Blood-and-soil nationalism

Sir, - The 2014 referendum was a “once-in-alifetime” event which attracted a record-breaking turnout of 85% and resulted in a clear majority of 55% voting to

remain within the United Kingdom. Alex Salmond fell on his sword and Nicola Sturgeon took over, demanding the extra powers which had been promised by Gordon Brown in his infamous Vow.

This was a tactical error because it exposed the SNP administration’s incompetence and the mess being made of the police, education, health and transport.

Its attempt to handle its new fiscal and tax policies turned into a horror show and made it essential to find something to divert attention away from its inability to do the day job.

This is what is driving a second independence referendum because Ms Sturgeon is only too well aware her xenophobic followers view Continental Europeans with as much suspicion as the English.

The 2014 referendum produced unprecedented political bitterness and I expect the same bloodand-soil language of 1930s European fascism to poison the up-coming debate. Rev Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.

The 2014 referendum produced unprecedented political bitterness and I expect the same blood-andsoil language of 1930s European fascism to poison the up-coming debate