Union has failed Scottish people

Sir, - The publication of the latest GERS figures triggers a feeding frenzy, with a “black hole” in Scotland’s finances heralded by unionists as supporting the continuation of their beloved union.

Let us not forget that this situation is under the union and is hardly the greatest advertisement for how the economy has been managed on the UK’s watch.

Most of the key economic levers required to stimulate economic growth are currently reserved to Westminster.

It is a bizarre scenario when those favouring the union, who should be ashamed at the situation, gloat and support a union that has mismanaged the economy so appallingly.

It should also be noted that under normal circumstances nearly all governments run a deficit.

The UK’s is now approaching £100 billion, a figure which, with Brexit, will rise. Indeed, figures indicate that leaving the European Union is projected to cost the Scottish economy up to £11.2bn per year and Scottish public finances up to £3.7bn per year.

So, what we have is figures, based on a measure of guesswork, that indicate very little, except to highligh the negatives of union and have little bearing on the finances of an independent Scotland.

The point of independence is not to do everything in the same way as it has been done under the union, but to move away from a one-size-fitsall economic strategy to one that addresses our strengths and priorities, stimulating economic growth.