Sir, The referendum debate is surely becoming much too personality based, particularly this childish obsession with the currency, which television “debates” do nothing to help.
In the event of a “yes” vote it won’t be AlexSalmond who decides what currency we use, or whether nuclear weapons remain on the Clyde, or who gets our oil and our fish.
It will be the leader of the first national government elected by the sovereign state of Scotland, which, if previous general election results are anything to go by, will probably be Johann Lamont. She can then decide to use 12 sprouts to the cabbage if she wishes.
If she does decide to use the pound, there’s nothing Westminster can do about it. Several countries use the US dollar despite theopposition of the American Government.
We should stop ourobsession with internal trivia and contemplating our navels and lift our eyes and look out to the world, and decide our place in world affairs or remain a backwater with no influence over our own affairs, let alone any in world councils.
In any event, let’s face the real issues, not the soundbite pap so beloved of the media.
Laurie Richards. 100 Crail Road, Cellardyke.
A very selective memory . . .
Sir, I have always thought that Jenny Hjul sees the world through rose-tinted glasses, but now by proclaiming her belief that Gordon Brown is the hero who can save the union I wonder if she has much sight at all.
Certainly she must have a very selective memory of his “achievements” over his, fortunately, short time in power.
He did little for the UK in general, worked against Tony Blair for his own gain, sold off our gold reserves to try to save his own disappearing political career and did huge damage to the Labour Party. The electorate spoke loudly when he failed to get elected as PM. He did nothing to help Scotland then so why should he be the saviour of the nation now?
As a strong “yes” voter I should be grateful to Ms Hjul for promoting him into the fray as I think his appearance in the debate will encourage more to vote “yes” than the other way round.
Ken Greenaway. Culross House, Torr of Kedlock, Cupar.
How can they claim this?
Sir, Since 1801, Scotland’s percentage of the UK population has shrunk from one in six to one in 12. Between 1960 and 2012, Scotland’s population has grown a mere 2.6%. England and Wales have grown by 23.6%; Northern Ireland by 28.4%; Switzerland by 50.2% and Luxembourg by 67.7%.
These statistics indicate we have the lowest population growth of any western European country. Young, hard-working Scots are leaving the country at around 30,000 per annum.
How can the No Campaign claim we are flourishing as part of the union and are, in any way, “better together”?
Joseph G Miller. 44 Gardeners Street, Dunfermline.
Hope review is dismissed
Sir, I am very disappointed but not surprised to see the St Andrews Environmental Protection Association Ltd (STEPAL ) have finally launched their judicial review against the new Madras at Pipeland.
While still disappointed in the elite few continuing their mission to delay our children’s desperately needed school, what concerns me further is the fact they have publicly admitted they only have approximately one-third of the funds needed to support the review and now have their begging bowl out asking for donations.
Who foots the bill if they can’t raise the money. Will it be the north-east Fife taxpayer, the majority of whom want the school built without further delay?
I hope the north-eastFife councillors overwhelmingly support the full plans next month and the judicial review gets quickly dismissed so that the school is built on time and nothing can delay this desperately needed school any further.
Lisa Leitch. Sandyhill Crescent, St Andrews.
Lauren right about celebrity
Sir, The American actress Lauren Bacall who died this week was once quoted as saying: “I have no respect for celebrities and I object to being called one, so don’t try it! I’m an actress, not a celebrity”.
I think that is an excellent and grounded way of looking at life.
Today many celebrities from all professions have forgotten what they were called and gifted to do, ie acting, singing, etc and simply desire celebrity status.
They have been idolised by thousands of young impressionable people so when they do things to excess, like drinking and using drugs, young people are influenced in the wrong way.
It is partly the fault of the public and reality TV.
There is now, sadly, a career to be had in being a celebrity without actually doing anything worthwhile.
Gordon Kennedy. 117 Simpson Square, Perth.