Seeking answers

Stan Grodynski (Letters, 23 December) criticises some of the The Scotsman correspondents who are less keen to vote Yes next September for their “narrow” and “one-sided” letters on the independence debate. He encourages focus on the important issues concerning the prospects for Scotland to enable us to make an informed choice about which way we should vote, rather than on more trivial items.

I fully support these sentiments: maybe Mr Grodynski (or any other Yes supporter) can assist with his aims by helping us to understand the following fundamental questions to which the SNP – which is driving Scotland to this deeply critical decision – has, at best, given the voters fudged answers.

If the Yes vote prevails, what would the Scottish currency be? If we retain the pound, how will we be independent with another country controlling the key economic lever? If it is not the pound, will it be the euro? Ditto part two of the previous question. Would we apply for European Union membership? If we were admitted to the EU, how would we avoid the euro? How would we avoid a formal border with England? Who would be the head of state and would there be a fully elected Upper House? Would we be in Nato?

These are but a few of the vital but partly or fully unanswered questions. They do not concern personalities and to ask for the answers does not make one an “extremist”. However, without a satisfactory answer to all of them, no-one of a reasonable mind should vote for separation.

David K Allan

Mainshill

Haddington, East Lothian