Sir, Will Scotland be a member of the EU; will it have its own currency and a banking system with multiple guarantees of £85,000 on money banked therein; will it have a defence system adequate to NATO requirements?
These questions are just the tip of an iceberg of questions which ought to be answered prior to becoming independent otherwise we will be making a massive leap of faith without any idea of the true cost, not only monetary, of independence or our ability to meet the price to pay.
The Scottish Parliament has decided to extend the franchise on independence to 16 and 17-year-olds. This will allow a greater proportion of the population to express opinions. I think we should look for a maximum response on this important decision and perhaps it should be a legal requirement, as in other countries, that every voter casts their vote. Exceptions could be made for the ill or disabled.
If this seems too draconian a measure then a turnout of less than 80% should render the result null and void. General elections tend to achieve a turnout of around 50% meaning that perhaps only 25% of the total electorate support the decision. Surely independence requires a much greater level of support than this before we proceed?
Notable Scots living abroad opine that an independent Scotland will be a better Scotland. I do not perceive an intention that any of them intend to rejoin our society and make a contribution to the burden of taxation in their idealistic Scotland.
A A Bullions. Leven.
Market Hall is a better option
Sir, As a follow on to J. Young’s recent letter, Quo vadis, Fair City?, I share the concern that a civic square may not realise the advantages its protagonists expect.
In reality, such space will not be in continuous use, whereas, the alternative of a market hall, with flexible space able to accommodate community uses and tourist information could operate on a daily basis.
I recognise and support the effort being made by Perth and Kinross Council to increase footfall in the city centre and contend that the market hall would make a greater contribution towards realising that aim.
It perturbs me the council seems to be adopting a dog in the manger attitude by ruling out any financial contribution when substantial funds have already been allocated to the area. Perhaps there are enough open minds to reconsider, or is our council piqued that a better alternative has been offered?
Councillor Grant has made an uninformed assertion that the City Hall is some sort of fake which, from many years of experience as an architect I can entirely refute.
Alas, I despair when told that other “opinion formers” are repeating this nonsense. May I recommend to anyone doubting my opinion a visit to the library archive where corroboration can be quickly established. Assertion without fact is an increasing feature in present day politics.
Ian McLaren. 4 Upper Woodlands, Oakbank, Perth.
Continuing a quality service
Sir, In response to claims that privatisation could wreck our postal service, I wanted to point out that in 2011, parliament passed the Postal Services Act. It set a framework for private investment in Royal Mail.
Private investment will still allow Royal Mail to continue to deliver a six-days-a-week service at a uniform price across the country. Royal Mail has an opportunity to grow. While we all now send fewer letters, the growth in online retailing has meant an increase in the number of parcels. We are in a strong position to meet this demand.
We already have the largest UK delivery network and we are one of the most trusted companies in the UK, but we need to make significant investment to stay ahead of the competition. The UK Government’s financial position means that this investment must come from the private sector.
Private investment will allow Royal Mail to grow its parcels business. This in turn will help us to continue to deliver the universal service.
The act sets out very clearly the requirements. They will continue to apply after any sale. These include a uniform, affordable tariff for postal services across the UK including rural and remote areas as well as six-days-a-week collection and delivery.
Royal Mail has amongst the highest service specifications of any major European country. These would also apply were Royal Mail to be sold. The finances of Royal Mail have been transformed in recent years. We now make a good profit. That matters. It enables us to continue to provide a high-quality rural postal service.
Paul Kelly. Royal Mail Delivery Director, Cultins Road, Edinburgh.
Scots won’t be influenced
Sir, Regarding Bob Harper’s letter (April 25), does he honestly think right-minded Scots will be influenced by George Osborne and Danny Alexander? And should it be described as “an attack”? They’re politicians for goodness sake, spurred on by their own self interest.
It’s the same old, same old. Nothing positive to say for their own policies because its easier to down the policies they go against. Can any politician stand up and speak for 20 minutes about the benefits their party can provide without mentioning the opposition? I very much doubt it.
Stephen Caldwell. 31 Bankton Park, Kingskettle.