Letter: Bad mindset

The speech given by Mr Salmond (your report, 20 May) lifts the veil on the crippling psychological problem that dogs those who subscribe to the nationalist mindset. In the little world of the separatist mentality, Scotland is subordinate to England.

Indeed, he used the very word "partnership" between Scotland and England without irony, in his vision of a future, "independent" Scotland, as if the union were not a partnership cemented into marriage.

Clearly, his party's view is that the best form of togetherness is achieved by divorce. That is a wonderful feat of reverse logic.

He talks of Scotland's "self-doubt and negativity", which reveal the inferiority complex which is at the root of his political philosophy, and one can feel considerable sympathy for someone who suffers from it.

It is debilitating and requires reorientation towards the real world. You will not find much negativity among Scots who are successful. They are too busy getting on with life.

Equally, Joyce McMillan, who seems to have been bitten by the same rabid dog of nationalist fervour (Perspective, 20 May), believes in "the growing prospect of Scottish independence". Really? Where? I don't think 25 per cent of the vote is exactly a ringing endorsement.

Moreover, in her view, English nationalism is "angry" and reactive, producing "resentment" and "sulky petulance". I wiped tears of laughter from my eyes when I read those words. Not like Scottish nationalism, eh, Miss McMillan?

Andrew HN Gray

Craiglea Drive

Edinburgh