Nationalist zeal

I know that party conferences are occasions for back-slapping and talking things up, and that is why I am surprised at John Swinney’s announcement that an independent Scotland could be the sixth most wealthy country in the world.

Why only sixth? Especially as his boss, First Minister Alex Salmond, has already assured us that God is on our side.

As the Scottish National Party takes yet another step to distance itself from reality, I urge it to stop and reflect on the fact that, were it not for the involvement of our Scottish political giants in the running of financial affairs, for example, projects involving a parliament building and a tram system, we might not be talking about sixth place, but possibly top three.

Walter J Allan

Colinton Mains Drive

Edinburgh

I did not attend the SNP conference in Inverness. It was not an option available to me. I did, however, look at most of the main speeches.

Kenny MacAskill, it seems, “is minded” (to use that current SNP cult expression) to ban references to Easter 1916.

Does that mean all public reference to WB Yeats’ quite magnificent poem of that name will be made illegal? “A terrible beauty is born,” Yeats wrote.

I fear a terrible ugliness is being born within Scottish Nationalism. The abuse of power has commenced already.

Alan Clayton

Letters Way

Strachur, Argyll

The SNP handed out packs at its annual conference that were emblazoned with the message, “Scotland – it’s starting”, which brought back memories to me.

I must admit that it was hard, however, to decide which memories were most compelling and which ones this legend reminded me of more. Was it British Rail, “We’re getting there” which it never did, or never on time, anyway?

Was it rather perhaps, “Go back to your constituencies and prepare for government!” – words with which an excited David Steel exhorted his warriors.

Alas, it lacked the urgency of the former and the promise of the latter.

Andrew HN Gray

Craiglea Drive

Edinburgh