Independence row rumbles on

PART of the reason I turn to the letters’ page is the tit for tat correspondence between those for and against Scottish independence.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, although I’ve been disturbed by the increasingly hysterical and reactionary tone of some writers. R Duncan and British Forever seem to have bought into the worst aspects of the debate.

R Duncan’s belief there is a war zone between England and Scotland strikes me as a slight over-reaction.

I’m happy to listen to evidence that proves otherwise, but I wonder if he even believes that statement himself?

British Forever is even more brazen. It shows we are in the grip of right wing ideology when a moderate party is seen as “backing a style of left wing extremism”. He lays the blame of food deprivation at the feet of the SNP, interprets a racist Scots v English scenario, and believes preHolyrood halcyon days actually existed. His was up there with the most bizarre letters I’ve ever read on your page.

While they seem to think stopping the SNP will stop independence, the wider independence movement recognises the union is not functioning for Scotland’s benefit and independence looks like the only option.

If R Duncan or British Forever are as unwavering in their support of the Union as they appear, I’d like them to put forward a case for what they would do to improve it. I’m sure we can agree there is room for improvement.

INDEPENDENT THINKER

THOSE who read Your Voice will recognise Rod Selbie as a contributor who seems to derive pleasure in denigrating other contributors’ views.

In his January 13 letter he writes: “R Duncan claims the SNP is causing trouble with the English by wanting independence.” What rot. I invite him to outline these troubles and exactly who “the English” he refers to are.

He claims Brexit will alienate 500 million EU nationals and that Scotland voted to remain. As for this “alienation”, it is not going to happen and certainly not in the foreseeable future will Scotland be part of the EU.

The Brexit vote was a UK vote and Scotland did not vote remain on a separate agenda.

One area we surely must agree is the lack of funding from Westminster.

The Barnett Formula must be changed to give Scotland a fairer crack of the whip.

If Mr Selbie believes every person who voted SNP supports the break-up of the Union, he is mistaken.

Now Boris Johnson is in power, Mr Selbie and many others like him, are going to have to either put up or shut up.

Nicola, are you listening?

TF