WHAT READERS SAID...

Alister Watt, 62, below, a contract manager from Lesmahagow, said: “The vote was taken in 2014 to remain in the UK, that’s still the position, and the majority of people voted for that.

“I’m totally opposed to her trying to move the goal posts to her own advantage.

“She has totally lost focus on governing the country. She has her own agenda and I’m hoping most people will look at the reality of the situation.

“I’m as Scottish as they come but I don’t want to break away from the rest of the UK.” Karen Kelly, 50, a media student from Uddingston, said: “I think this is the only way we can go.

“The way Westminster is going is frightening, especially what they’re doing to the poor.

“I’m worried because I think the Scottish parliament wouldn’t be safe and they would erode our devolved powers until it was nothing but a museum.

“It feels like it’s all up in the air. I’ve always thought Scotland can stand on its own two feet.” David Graham, 71, retired, from Kilsyth, said: “I don’t think it’s ever going to happen.

“I voted for it the last time but this time I don’t think so.

“The economy is down in Scotland and I’m not sure we’d be able to survive.

“Can we even afford it? We are not in a great situation just now.”

Katy Calderwood, 20, above centre, a social sciences student from Rothesay, said: “I think it’s a good thing.

“With the Brexit situation we’re not really sure of Scotland’s position at the moment.

“It’s maybe a bit too soon though. It’s not really clear what the direction would be, or that it would even secure a yes.

“Maybe we should wait until we know for definite that the result could be different.” Richard

Thomas, 57, below, a civil servant from East Kilbride, said: “I assume she’s beginning to think the tide has turned in favour of independence and will get a successful outcome this time.

“I still feel an independent Scotland is possible – I haven’t changed my mind.

“In some ways it does seem too soon to be spending all this money on another vote.

“I think they just need to address the issues people felt weren’t explained properly the last time regarding North Sea oil and where we will get the money from.”

Margaret Duffy, 70, a retired social worker from Hamilton, said: “It was quite a revelation and a very clever move from Nicola Sturgeon to announce it before the SNP conference because that indicates she’s working for the whole of Scotland rather than one particular party.

“But I am totally opposed. I believe in unity. There’s no logic to wanting to leave the UK but stay in the EU.

“I voted against independence last time, I voted against Brexit and I don’t intend to vote for independence next time.

“There are too many things not answered. Why don’t we just get on with running the country?”