Economic power

The SNP has wasted two decades under Alex Salmond's leadership, nowhere better emphasised than in his concession that the next election will be fought in Scotland on the economy, not independence (your report, 12 January).

Mr Salmond has always been an economic nationalist and it has always been his greatest weakness, as he positioned the SNP as just another political party within the British political system, rather than the only vehicle by which Scots can regain their independence. Without independence, Scotland's economy will never be reformed in the way that best suits the interests of Scots.

How does Mr Salmond mean to persuade Scots the SNP "is best placed to defend Scotland's interests" by arguing the economic case when the SNP has no control over the economy, and when every penny the Scottish Government spends is part of a Westminster grant that can be shut off or reduced any time Westminster chooses to do so?

Even under the SNP's version of independence, Scotland would not control its own economy, as either Westminster or Brussels would control the currency and monetary policy. In fact, for someone so keen on the economic case for independence, Mr Salmond is rather quick to give away the economic powers that an independent Scotland will need.

JIM FAIRLIE

Heathcote Road

Crieff, Perthshire