Selfish argument

I am probably as exposed to the various arguments on the forthcoming referendum as if I were in Scotland.

The more I have read, seen and heard of the arguments in favour of the Yes campaign, the more convinced I am that these arguments are small, narrow-minded and selfish.

They purport to show that Scottish people would be better off, politically, economically, socially, culturally, legally etc, if Scotland were an independent nation.

The unspoken implication is that the remaining 90 per cent or so of the UK population would be worse off, without Scotland and the input of the Scottish people and Scotland’s resources.

This strikes me as being completely selfish and unworthy of the long history of Scottish open-mindedness, philosophical and moral thinking.

Unfortunately, Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon et al find it too easy to play to the anti-English/anti-London/anti-Westminster/anti-Tory/anti-Thatcher sentiments that are unfortunately prevalent in many Scots people.

Of the Scottish business people I have recently met, all fear that Scottish independence would adversely affect their businesses, and none have been in favour of Scotland breaking away from  the UK.

Jim Cumming

Tun Hwa North Road

Taipei

I love the idea that the SNP’s independence bid may be  saved by English residents in Scotland voting for separation, but it does leave me wondering exactly who will be in charge in, say, a political generation or two from now.

If the referendum does sever the ties that no longer bind, some of the lost Scottish MPs will scramble for safe rUK Westminster seats, but many will make the sad trek north to sup at the Holyrood trough, and the Dear Leader’s band of brothers (and new sisters) will inevitably be shouldered aside.

I fear those new Scot leaders (virtually self-selected, as many politicians are) will make as bad a job of running old Scotland as they did of governing the UK – but I probably won’t be around to see it. Ho hum.

David Fiddimore

Calton Road

Edinburgh