Inconvenient truth of independence

SIR, – According to Robert Gritton (letter in the P&J) he already knows the outcome to Brexit which he claims will be “dire" and extols “the opportunity" we would have as an independent country in Europe. Really?

He ignores the fact that if we become independent we would have to leave our largest single market (UK) by far, have to conjure up a costly new currency and have to renegotiate less advantageous terms (no rebate or VAT exemptions) to rejoin the EU where we will have a relatively minor trading position. Furthermore representing a mere 1% of the EU population and their GDP doesn't suggest much clout to most people.

It is amazing to think how quickly the SNP produced the worst-case scenario figures for Brexit but stay silent about the disastrous economic situation if we left the UK.

The bottom line is that the SNP do not have an economic case to leave the UK – so why not indulge in silly comments about colonialism and fake grievances? Ian Lakin, Murtle Den Road, Milltimber, Aberdeen

Aberdeen at that time was not a rich city and had much poor housing and poverty but St Katherine’s shone like a beacon to bring hope and cheer