Vote comes down to arguments, not courage

MANY people in Scotland will resent the suggestion (Analysis, 20 October) from Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon that we will have “bottled it” if we don’t vote for independence next year, or that Scotland will somehow have come of age if we vote in favour.

People in Scotland will be able to make a judgment on whatever proposal is put in front of them. If they vote No, they will do so with purpose and conviction, having not been persuaded by arguments to take a different route.

It is not necessarily the case that Scotland’s time has come. Alex Salmond’s time has come, and he can avoid this no longer. That much is clear and he will not get the chance again. But the destinies of Scotland and Alex Salmond are not intertwined. His agenda is not necessarily ours. We don’t owe him anything. If his vision is rejected next year, that will 
reflect on him, not us. He must surely be aware that political careers usually end in failure, and is willing to take that chance.

Therefore, just set out your proposals and let us decide. The proposal must stand or fall on its merits. We have 
noted that you have delayed this for as long as you possibly can. It would appear that it is the Scottish Government who are lacking confidence in all this.

Victor Clements, Aberfeldy