Letter: Scotland's power

The difference between patriotism and nationalism has been defined as the former being a love of one's country and the latter being an intense dislike of another or other countries.

My nagging doubt about the Scottish Nationalists, especially under the present leadership, is which of these two emotions, one positive and the other negative, is their primary motivation?

Would the break-up of the United Kingdom truly be of benefit to Scotland, or would it just be the ultimate two- fingered salute to the Auld Enemy, to be achieved regardless of cost, with Mr Salmond going into the history books as a present-day Robert the Bruce who "sent them homewards, tae think again"?

True independence is, of course, an impossible dream for a country like Scotland in this global age, because even if we did slip the perceived yoke of England, it would only be exchanged for a junior partnership with someone else.

While speculation is rife at the moment as to the timing of the forthcoming referendum, it is probable that Mr Salmond will, quite understandably, wait until his party's stock is high before going for broke, but there is an alternative: if he thinks that we get a raw deal under the present arrangements within the UK, then he has never been in a stronger position to renegotiate terms.

The Westminster government would presumably be prepared to make concessions, as it does not want to see the break-up of the UK, and I would certainly prefer to sit down at the table in a strong position with my London counterparts than go cap in hand to make deals with Europe should the split occur.

Scotland's withdrawal from the union would see the remainder of the UK's power in Europe reduced considerably, but would Scotland have any power at all?

Walter J Allan

Colinton Mains Drive

Edinburgh

I can understand SNP MSP Joan McAlpine's euphoric mood as she penned her SNP promotional article (Perspective, 10 May), but some facts need correcting.

Speaking up for the SNP is not "by extension" speaking up for Scotland. Equally, speaking against the SNP does not amount to speaking against Scotland, though the SNP might wish to create this impression.

"Believing in yourself" and "believing in your country" are not the exclusive preserve of nationalists. Much as they try to portray unionism as a personality flaw or unpatriotic, self-confidence can equally be expressed through collegiality.

Victory for the SNP is not "victory for Scotland".

No other political party has the dazzling arrogance to see itself as embodying a nation. If Scotland won, who lost? Which country was non-SNP voters supporting?

Richard Lucas

Broomyknowe

Edinburgh