Devolved mess

The survey concerning "Devolution Max" (your report, 15 January) makes interesting reading, but one has to remember it is a picture of what people believe will be the case and is far removed from what will actually transpire with "Dev Max" or independence.

It appears that those surveyed start with the somewhat erroneous idea that Scotland has done well under devolution. I wonder what sandbank they have had their heads stuck in.

Look at the benefits devolution has brought our country, such as a new parliament building, the scrapping of Section 28 and free care for the elderly, then look at the real world.

Social deprivation is rife, the health of the nation is deteriorating, violence and drunken behaviour make areas "no-go places" at times, education standards are sliding downhill. What has got better? Our national output is declining, with employment kept up only by public sector jobs, and we are being committed to a huge policy of green energy which will leave us totally at the mercy of the wind.

We have no-one willing to face up to the fact that our wee country is a mess and radical changes are needed. Bringing government closer to the people is no use unless the government is better than what went before, even if it is government from a distance.

Neither independence nor "Dev Max" will solve anything unless the will is actually there to take on the problems and find solutions.

IAN ROSS

Eden Lane

Edinburgh