SNP’S sour grapes does Scotland no favours

Sir, – Sour grapes is the only possible description of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s reaction to the prime minister’s response to her letter requesting, or was it demanding, permission to hold another referendum on the question of Scottish independence.

As an ardent supporter of the “no” side when Alex Salmond tried to take Scotland out of the UK in 2014, I simply abhor the ongoing clamour by the Scottish National Party to break up the union.

Over the centuries Great Britain has proved itself to be a force to be reckoned with militarily, politically and economically.

It would be a complete disaster if actions taken by a group of separatists were ever allowed to cause a division in this most effective of unions.

The rationale behind a cause such as the SNP is difficult to understand.

A small island group such as the British Isles should not by rights have the international influence which it still enjoys.

And especially since it still remains a kingdom in today’s global economy.

But somehow the equation still works and the UK still commands respect from more powerful nations, both in terms of economics and military power.

We must ask ourselves on what grounds would Nicola Sturgeon and her SNP zealots base their case globally for our wee country of Scotland? There are multitudes of beautiful countries globally; our history and traditions are interesting but they cannot be described as breathtaking.

Get real, Nicola! Without all the ongoing propaganda from the SNP, with tartan-clad, woad smeared marchers, the SNP has little to offer Scotland.

Voters should take more heed of the totally inefficient administration run by the SNP minority government at Holyrood.

Its record in health, welfare, education on farming grants, policing etcetera is appalling.

These are the factors on which the SNP should be judged.

The act of turning her grim face threateningly towards the prime minister when he does us all a favour by saying no to Scottish independence has become the trademark of this woman.

Scotland can do better. Robert I G Scott. Northfield, Ceres.

expressed in Scottish Parliament, European and general elections in the last few years.

But support for the SNP doesn’t necessarily mean those same people are backing independence.

Even if they were, that backing only hovers around 45% and 50% – hardly enough to guarantee a win for the Yes side in any referendum.

Add to that the reality that a new economic case for autonomy needs to be made out and the SNP is faced with a stark reality.

It would be pointless to go for a poll in the course of this year even if Boris Johnson agreed to it.

The alternative is the hard slog up to next year’s Holyrood poll, knowing that if they don’t win by a huge margin, the case for independence will be buried for more than a decade.

Bob Taylor.

24 Shiel Court, Glenrothes.