The big identity question

Sir, – There is much discussion among the Scottish independence movement on when and how a Scottish referendum should be held.

Some senior SNP MSPs are calling for one within 18 months, and others are advocating for a pause until the UK Conservative Government’s Brexit mess is fixed.

Personally it matters not, as the issue, for me, is one of identity. I consider myself Scottish and that’s it.

Some consider themselves British and that’s their choice.

Once upon a time, it was acceptable in some circles to be both but, for me, being British first merely reduced Scotland to the status of a county within a larger state.

I am, and always will be, Scottish.

My passport will say British, which is not something I particularly like, but it is imposed on me so I have no influence over it.

The trouble with the status of ‘British’, as I look round the world, and indeed south of the border, is that British is viewed in the same light as ‘English’ and there are many, many examples of this.

This is understandable, as around 90% of the population are indeed English, with the consequence that the smaller nations are seen as subsidiaries and are sidelined as a result.

If we are indeed partners in a union then surely we must expect to be treated as such.

I fully accept that people, especially conservatives, are very much against a fully Scottish identity, as demonstrated by their MPs and the Secretary of State for Scotland who, even if the SNP Government offered him all the jewels in the world, Scots conservatives would still find him compliant.

In my opinion, all the arguments around currency and business come down to who you think you are – Scottish or British. You can’t be both in today’s political climate.

I know what I am. I have no confusion over the issue and I am certain some prefer to be British rather than Scottish.

With the polls indicating not much change since the referendum, perhaps it is time to have another, and settle the issue for years to come: Scottish or British. Bryan Auchterlonie. Bluebell Cottage, Perth.

Discrimination is not new for diabetics and even our treatment is dependent on where we happen to live, especially when it comes to accessing new technologies. There is already a blood-free glucose monitoring system available, but only if you are lucky enough to live in certain areas and Tayside is, unsurprisingly, not one of them