One nation already

I’M amazed to read Alex Salmond’s claim that a referendum wasn’t the only way to achieve independence. Over the past few months, he has increasingly shown himself to be a populist leader and nothing more. His snap resignation last Friday further legitimises this belief. Had he in any way been interested in the governing of Scotland and working to implement more devolved powers, he would not have gone so quickly.

It seems, though, independence was a single-issue platform for both him and many of his fanatical followers.

Having been a supporter of Better Together from the outset, I began to take a more active role in the past few weeks and spent most evenings doorto-door canvassing with like-minded people. Working with people of various party affiliations and none, I began to understand even more the concept that we are better together.

Scotland is a nation already. We have, since the Act of Union, maintained our own culture and legal system, and developed our own educational policies, whilst also being an active partner with the other nations of the UK. Our welfare state, NHS and common values of fair play, equality and social justice bind us all together.

Nationalism is a creed that creates an alien ‘other’ in society, and excludes all who do not subscribe to the ideology.

Over the past few months I observed the dreadful behaviour of some within the independence camp, including eggs being pelted at Jim Murphy, online threats made against members and parties supporting the Union, and attempts at direct confrontation, which I witnessed first-hand in Glasgow a few days before the referendum.

Standing in the counting hall in Fife early last Friday as the presiding officer announced to the world that we had overwhelmingly rejected independence is a moment in history I will always treasure. I am proud that Scotland rejected nationalism.

Now is the time for reconciliation so that, as a nation, we move forward together as part of the UK. KATHLEEN-FRANCES LESLIE,

Dalgety Bay, Fife.