Letter: Free elections

Please excuse the cynicism. Am I the only one to see in Catriona Clark's appeal (Letters, 19 May) for Holyrood and Westminster elections to be held entirely separately an ulterior motive?

There is overwhelming evidence that a UK general election generally has a turnout of 15 per cent or more higher than those only concerning Scotland. With Holyrood elections barely able to attract 50 per cent of us to the polls, those parties with zealots making up so many of their numbers have a far greater chance of gaining power.

The more people who vote, the less chance for the SNP, it is as simple as that.

Having UK elections at the same time as Holyrood would virtually guarantee a fairer system and the end of any kind of SNP control over our affairs.

ALEXANDER McKAY

New Cut Rigg

Edinburgh