Split decision

JIM Sillars has stated that if the SNP wins a majority in the 2016 Scottish elections, the Scottish Government should declare  independence.

Precisely what a majority means in democratic terms in a proportional system is as open to question as in the first-past-the-post system.

What the referendum results show is that such a move would lead to a huge split in the country, the type known to provoke civil wars. 

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In the debate on the future of Scotland’s future on 8 October at Holyrood many government speakers continued to harp on about independence as though the referendum had never happened. 

Looking at the results geographically it is clear that in the Borders, East Lothian and even in the capital, Edinburgh, there was a 60 per cent-plus No vote whilst the same was true of both Orkney and Shetland. Perth and Kinross also voted over 60 per cent No. 

If Mr Sillars’ suggestion was followed, it is likely that the far north and the south of Scotland would have to be forced into separation very much against the will of the people – hardly democracy. 

Is it now time that we stopped looking to the past and badgered our politicians to work together on the devolution of powers not only to the parliament but also to local communities and accept that for a generation it will be devolution that characterises our politics and not attempts to split the country into two or three competing entities, which voting patterns suggest might have ­happened. 

(Dr) Roger I Cartwright 

Turretbank Place 

Crieff, Perthshire

AS THE dust is beginning to settle over the results of the referendum we discover a country ­apparently divided.

Whatever happens over the next few months and years a new respect must evolve if either side really wants to achieve their goal.

Much of the language used in the past three weeks has done nothing to further either cause. Accusing the “other side” of lack of courage, intelligence or any other ascription of motivation is proving to be highly and increasingly offensive to those on that “other side” and will continue to reinforce the divide.

At this time our democracy has delivered the will of the majority that we remain a United Kingdom. Those who are committed to independence will continue to be so. So be it.

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However, as the world continues to experience great challenges, surely our energies must be refocused, at least for a season, on other issues?

Gavin Cargill

Edinburgh Road

Linlithgow, West Lothian

MONOMANIA (n): a psychosis characterised by thoughts confined to one idea or group of ideas. Seen most recently with SNP/Yes campaigners in the Scottish independence referendum. Yes and No voters could concentrate on making Scotland a better place to live for all its citizens rather than maintain that Scotland can only become a fairer, healthier and wealthier country following the single ideology of Scottish independence.

We can all make Scotland Better in 2014: pick up litter, volunteer, be honest, care for our children and elderly, give to charity, give to the poor, report crime, neglect and abuse, don’t abuse our partners, use the car less.

Neil Sinclair

Clarence Street

Edinburgh

JIM Fairlie (Letters, 9 October), should be a little careful accusing others of spreading “fear and lies” during the referendum campaign; the greatest untruth in the campaign came from the Yes side, claiming that the NHS in Scotland would be privatised under the Union.

William Ballantine

Dean Road

Bo’ness, West Lothian

I DO not possess the fluency of prose of Jim Fairlie. Perhaps this is fortunate as I would not delve into the realms of fantasy he expressed in his contribution in yesterday’s Scotsman (Letters, 9 October).  To compare the Scottish referendum with the Poles’ and Czechs’ fight for freedom is as laughable as it is ignorant. 

Lewis Finnie 

Larkfield Gardens 

Edinburgh