EU on our terms

First Minister Alex Salmond made a fair point when he said it would be incredible if a resource-rich country like Scotland was not to welcomed into the European Union (your report, 26 December).

Of course, the point of negotiating entry for an independent Scotland would surely be for Scotland to benefit by remaining part of the EU.

There are now 28 member states, not the original six that there were when the UK joined the Common Market.

Are we sure our fishing rights, for example, would not be even more adversely treated this time or sea borders for North Sea oil exploration would not come in for adjustment and more Brussels take than give?

As the member states grow in number, the outcome of any EU negotiations could see Scotland warmly welcomed with open arms but on considerably reduced terms.

Jim Craigen

Downie Grove

Edinburgh