Report card

On the 20th anniversary of the pre-legislative referendum that triggered the creation of the Scottish Parliament, it is difficult to be objective about its worth. The contributions from former presiding officer Sir Alex Fergusson and his one-time political ally Brian Monteith illustrate that well (your report and Perspective, 11 September).

Yet it is worth remembering that the parliament itself is only 18 years old. The first three years of its life were vexed by arguments about the cost of the Holyrood building and, almost inevitably, MSPS’ expenses and allowances. In those first three years, indeed, the Scottish Government had three first ministers, which certainly did not enhance its reputation for stability. But over the period it has shown it can cope with coalition government, minority government and a majority government dedicated to the idea of independence rather than simply devolved powers. The chamber at Holyrood was created through democratic pressure and it has shown it can endure a variety of democratic set-ups.

It cannot be claimed that it has fostered the degree of economic growth that many of its pioneers might have hoped for. Against that, it should be applauded for introducing those universal benefits – concessionary travel, free personal care, free tuition for students domiciled north of the Border, free prescriptions – which have helped ease pressure on household incomes in a recession.

Other important reforms – the single transferable vote in local government elections, equal marriage, abolition of Clause 28, the merger of police and college authorities – have been controversial but were unlikely to be enacted on the whim of Westminster alone. The parliament has often set the pace, is now enshrined in the Scottish political psyche, and deserves much more time to demonstrate its real value.

BOB TAYLOR Shiel Court, Glenrothes