Singapore inspires

Currently centre stage with the Kim/trump talks, Singapore is an excellent example of what a small, independent country can achieve.

It has almost exactly the same population as Scotland, (5.5 million) and almost the same GDP. Yet unlike Scotland it has no natural resources, no agriculture and the whole country is half the area of Fife.

It used to be part of Malaysia but in the 50 years or so since it declared independence it has gone from poverty and great illiteracy to having the best educated and richest population in Asia and it has followed its motto of Clean and Green by having more green spaces than any comparable city.

It hosts international conferences, takes part in UN peacekeeping efforts and supports some of the best medical facilities in the world and is a leader in high-tech innovation.

It is only 700 square kilometres, yet there are those who say Scotland is too small to be independent.

JAMES DUNCAN Rattray Grove, Edinburgh