Sir, Newspapers recently ran an advert from the Scottish Government suggesting that Scotland could be a more democratic country following a “yes” vote. Really?
The current SNP government has shown a predilection for governing through large national quangos (Education Scotland, Scotland’s Futures Trust, the fire and police authorities to name some). Meanwhile, the role of our elected bodies and their capacity to scrutinise the decisions which affect our lives is diminished.
At Holyrood proper scrutiny of government action has been stymied by the way the SNP has controlled the chairing of committees.
What links the ban on T in the Park at Balado, the remarketing of Perth City Hall, Perth and Kinross final local plan and the regular arming of police officers?
They are of course all rulings by officials, not by any democratically elected body.
Leave aside whether these were good decisions, when we are considering our relationship with the rest of the UK, we should acknowledge that the internal governance of Scotland is equally important. Whatever the referendum outcome we need to re-evaluate our democratic structures and hopefully draw back from the increasing amount of centrist bureaucratic control we have seen grow so much under the SNP.
George Hayton. 6 Montgomery Way, Kinross.
A puzzling argument
Sir, It was disappointing and puzzling to read Peter Stewart’s Opinion piece in the Farming section (August 16). His argument that voting “no” may somehow strengthen our role in Europe seems at odds with the facts. We have a UK cabinet containing supporters of an exit from Europe; and that other referendum is not so many months away. If we do not vote “yes” we stand a good chance of being voted out of Europe.
Meanwhile, no one can deny that London has argued for decades to have agricultural subsidies reduced or removed. As a small part of a United Kingdom, for which agriculture is at best only a small diversion, we fare very poorly compared to how we would in an independent Scotland in which agriculture is a main player.
As agricultural entrepreneurs ourselves, my wife and I are keen to support the Yes campaign. We were the first to establish a commercial deer farm in Britain and have exported deer breeding stock to Europe and Asia since the 1970s. My wife built up a prosperous venison business and has exported her venison books worldwide.
It is as a result of seeing just how innovative and energetic small independent countries are that we have come to understand the potential for Scotland.
As Boris Johnson has made it clear he was opposed to any devolution I see it as confirmation that if Scotland does not vote for independence there will be less devolution, more control from London and no second chance.
John Fletcher. Reediehill Deer Farm, Auchtermuchty.
Surely worth preserving
Sir, The separatists have given us an opportunity, through the referendum, to examine not only the history of our union, but also to consider its future, our place in it and what we intend to bequeath to future generations.
Nowhere has there been such a lasting, mutually agreeable, political and social union of nations who, incidentally, also have a shared language and history. Indeed the United Kingdom is not just a nation but a nation of nations. We have the unique ability to have, if you will, two nationalities within our psyche running in parallel and almost indivisible so that each of us can comfortably morph seamlessly between the two.
The profound and deeply significant outcome of this circumstance is that at once, we can indulge in our Scottish identity yet have a secure bond with a united and more diverse group of nations where difference is celebrated and common cause recognised. Surely this is something worth preserving!
Iain G Richmond. Guildy House, Monikie.
Good reasons to vote “yes”
Sir, The depressing news in Saturday’s Courier that there are now 600,000 people working on zero-hour contracts made me wonder where things like the Employment Protection Act, trade union agreements etc, disappeared to.
I think it all stems from the hegemony of right wing politics we are continually subjected to from England. The Scottish people are socialist minded and should not have to put up with this. The English can keep their monarchy, their aristocracy and their 800- member house of Lords, all of which are such a drain on the taxpayer.
All good reasons for voting “yes” at the referendum.
Alister Rankin. 93 Whyterose Terrace, Methil, Leven.
Should impose sanctions…
Sir, A great deal was made of Russian weapons supplied to Ukraine fetching up in rebel hands and the EU did a fair amount of geo-posturing and introduced a number of sanctions. Now it is clear that the appalling IS forces are armed almost entirely with the weapons with which the Anglo-Americans drenched the Middle East during the Arab Spring.
I trust Frau Merkel will insist the EU impose sanctions against British and American defence firms and target selected chums of Barack Obama and David Cameron.
Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.