All about choice

Colin Hamilton (Letters, 18 April) is “confused” that supporters of a Yes vote in the forthcoming referendum do not all share the same vision for an independent Scotland and that, while for many the preference is to remain in the EU, others are open to a
future outside of the EU.

He also views acceptance of some form of “currency union” instead of an “independent” Scottish currency as an irresolvable “conundrum” for supporters of independence.

Besides furthering his attempts to smear the SNP, it may suit Mr Hamilton’s subjective arguments to make such assessments, but it is clear to many that independence, like life itself, will present many challenges requiring pragmatic compromises.

The key point, though, is that while Mr Hamilton is content for persons residing outside of Scotland to continue to make pivotal decisions that have fundamental consequences for Scottish society, others would prefer for the
people who live here to have more say in such decisions.

The world is changing rapidly and, irrespective of what unions the people of Scotland wish to retain or enter into in the future, benefits gained will come at a price.

No country today has full
economic autonomy, so our choice is to decide the price we are prepared to pay to achieve the level of compromise that matches our immediate ambitions and progresses our long-term aspirations.

It is interesting that many
apparently traditional Conservative voters would seemingly support the high cost of multiple tiers of government for Scotland rather than choose between the EU and the UK, in spite of the
latter’s diminishing influence over the global economy.

This, I would suggest, is the real conundrum for Mr Hamilton,
irrespective of the outcomes of negotiations undertaken, including the currency decided upon, by a soon to be independent
Scotland.

StAn Grodynski

Longniddry

East Lothian