A bit late to agree on thresholds

analysis and recommendations is it reminds all Scots and their politicians that the “tools” to pull the country out of its nosedive and transform it are available now, in the box marked “devolution”.

We should agree on some basic facts: We overspend, we are overweight and a burden on the NHS, our kids aren’t educated well enough to compete, real action is needed on housing.

These are all powers that, actually, have always been “devolved” and arguably worked better before 1999.

Almost all Scottish politicians agree on climate change or same-sex marriages so why not on the real, pressing, day-to-day issues?

Instead of kidding us it’s all Westminster’s fault or queuing up to criticise the SNP or shouting down good ideas just because it’s from the other party, don’t wait until 2021, work together now and get Scotland out of its nosedive.

Getting Andrew Wilson back as an MSP and finance minister would be a good start.

It’s time there was a by-election in Mark McDonald’s seat anyway. Allan Sutherland, Willow Row, Stonehaven Sir, – Keith Shortreed (Letters, May 24) wants the first minister to agree to a 60% threshold for the next independence referendum.

It’s a pity Mr Shortreed didn’t make this suggestion prior to the 2016 EU referendum.

If he had then of course we would not be having to endure the economic, industrial and social impact of Brexit, and while there are other very good reasons why we should be considering independence, perhaps all this discussion about a possible Indyref2 may not now be bubbling away.

Of course Scotland voted 62% in favour of remaining in the EU.

Crossing Mr Shortreed’s threshold requirements didn’t seem to make any difference then, did it? Dick Winchester, Old Rayne, Aberdeenshire