Letters: Referendum role

The dropping of legislation to hold a referendum on Scottish independence (Comment, 6 September) can surely not be a setback for SNP credibility.

Rather, it must be interpreted as terror on the part of the Unionist parties.

Otherwise, why should they show their fear by opposing the chance to allow the Scottish people the opportunity to show they preferred independence to continued London rule?

Were this not so, they would be eager to back a referendum that would allow the Scots to oppose a second Battle of Bannockburn that would win their freedom again.

ANDY MACPHERSON

Trinity Crescent

Edinburgh

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It might have been helpful to open-minded readers if the attribution of your Platform item (6 September) had indicated that Thomas Docherty is a Labour MP. He is at pains to seek fault with all that the present coalition government does.

It is going too far, however, to state that if the referendum is held on the day of the devolved elections, "we will not have a level playing field for participation". There most certainly is - it is called universal adult franchise.

If entitled voters in any part of the country do not go out and vote, that is their choice.

Anne W Kerr

Park Place

Dunfermline, Fife