Currency events

Alex Salmon d’ s latest Edinburgh Fringe show revelation that he would now support an independent Scotland having its own currency raises the prospect of just how honest the SNP might be prepared to be in presenting a new case to the people of Scotland (“Salmond now backs Scotland’s currency”, 28 August). The various pronouncements from the SNP leadership emphasising the importance of EU membership, together with hints about the SNP’S Growth Commission’s findings, suggest a future independence propo - sition could offer some pretty stark choices.

So, the UK as we are now, or else meeting t he EU’S tough joining criteria? As a conse - quence, either continuing to benefit from asp reading of resources across the UK, enabling amongst other things ourcurrent level of public spending, or instead accepting heightened austerity and likely cuts in public services to reduce the current unsustainable level of Scotland’s fiscal deficit. Then on currency, either continuing in the UK with the pound sterling, or separation with a new currency and all the unknowns that entails.

These choices wouldbe a more honest proposition than was put to the people back in 2014. Yet, it seems hard to imagine muchappetite for holding hands with Alex, Nicola and the rest, for a leap into such uncertainty, simply to satisfy their “independence at any cost” obsession.

KEITH HOWELL West Linton, Peeblesshire

As the revamped Great British Bake Off finally arrives with virtually an all-new cast but the same old format, it mirrors the Scottish National Party.

They are returning from their summer break with Ms Sturgeon inevitably shuffling the pack in a vain attempt to coverup the tired formula she has presided over. It won’t work. The signature bake of education will still lack any tried and tested elements as all have failed in the past. The technical challenge of the economy is still out with the SNP’S abilities and the showstopper of independence is still on course to stop the SNP completely. There may be new faces but will the lack of any meaningful new ideas inevitably result in the SNP being voted off ?

They can’ t blame the BBC this time! ( DR) GERALD EDWARDS

Broom Road, Glasgow

As “the children” commence another term at the Holyrood school it may be time to look at the society they have helped form.

They come from a background of eye - watering debt but continue to want more and more freebies. They and their country now have free prescriptions, free school meals, free baby boxes, free travel and no doubt more to come.

Thehead girl assures the school that it would be costly to means test to allow those who can pay todo so. That smacks of poor education and a lack of intelligent children in the school. The usual response from the said girl is to demand more money from the sister school in Westminster.

It is hoped that a new economy and maths teacher will be brought in to think carefully about the use of school mon- ey and how the wealthier parents could contribute while keeping the freebies for those in need.

The pupils who dare to voice these concerns maybe pilloried but in the long term it is the only way to save the school and the society it has created from a complete collapse under billions of pounds worth of debt.

DORIS DUFF Belmont Gardens, Edinburgh

Inher interview with N gozi Adichie, at The Edinburgh Book Festival, the First Min- is t er stated it is ‘’ difficult to understand ’’ why the American people chose Donald Trump to be their President (your report ,28 August ). Quite.

I am sure, however, Ms Sturgeon must appreciate that vast swathes of the Scottish people are equally puzzled, if not downright stunned, that the electorate here had their moment of madness also and elected her and her party to run the devolved administration that runs our affairs in this part of the UK.

ALEXANDER MCKAY New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh