Fear of another referendum is holding back property prices

THE fall in house prices north of the Border, in contrast to a rise in every other part of the United Kingdom, will come as no surprise to anyone aware of the mood in Scotland (“Scotland bucks trend as UK house prices hit record high”, The Herald, December 31).

Falling house prices can be bad news or good news depending on whether you own a house or aspire to purchase one. But they are a sure-fire indicator of a lack of confidence in Scotland’s economic future.

On a personal basis, I am aware of individuals who are choosing not to buy in Scotland because of the fear of another referendum, possible independence and the consequent impact on the value of property. This is obviously reflected across Scotland.

We see the immediate flight of 16 per cent of our newly qualified doctors, more than twice the rate in England, and the lack of interest in consultancy posts across Scotland.

We are told that our creative industries are handicapped by a lack of senior producers, presumably unwilling to work in an inherently unstable economic situation.

It is time for the SNP to accept that Scotland voted to remain in the United Kingdom, to lift the permanent threat of a second referendum and get on with creating a vibrant economy which will provide the stability we need. Carole Ford, 132 Terregles Avenue, Glasgow.