Central problem

George Kerevan was right in his article (Perspective, 3 January) to point out that the proposed referendum in Catalonia will offer a third alternative to independence, namely devo-max or federalism.

Polls have suggested that this would have been preferred by the majority in Scotland. The refusal of David Cameron to accept this third option may turn out to be disastrous for the UK.

A Yes vote will result in partition with an international border, which most people in Scotland do not want.

A close No vote will result in repeated calls for another referendum as already proposed by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Meanwhile, the option of maximum economic devolution, while retaining a common defence and foreign policy, has been denied.

However, George Kerevan’s conclusion that these events herald the end of centralised states, ignores the fact that Scotland under the SNP has become one of the most centralised regions in Europe.

David Hannay

Cuddyfield

Carsluith