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TWENTY years after the vote to establish it, the Scottish Parliament hasn’t been an unqualified success. Part of the reason is that for half that time the SNP have viewed devolution as primarily a stepping stone to separate from the UK. Holyrood will continue to tend to disappoint for as long as the real needs of the people of Scotland are not its overriding focus. Keith Howell, West Linton, Peeblesshire RE YOUR story about the young Scot who is fighting Isis in Syria, the fact that he could be prosecuted under the Terrorism Act when returning to Britain just proved to me that this country is run by a bunch of muppets. The guy should come home to a medal and a hero’s welcome for fighting this barbaric regime. S Brown, Glasgow READER William Elliott questioned another reader, Donnie, on whether he dislikes the flag of his own country. Well, William, as far as I can see our national flag has been hijacked by the SNP and flying it is now considered as supporting independence. Jordi Lithgae SCOTLAND, unlike the UK, has a vast surplus of all kinds of energy supplies and we produce more food than we consume. So why are we portrayed as some kind of basket case? This makes no sense, especially when Denmark with their pork and Lego are considered the happiest country in the world. Bert Smith, Cumnock WELL done to Amanda MacDonald for starting a campaign to give all carers access to free public transport. I hope many readers will back her petition. Alfie Thomas