Sir, I’m rather disappointed that Jim Duthie seems to have convinced himself that the proposed spaceport programme is a “blatant piece of bribery” by Westminster to help the No campaign.
He will, no doubt, be aware that as yet, only a shortlist has been drawn up and no decision has been made.
One of the possible sites is in Wales and another in England.
Presumably, the final decision will depend on which site is best placed geographically and has nothing to do with the referendum debate.
It also appears the Government is willing to enter into partnership with private investors.
The successful operation of a spaceship airport is an exciting and necessary piece of future development for any government UK or Scottish and would be part of a lucrative and beneficial deal for the country. I don’t see any evidence at all for any bribery.
Let’s wait and see which site wins out and why before resorting to needless and tiresome jibes.
Kenn McLeod, Ralston Drive, Kirkcaldy, Fife.
Financial rates are outside our control
Sir, Our main uncertainties about the referendum are financial.
Uncertainties that arise because of government policies have little affect on the money we choose, or the interest we’ll pay or the price of oil. Nobody not even our Scottish Government could control any of those prices.
What we can buy with our wages depends on changes in prices and costs of goods around the world, which in turn are related to interest and exchange rates and over which governments have very little control.
Five years ago, the market price of our oil was £40 per barrel. It rose to £81 per barrel in March two years ago and it’s since slipped back to £62.
This demonstrates all government forecasts of future tax revenues from future oil prices depend on factors outwith their powers.
If Scotland joined the euro, we could save a lot of money but only if we adopt economic policies like those of Germany and France.
However, if we went on a borrowing and spending spree as the SNP says they would, we could end up with interest costs like Ireland or even Portugal’s and then suffer even greater austerity.
Nobody knows what interest rates a brand-new Scottish currency would have to pay. Best not to ask.
In summary, neither the No thanks brigade nor the Yes campaign is creating these uncertainties. Neither of them knows what the future price of oil will be, or the interest rates we’d have to pay. They’re asking you and I to take a guess.
Andrew Dundas, Ross Avenue, Perth.
What future for Open after a Yes vote?
Sir, Of the nine courses in the UK used as venues for The (British) Open Championship, five are in Scotland.
I would like to ask Peter Dawson, CEO of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, if there is a yes vote on September 18 what will happen to the staging of future Open Championship.
The event is scheduled for Royal Troon in 2016 and Carnoustie in 2018.
Graham Lang, Westermost Coaltown Of Callange, Ceres.
BBC staff have no reason to complain
A strike, followed by a “work to rule” by thousands of BBC staff could lead to disruption of the coverage of the Commonwealth Games.
The BBC is already overstaffed and employees far too highly paid.
I was astonished to read that those under £50,000 a year were dismissive of an offer £650 and those over £50,000 of £500.
Since the national average pay/salary is £23,000, I suggest the BBC staff are doing extremely well.
I do, however, agree with the union that executive pay should be capped at £150,000.
If there was a cull of numbers then more could be given to the lower-paid.
Another solution is cancel the licence fee and let unions and management sink or swim as a commercial enterprise.
Clark Cross, Springfield Road, Linlithgow.
A9 chaos saw 211 vehicles in huge hold-up
Robert Potter does not think it necessary to dual the full length of the A9.
Obviously he was not travelling to Perth from the north on Sunday around 1pm.
On our way to Bankfoot from Perth we met a car with flashing warning lights leading four huge transporters.
Behind these, unable to pass, were no fewer than 211 vehicles (including caravans) plus three motor cycles. These vehicles stretched all the way to the Bankfoot turn-off.
Can you imagine the frustration most of these drivers must have been experiencing?
Joan M Blue, Innewan Gardens, Bankfoot.