Othersmallcountriesare aglimpseofourfuture

In response to Heather Tuck’s letter in the PA of February 5 saying that the SNP should tell all about the effects of independence, as a probable SNP voter (not a member of the party), I agree with the lady.

To ask anybody to vote for the fundamental change of leaving a circa 315-year political union with another country is not something which can be taken lightly, and it is only right that there should be at least some background provided as to the political, financial and social ins and outs.

There should be a focus on similar sized countries, (geographical and population wise) which have achieved independence within comparatively recent historical times.

Has any country meeting that criteria, subsequently failed and sought to re-join the original federation or union? As our closest neighbours meeting the criterion of having split from a larger (mother) country, we should first look at the Irish Republic, notwithstanding that such independence was achieved 100 years ago.

The Irish Republic seems to enjoy a good standard of living. Prices can be high yes, but one would assume that wages and pensions are accordingly higher in recompense.

Eire does not enjoy to anything like the same degree some of the economic assets which Scotland has access to such as North Sea oil and gas , (volatile price wise I acknowledge), Scotch whisky, hydro electric power and tourism.

One can examine a far more recent split, it’s a mere 25 years since Czechoslovakia split apart to become the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

If the Czechs and Slovaks can do it successfully, we can also. The SNP and citizens/voters with a vested interest, (be they for Scottish independence or against it), should study the ins and outs of that Bohemian split in all it’s aspects, political, socio-economic, defence etc.

Again, I have never seen any evidence that the majority population of either now independent nation would prefer to revert to the “old” Czechoslovakia.

Although not necessarily splitting from a mother country (with the possible exception of New Zealand), other countries of approximately similar size, population and resources are clearly seen to be thriving, such as the aforementioned New Zealand and Denmark also.

They control their own affairs, make their own decisions, and most importantly, elect a government that the majority of their citizens have voted for themselves, not have one foisted upon them by the voters of another country, (however much of a “mother” it may be) such as we have now.

Yes, there are all kinds of dire warnings about how we must fail if we go independent, too small, not economically viable, or inferring that we are just too stupid to manage our own affairs. Does that mean that the people of Eire and of the former Czechoslovakia, are far cannier and cleverer that Scots can ever be? I don’t think so. I certainly acknowledge that it’s a major step to split from a near 315-year-old parent, but all in life have to take a decision whether or not to fly the parent’s nest at some point. It’s a basic human desire to be independent.

It’s fair to make this point. If our country is in such a poor state financially, just what exactly is the benefit of being in a union where we are left in such dire straits, and are very much regarded as being the junior partner, if indeed a partner at all, and seen to be the poor relation (quite literally)?

I see no reason not to vote SNP at the upcoming election, whenever it may be. It will be in the hope that it will lead to another significant SNP presence and further government at Holyrood, and that once COVID is defeated or at least is contained, then a referendum on our political future can safely be held.

I firmly believe that Scotland can be viable in independence, but let the future of Scotland be decided by it’s people, for it’s people, not by a political party in power in another country, and one for which no majority of

Scots have voted for in the past 10 years, and indeed often before then. In my life experience, Tories are all for democracy as long as it has or most likely will, produce a result beneficial to the Tory Party.

Certainly not so keen on it when it’s to the actual or possible detriment to themselves.

Alistair Band Hermitage Drive Perth

Transport Scotland has surely acted responsibly in taking stock of this £3 billion pound project.

Study after study shows that as roads expand, traffic increases, as people rearrange their lives around the expansion. Highland Perthshire does indeed need improved transport infrastructure, but the money would be better spent on safer active travel and the upgrade of Perth to Inverness rail service.

This, as many rail passengers will attest, is infrequent and suffers from a number of issues, including poor disabled access at Birnam Railway Station.

An improved rail service would reduce the need to drive and would leave the A9 emptier for journeys which cannot be done by train.

As well as the pandemic, we are in the midst of a climate emergency. The Scottish Government has a target to reduce the number of miles travelled by car by 20 per cent by 2030, and urgently needs a plan on how to do this.

Diverting money from road building to public transport would be a good place to start.

Mary McDougall Perth Green Party