SNP poster boy out of time

Sir, – How different would Scottish history have been if Growth Commission report author Andrew Wilson had retained his “list” Holyrood seat in 2011?

He seems a decent, able type of person who, with the support of Alex Salmond, could have introduced policies that properly exploited devolved powers, proved the SNP could run an independent Scotland and provided evidence on which to vote yes or no.

I understand much of his report could be delivered without independence. While its realism would have scared the voters in 2014, in 2016, some real achievements in Government – and Brexit – might have won a convincing mandate for a referendum in 2019.

Instead Scotland has declined under the SNP, riven by anger and bitterness, ruled by pale imitations of the first SNP “cabinet” with neither the ability, credentials or desire to implement the marketbased, hard-nosed policies Wilson’s ideas demand. But he may have done us a favour by legitimising the approach. If the SNP’s new poster boy says reality is the way forward maybe all the parties will include this in their 2021 manifestos.

Allan Sutherland. 1 Willow Row, Stonehaven.