Staunching the Scots brain drain

Sir, – Despite having a lower life expectancy, Scotland has more of an ageing population, when compared with down south.

The reason for this more than probably lies in the fact that the vast majority of Scotland’s largest companies have their head office in London or the southeast of England.

This means that our brightest and most ambitious, who seek promotion, must up sticks, with their families, and head south.

If Scotland were independent then, like every other independent country, head offices would remain at home.

Only branch offices would be situated abroad.

At present it is estimated that 400,000 Scots live in London, many young and hard-working top earners, who pump their taxes and housing costs into the coffers of Westminster.

On the other hand, and coincidentally, we have approximately 400,000 incomers from down south in Scotland. They are certainly more than welcome, but the vast majority are retirees, who take advantage of our lower housing costs.

By comparison, their contribution to the Scottish economy, is thereby limited.

It follows that only with independence, can this continual brain drain be staunched, and our demographic deficit be reversed.

Joseph G Miller. 44 Gardeners Street, Dunfermline.