Salmond covers all his bases

Published on 23/09/2012 00:00

WITH reference to Eddie Barnes’ article (9 September) there are two other angles to Nicola Sturgeon’s appointment to front the referendum negotiations. Firstly, as Alex Salmond’s popularity wanes it is prudent for the SNP to have attention focused more on someone whose image is still fairly good. Secondly, if the SNP fail in the referendum the wily Mr Salmond will be able to say “It wisnae me”.

David S W Williamson, Kelso

YOUR editorial highlights the considerable challenge facing the Unionist parties should the Scots reject independence. Prime Minister Cameron has given vague pledges of increased powers for the Scottish Parliament should the independence option fail at the polls, with no clarification on what these are.

The Unionist parties need to raise their game and set out a roadmap for what happens if this scenario arises, outlining what these new powers are and when they will be introduced. The danger facing them, of course, is that those Scots such as entrepreneur Jim McColl, seeing no increased powers for the Parliament in the referendum, will turn towards independence should no post-referendum option be on offer.

Alex Orr, Edinburgh