Referendum: 'Scotland does not want or need independence'

THE SNP's decision to sideline the Electoral Commission over its plans to stage an independence referendum have rightly been greeted with great suspicion. It has also left the Scottish Government open to accusations of trying to rig the poll.

The setting up of a Scottish Referendum Commission to oversee the procedure is little short of a waste of public money. So much for the party's drive to reduce the number of quangos that operate in Scotland.

And just because the Commission, which is one of the most respected organisations in the world, is more closely associated with Westminster does Mr Salmond not think it can act impartially north of the Border? It was good enough to be trusted to see reforms through the Welsh Assembly and is the only body with a track record in this area.

To trust such an issue to an untried and untested organisation is a risk but perhaps the SNP are willing to run it if they feel they may gain some political advantage.

Having the Bill overseen "in-house" may allow Mr Salmond more control over the manner in which the questions are phrased, but it is still doubtful that he will get the answer he is looking for.

The Bill has little chance of going through parliament and with less than one in three voters in favour of independence it is unlikely to gain the public support it requires.

Most Scots are in favour of greater powers for the parliament but independence is neither what Scotland wants nor needs.

But perhaps Mr Salmond should be allowed to find that out the hard way, by having his vote – and by having his dream kicked into the long grass for at least another generation.

Jim's fixing it

IN THESE days when most people are more concerned with helping themselves rather than others it is heartening to see acts of kindness taking place which often go unrecognised.

Former Liberton rugby player Jim Michie is a shining example.

Taking a leaf out of the TV series Jim'll Fix It, an astonishing 400 youngsters battling illness have had their wishes come true through his Dreamz4U charity. A remarkable achievement as the organisation has only been operating for over two years. From teaching kids to make sausage rolls to meeting Lady Gaga he has brought joy to many at a time of need. Well done.