Sir, It’s understandable to have sympathy with the annoyance that is engendered by communities and residents alike who are faced with the proliferation of Yes signs that continue to blight areas long after their relevance has expired.
I also note, the increased tendency to the flying of the Saltire, my nation’s flag, to which I have absolutely no objection, except when it is crudely defaced with the inappropriate Yes logo.
But let us look at this in a positive light. The Yes signage, I feel, should be looked upon more as an admission rather than a statement.
Is it not saying clearly that Yes 55.3% is more than 44.7% and the case for independence was comprehensibly lost? That, at $63 per barrel for oil, an independent, oil-reliant Scotland would be in serious financial difficulties with the resultant and necessary tax increases hitting thehard-working and poorest most to accommodate the loss of revenue. That joining Europe and the Euro now looks increasingly and distinctly shaky.
Yes also concedes that fuel prices, which have plunged at least one million Scots into fuel poverty, are directly linked to the Scottish Government’s energy policy and that the “Swinney Tax” on property, compared to the rest of Britain, is punitive and counter productive.
It could also be said that Yes is an admission that our education system and our health system is failing, having been neglected in the pursuit of the obsession with the nationalists’ aim of separation from the United Kingdom.
Yes signs also signify an admission that nationalists have not kept to the spirit of the Edinburgh Agreement, nor, for some reason, accepted the findings of the Smith Commission, to which they were signatories and which has given Scotland significant powers as promised by the Unionists.
And Yes, isn’t it good news that British warships will continue to be built on the Clyde and Rosyth, together with additional Royal Navy and army units being drafted to Scotland?
So, to the majority of those who voted No in the referendum, I would suggest that whenever you see a Yes sign, don’t get annoyed, take it as a big thank you for doing the right thing for Scotland and our United Kingdom.
Iain G Richmond. Guildy House, Monikie.
Oh, to be a fly on the wall . . .
Sir, I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when Nicola Sturgeon had a private audience with the Queen this week.
It was reported that the Queen was most concerned before the referendum about the break up of the union, so I wonder how she was really feeling when she met with the First Minister?
I think there are similarities between Nicola Sturgeon and Margaret Thatcher: both divided the country, were ruthlessly ambitious and refused point blank to listen to the electorate.
I don’t believe for one second the referendum is over, as I believe Nicola will push for it relentlessly.
I cannot imagine the meeting between the sovereign of our union and the potential saboteur being particularity warm.
Gordon Kennedy. Simpson Square, Perth.
Good nature of neighbours
Sir, I express my gratitude to the very kind person who handed in my wristwatch to police lost property but did not give their name.
This kind act has had such a positive effect on me and reflects so well on the good nature of my neighbours.
I was so happy when the police confirmed it had been handed in. I have worn the watch almost every day for 22 years it being one of the first gifts received from my now wife.
Scott Moncur. Maryfield Road, Broughty Ferry.
Mr Troon talks a good game
Sir, Mr Troon as always talks a good game and writes a good letter (December 11) on behalf of the SNP. I respect his position, although I do not agree with it. I should, however, point out that the cards dealt to politicians by the electorate often result in strange bedfellows, such as occurred when the SNP at Holyrood enjoyed a cosy relationship with Annabelle Goldie’s Tories during their last term of office.
Be that as it may, most voters do not seem to consider that we are in the run-up to an election, as for them, the General Election is still a long way away and they have other things to think about.
Notwithstanding that, while on the North-East Fife doorsteps recently with my fellow Liberal Democrats, I have been asked why the other parties do not come round outwith election times and some people have even said we are the first politicians who have ever bothered to knock at their door.
Jane Ann Liston. Whitehill Terrace, Largo Road, St Andrews.
To the people of Gordon
Sir, It comes as no surprise to me that Alex Salmond wishes to stand for election to the United Kingdom Parliament.
Its akin to criticising a club and then having the impertinence to apply for membership. If this despicable person has a shred of decency, it is very well disguised.
I appeal to the people of Gordon, that when the election comes round, to ask themselves: Do you really wish to be associated in supporting such a flawed character?
Voting for anybody but him will ensure he remains where he belongs, for he has done our country so much damage that will take decades to recover.
Robert Finlay. Greenmount Drive, Burntisland, Fife.