Exodus fears

Dave McEwan Hill (Letters, 29 July) stated that it was “good” that some people would leave Scotland following independence. Perhaps before making such frivolous remarks he should have looked closer at the latest Panelbase poll which must make sobering reading even for the most ardent Nationalist supporters.

Not only do the findings give a clear lead for those who believe Scotland’s best interests are served in the United Kingdom but it also confirms that a significant number of people understand that “Scotland would be poorer” and not richer as been claimed by the SNP.

Furthermore, the poll confirms a worrying underlying message in that as many as 700,000 people “would think about emigrating in the event of a Yes vote” – especially as it is SNP policy to find 500,000 immigrants to counter the ageing population in an independent Scotland.

This revelation comes on top of the 36 per cent of the Scottish firms (Survation poll) which would consider moving “outside Scotland” in the event of a Yes vote which will not have been factored in with the above numbers.

As most people understand it is not an easy proposition to move to a foreign country without skills and money to support relocation – the very people Scotland could ill afford to lose without significant damaging economic consequences.

Ian Lakin

Murtle Den Road

Aberdeen

Donald Lewis (Letters, 30 July) is exercised by the possibility of doctors and other professional people leaving Scotland in the event of a Yes vote as these people are net tax contributors.

Is this fear justified? If the person leaving was employed in the public sector and is replaced at the same salary there is no loss of tax. If he is not replaced then the public purse gains as it saves a salary.

In the private sector if there is work available which offers acceptable reward you may be sure people will appear to take it up, so again there is no loss.

S Beck

Craigleith Drive

Edinburgh