Minority report

The Scotsman headline “Mass rally in protest against Catalonia” (30 October) appears to suggest it is the pro-unity organisations who are acting against the region’s interests in the same way as nationalists in Scotland claim that their opponents are acting against the interests of the nation.

Of course, it is the Catalan nationalists who are acting against Catalonia and its people. As well as a one million person march for unity on Sunday (out of a total population of 7 million), a recent poll showed 55 per cent of Catalans opposed to the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) declared by the nationalists, against 42 per cent who support it.

The separatists seem to have borrowed a technique used in Venezuela by the Maduro regime earlier this year – hold an election or referendum under conditions that the opposition find unacceptable and does not participate in, then declare victory when onlyyourownsupportersturn up to vote. Catalonian president Carles Puigdemont can therefore claim a mandate for his UDI declaration with the support of only 38 per cent of the electorate.

Supporters of the Union in Scotland should avoid complacency. Having majority supportfortheuniondoesnot mean that the nationalists will not push for a split based on minority support if they see the opportunity to do so. KEITH SHORTREED

Cottown of Gight Methlick, Aberdeenshire Sunday’s pro-unity march in Barcelona gave voice to the usually silent majority who want Catalonia to remain in Spain (“Strong show of unity as thousands flood Barcelona to defy secession”, 30 October).

This latest march saw up to a million give expression to how they view themselves as both Spanish and Catalan. With sales of Spanish flags at their highest level since Spain won the World Cup, across Spain there is strong opposition to the minority separatist movement that would impose its will on everyone else. It is little wonder that no country has recognised the unilaterally declared independence of Carles Puigdemont’s now dismissed administration.

Interestingly, Alex Salmond has revealed on his LBC radio show that he would “almost certainly” have proceeded with an unofficial referendum if he had not had UK Government agreement for the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. Given his successor’s similar tendency to ignore majority opinion, perhaps developments in Spain might yet prove to be indicative of what the future could hold for us in Scotland.

KEITH HOWELL West Linton, Peeblesshire Given the poor level of political leadership in Spain, you really worry about the future for the country. Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy showed overreaction to a delicate situation, which included the use of force – a dangerous thing to do. Carles Puigdemont held a referendum that he knew was unconstitutional, that he knew would be boycotted by those opposed to him, which had a turnout of under 50 per cent – to claim legitimacy for independence from this is disgraceful, and is little more than cheating!

We in Scotland will recognise the bitter division now opened up in Catalonia, and can only wish them well for the future. WILLIAM BALLANTINE

Dean Road Bo’ness, West Lothian

While Scotland currently seemingly stands alone in “respecting” the decision taken by the Catalan Parliament in declaring independence, it is interesting to look at some historic parallels to this.

In February 1991 Iceland’s Parliament voted to recognise independence for Lithuania from the Soviet Union and instructed the government to set up diplomatic ties as soon as possible. These relations commenced in August 1991. While other nations stood back, it was the first such move by a Western country since Lithuania declared itself independent.

In addition to Scotland’s respecting the decision on Catalan independence, a motion is to be submitted to the Finnish Parliament by the the country’s MP for Lapland, Mikko Karna, calling on Finland to officially recognise Catalonia as an independent republic. Mr Karna, who is part of the ruling Centre Party, led by Prime Minister Juha Sipila, also sent his congratulations to Catalonia on its declaration of independence. Indications from Slovenia are that it too will support independence for Catalonia.

Argentina could also formally recognise the Republic of Catalonia and reject the intervention of Mariano Rajoy, who has implemented Article 155, which permits Madrid to take over control of the semiautonomous region.

Socialist Left Argentine MP Juan Carlos Giordano, who represents Buenos Aires Province, said he would present a bill in parliament for the South American country to recognise Catalonia.

While the European Union stands idly by, its failure to intervene in Catalonia and deliver a diplomatic solution is leading to ruptures within the bloc as nations inevitably take the decision on whether or not to recognise Catalan independence.

ALEX ORR Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh None of the letters attacking the Catalans have acknowledged their rights under international law to self-determination or criticised the brutal repression meted out by the Spanish state.

None have conceded that the genesis of this state lies in the overthrow of a democratically elected government by an axis of fascists and Nazis.

It would seem that the abandonment of everyday civilised principles lies in the fact that for many Catalonia has become a proxy for Scotland and the whiff of Unionist fear is palpable.

GILL TURNER Derby Street, Edinburgh Catalonia, one of Iberia’s richest regions, has a highly diverse population from all over Spain and has participated in the nation’s political and economic life for centuries.

However, as in Scotland, separatists have crafted a narrative of victimisation and claim thatitseconomicprogresshas been hampered since the days of Franco. “El Caudillo” certainly suppressed political autonomy across Spain but as regards economics, Francoism benefited the development of Catalonia over other regions. He recognised Catalonia’s industrial potential, building 12 dams in 15 years to fuel Barcelona’s factories, and the region grew faster and richer than anywhere else.

The fact is, Catalonia’s elite wants shot of Spain’s poorer regions, just as the Lombard League wants rid of South Italy and Greater London is tired of supporting the north and the Celtic fringe. (REV DR) JOHN CAMERON

Howard Place, St Andrews