National interest

Alexander Mckay (Letters, 16 April) can define for himself whether he is a nationalist. The word is used with varying meanings according to personal preference or prejudice.

The Scottish National Party has never had an “ist” in its name, though commentators often put one there. Clearly it does not hate folk of other nationalities as it welcomes to membership residents of Scotland of any national origin. Many within the SNP have lived and worked in other countries and have identified with the welfare and interests of these countries and their peoples. Such experiences have encouraged them to seek Scottish membership of the international community as an independent nation – recognising that all nations are interdependent.

DAVID STEVENSON Blacket Place, Edinburgh