Letter: Plan our future

The unwritten British constitution makes no procedural provision for a pathway for any of the constituent countries of the United Kingdom to gain independence. Although a referendum may be followed by the adoption of a new constitution, the Scots electorate might well be suspicious of what they could be letting themselves in for.

What kind of Scotland? What system of government? A monarchy? A Republic? Rejection of Brussels to regain control of our fishing and other industries? Rejection of Westminster to regain control of our nation and our economy?

The drafting of a provisional written constitution is an essential precursor to a referendum on the independence question. In Eire the constitution was accepted by their parliament first, giving the final decision to the electorate. You report that "support for Scottish independence has increased to its highest level in three years, according to a new poll" (13 December).

So, do we just drift on hoping that Brussels and Westminster will govern us better? Or will someone get on with drafting a constitution? A national newspaper could lead the way by appointing a commission of the people to select the finest three drafts from which the people could choose. The Electoral Commission has the statutory function of organising a referendum - but no monopoly.

Michael Hamilton

Stodrig Cottages

Kelso, Scottish Borders