Letters: SNP arrogance may yet backfire badly

MICHAEL Russell and Joan McAlpine would do well to cease throwing about suggestions that those who question the SNP are “anti-Scottish” (your report, 3 February).

Such arrogance can only suggest to those of us who have not yet made up our minds about independence that an independent Scotland, particularly under the Nationalists, might be an intolerant wee country without the good sense of the English to moderate our more unattractive traits, just as the Scots compensate for those of the English.

John Milne

Ardgowan Drive

Uddingston, S Lanarkshire

Joe Darby (Letters, 3 February) asks what remains to be said about the forthcoming independence vote, given that the media have carried this story for so long, with possibly two years still to go until the referendum.

The answer to his question is, “plenty”, but, unfortunately, it will just be repetition of the same vital questions until we get answers that are not simply “Trust me; it’ll be all right on the night.”

With the word “scaremongering” now replaced by the term “anti-Scottish” in the Nationalist vocabulary to describe anyone who dares to question their policies, and which will no doubt ring a bell with students of European history, I repeat, the answer is “plenty”.

Walter J Allan

Colinton Mains Drive

Edinburgh

I am disappointed with the reported comments of Education Secretary Mike Russell that people who disagree with the policies of the SNP are anti-Scottish.

This seems to be a growing trend among SNP politicians and does a disservice to those people who hold opposing views yet consider Scotland to be the most important country in the world.

We are supposed to live in a democracy where freedom of speech is allowed.

I certainly don’t want to have to conform to the writings in the wee red book of Chairman Alex in a few years’ time!

Bob MacDougall

Kippen

Stirlingshire

When the country is crying out for – but not yet getting – solid, reliable facts and figures on the Scottish Government’s proposals for our future, it’s good to read informed comment from genuine experts like Bill Jamieson (2 February) and Professor A Midwinter (3 February).

Instead of ministers’ cheap insults about critics being anti-Scottish they could try more actualite and less arrogance.

B McGuire

North Berwick

East Lothian

Given the opprobrium with which Alex Salmond and his cohorts castigate all those who disagree with any SNP policies or fantasies, should Governor’s House be re-named Toad Hall?

AA Miller

Clackmae Road

Edinburgh