Gordon Brown claims that independence would mean "retreat into 19th-century nationalism" (your report, 25 March).
This is odd, from someone who supports the independence of Kosovo. May I remind him that 16 European countries have gained their independence since 1991.
He states that there are no Scotland-Wales-England-only solutions to transnational challenge
s. Well how does the Republic of Ireland or any other independent country cope?
Mr Brown claims there are advantages of our economic union. How does he explain the fact, that Ireland has a far greater GDP per capita and far greater ranking on the quality of life index?
Furthermore, he states that within the UK; we share common values. How do the values of western Europe or those of Australia, New Zealand and Canada differ from the UK?
He claims that the Union is not about partnership at the expense of pride. Though it results in Scotland being seen as a region and not a country, around the world.
THOMAS MURRAY, Cairns Crescent, Perth
Gordon Brown talks of retreating into 19th-century nationalism. I would remind him that Scotland has been in retreat for the last 300 years in a provincial backwater from which it is showing signs of desiring to emerge into 21st-century national independence.
The so-called unionist parties are getting together to talk of surveying devolution with, among other things, greater powers to raise its own finance. How they expect to reach that goal without independence I cannot see.
(REV) JAMES McL RITCHIE, Croft-an-Righ, Edinburgh
"A parcel of rogues" is the expression that is brought to mind by the picture of the three members of the London-based political parties as they prepared to sit down and decide, effectively, to carve up Scotland, just as their London masters have instructed them (your report, 26 March).
What an impertinence. If they really had the future of our country at heart then the SNP should have been invited, even if they are considered to be the enemy. Remember, as Churchill said, "Jaw jaw not war war is the best option".
CHARLES BROWN, Greenend Road, Killearn, Stirlingshire
It's a bit rich for Annabel Goldie to attack the SNP's "left-wing agenda" (your report, 24 March). She had her chance to influence the SNP's agenda when they brought forward their Budget.
At no point did I hear Ms Goldie or any of her MSPs bemoaning the left-wing tendencies of the SNP as they flirted their way through the Budget process.
Perhaps that's understandable as "I hate your left-wing agenda" isn't the best chat up line.
The Tories had their chance to influence the SNP agenda and they blew it, spectacularly.
CARON LINDSAY, Buchanan Crescent, Livingston, West Lothian
I was astonished when I heard the Scottish Conservative leader's comments about the SNP's agenda for Scotland's public services. I am in no way supporting the SNP, but I do feel that the Tories are being more than a little two-faced about this.
They were the only opposition party to vote for the SNP Budget. Is it not a little late for them to turn around now and bemoan the "left wing" nats?
KAREN UTTING, Dalgety Road, Edinburgh
The full article contains 546 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
