Sir, The recent Centre for Public Policy for Regions (CPPR) report raises questions about the credibility of the No campaign’s assertion that “Scotland thrives under the union”.
The report states that Scotland’s balance sheet would be £17.6 billion in the red this year alone if North Sea revenues were stripped out.
Indeed, we are assured that without these revenues Scotland’s finances would have been ruinous for decades past. I do not dispute that. However, this is not evidence of a country that is “thriving”.
Had the union been good for Scotland our non-oil economy would be in rude health. Had the union been simply neutral in its effect, it would be no worse than the UK’s.
Its extremely poor performance in comparison to our small neighbours in Europe is clear evidence that the union is not working in Scotland’s best interests. Poor economic performance with subsequently high poverty levels and historic mass emigration are evidence of that fact.
Oil may be a volatile asset but it is not the liability the No campaign would like us to believe. It is also not the be all and end all of the Scottish economy for decades to come.
It offers a newly independent Scotland the means to reverse the economic decline overseen by Westminster and create the kind of socio-economic environment that has seen our near neighbours prosper.
If the Swiss, Finns and Danes can create such prosperity without oil, I see no reason to believe Scots cannot create it with oil.
No doubt the No campaign will continue to assert otherwise.
Stuart Allan. 8 Nelson Street, Dundee.
Has Ruth now seen sense?
Sir, Has Ruth (line in the sand) Davidson finally seen sense and is now supporting Scottish independence?
Her call for the Scottish Government to be given the power to set and raise taxes thus making them more accountable to the people of Scotland is exactly what the seekers of independence are advocating. Surely a country with these powers should be independent?
Ruth is fast becoming the best ally the SNP have.
Peter Bell. Muirton Road, Arbroath.
Bewildering statement
Sir, I was bewildered by the comments made by Alex Salmond regarding the helicopter search and rescue service provided by HM government being privatised.
He said: “We are deeply suspicious of privatisation and it is something we cannot understand; why you would take something that clearly works and is effective and run the risk of making it less effective.”
Surely his party wish to take a similar step with the whole of Scotland if the referendum in 2014 is in favour of separation? I would like to use his quote as a positive step for maintaining the union.
Willie Robertson. Forest Park Cottage, Lynton, Stanley.
Those fears are unfounded
Sir, With regard to your coverage of the awarding of the search and rescue contract to Bristow Helicopters and the reported comments by the nameless some who have raised fears about the willingness of civilian helicopter “crews” to put their lives at risk when carrying out their rescuing duties.
Let me remind them and others that in 1997 a civilian “winchman” flying on a mission to rescue sailors from a ship, the Green Lily, having lifted 10 men to safety went back down for the last only to lose his life when a large wave swamped the deck of the ship sweeping him and the remaining ship’s member overboard.
For this heroic sacrifice Bill Deacon was awarded a posthumous George Medal. Bill Deacon was flying as a crew member on a Bristow helicopter flying out of Sumburgh, contracted by the Coastguard to provide rescue cover. A civilian contractor!
Robin Blyth RAF (Retd). 11 West Moulin Road, Pitlochry.
Package pick-up problem
Sir, I was not at home on Saturday March 23, when Royal Mail left a card informing me a package could be collected from Baird Avenue depot. I was not at home on March 26 when the above happened again.
I phoned a taxi company and asked for the approximate cost of a journey starting from Kingsway Retail Park to Baird Avenue depot and the return journey allowing for 10 minutes at the depot. The estimated cost was £12. The total cost of both packages was less than £6. I’m sure everyone can do the calculations!
I cannot locate any bus which goes near the depot. Am I right or wrong? What are other readers’ experiences particularly those without access to cars?
K A Butlin. 249 Strathmartine Road, Dundee.
What’s new?
Sir, I read the article, Time for action on ticks (March 27), with great interest, particularly the paragraph about a trial scheme to treat deer with a spray system “used in South Africa”.
Back in 2001 Mr Ian Campbell, of Mar Estate, and myself developed such a system, which was used successfully in the Braemar area, and Speyside, until “frowned upon by the authorities”.
It will be interesting to see what is to be new about the new scheme.
Jim Reid. Rowanbank, Birkhill, Dundee.