin Redfern, Jill Stephenson, et al, will claim otherwise in Scotland’s case.
Their underlying agenda is to continue London rule as the only means of being governed by their party of choice.
Its rejection by fellow Scots for 65 years requiring no reflection or consideration on their part.
Bizarrely, as argument in her favour, Ms Stephenson (Indy numbers don’t add up, Courier, March 23) cites the current price of oil, a finite and economically fluctuating commodity.
She would do well to consider the current position of 5.3 million Norwegian citizens, thriving as a result of sensible long-term policies many would recognise as being very Scottish in practice.
Take back control? Yes, absolutely.
Ken Clark.
c/o 15 Thorter Way,
Dundee.
Stores to police shopping habits
Sir, – While it is appreciated all the big supermarkets are providing shopping periods for the elderly, it really is pointless.
They dedicate one hour for the elderly, for example 8-9am, but open their doors at 6am, so by the time you get in, all the food has gone!
I find it very sad that people are being so greedy when most folk only want a pint of milk or a packet of toilet rolls and they cannot get it.
Come on supermarkets, you have to police it and get real.
Victor Lyndhurst.
Maule Street,
Monifieth.
Common sense and respect
Sir, – I am appalled at the selfishness which abounds at present.
We seem to have in-built a swathe of self- indulgent, disrespecting individuals, who seem to operate with an “I’m all right Jack, pull up the ladder” mentality.
Stores and shop shelves have been decimated with little consideration for others almost as if a plague of locusts had laid their greedy eyes upon anything and everything.
We certainly live in a society where cosseting, pampering and cocooning has become paramount. Indeed this protectionism may well be the catalyst in this behaviour; thus when beset with anything outwith their comfort zone this appears to galvanise many towards behaviour and irresponsibility seldom witnessed before.
The food products purchased cannot in many cases be stored safely and for long and there is a high likelihood much will be wasted when much of our world faces hunger.
David L Thomson.
24 Laurence Park,
Kinglassie.
Acting as you expect others to
Sir, – The government have been very blunt about selfish individuals who carelessly risk the lives of others by flouting the guidelines on social distancing.
However, during Matt Hancock’s address to the Commons, MPs were stretching over the benches to hold whispered conversations with each other – including the speaker.
What are we to make of these politicians ignoring the two metre rule?
Jim Smith.
5 Smithfield Crescent,
Blairgowrie.
