Merely highlighting the union’s failings

Sir, – The Nordic countries have recently come to the fore in the independence debate.

The enviable record of prosperity and equality they share with the Alpine and Low countries has become a beacon for those espousing Scottish independence while, predictably, those who oppose it seek to tarnish that record with a selective concentration on income tax rates.

While many in the “no” campaign hope that shallow scare story will be enough to neutralise the Nordic influence on the debate, others on the left are not convinced.

They see the threat it poses to their assertion that Scotland thrives under the union. So they offer a different argument and claim the surest way for Scots to emulate the Nordic success is to put their faith in the strength of the UK and its ability to deliver it.

However, there is a flaw in that assertion. If true, should Scotland not already be there?

It’s not as if the union is a new construct that needs time to bed in. It has had many years to deliver prosperity and equality for Scotland.

Instead, despite the union and an oil boom, Scotland lags far behind its small, independent neighbours.

Indeed, this latest assertion from the “no” campaign merely highlights the failings of the union. Stuart Allan. Flat E, 8 Nelson Street, Dundee.