Letters: Solidarity is the best thing for Scotland

SNP sophistry

Sir: Andrew Wilson (‘Scot free’, 21 November) poses the question: ‘What if the case for independence was a highly sophisticated position?’ If only. For the SNP position is one of sophistry rather than sophistication. Wilson states that Scottish voters want Scotland to return to Europe. He also states that an independent Scotland would retain sterling, but does not mention the two policies are incompatible. It would be impossible for an independent Scotland to join the EU using sterling.

Wilson declares that staying in the Union is riskier than independence, but we should all reflect on the words of Ronald MacDonald, Adam Smith Professor of Economics at Glasgow University, who has written that the SNP policy of sterlingisation for an independent Scotland would lead to a currency crisis and national bankruptcy. The SNP’s policy of separation would be a colossal strategic error. Solidarity with family and friends in the United Kingdom is a much better option.
Dr Bruce Halliday
Dumfries

An implausible approach

Sir: As requested, I suspended my scepticism and gave a fair hearing to Andrew Wilson’s article setting out why he thinks most Scots want independence. The United Kingdom, he believes, is a failing entity becoming poorer and more insular by the day. The blame lies with Mr Wilson’s political opponents, and presumably everyone who voted for them. I then learnt that he spends a great deal of effort concocting implausible solutions to problems he wants to create by dismembering 400 years’ worth of institutions. But he has apparently given no thought to managing the inevitable upheaval this would lead to between most people and regions who do not support his party within Scotland.