Old chestnuts in unionist trope

Sir, – It seems unbelievable that Robert I.G. Scott, (Letters, October 22) still relies on disproven arguments to convince others that Scottish independence should continue to be denied by Westminster.

He expresses surprise that a small nation like the UK cannot remain united, despite the vastly superior voting numbers enjoyed by the largest nation, England, giving it dictatorial status, which

guarantees it a winning margin in UK national polls, thus belying the belief that we all belong to a union of equals in a democracy.

However, his subsequent assertion that Westminster has powers to obstruct further moves by Scotland to seek independence relies heavily upon the result of the 2014 referendum, achieved by a subsequently dishonoured pledge by Messrs Cameron, Clegg and Miliband which encouraged the Scottish

electorate to believe its desire to remain a member of the EU would be guaranteed by remaining part of the UK.

He goes on to refer information provided by the GERS figures, which suggests he has missed the numerous occasions on which this data has been proved to be no more than guesstimates, which is a stage worse than estimates for providing accurate details.

His conclusion that the UK is being broken up by an enemy from within

is arguably correct, but not, as he is implying, by the SNP.

Had he been closely following the Brexit debacle at Westminster he should have noticed it is not the voting intentions of the smaller parties in the house, which have been consistent throughout, that have caused the impasse, but the divided and sometimes changing stances of the 533 honourable members from south of the border. Allan A MacDougall. 37 Forth Park, Bridge of Allan.