No mandate for another IndyRef

SIR, – As Nicola Sturgeon continues to agonise over the timing of a possible second independence referendum (Press and Journal, January 8), perhaps three pieces of information could help her decision making.

First, every single poll on the subject of Scottish independence conducted during 2018 gave a majority to those opposing independence.

Second, there were 10 council by-elections held in Scotland last year. When all the results are added together, pro-independence parties got 37% of the vote, against 52% for those preferring to stay in the UK.

Third, Ms Sturgeon claims the SNP have a mandate to hold another referendum. This is not true as they are a minority administration. They can only push another vote through Holyrood with the support of the duplicitous Greens who said before the last Holyrood elections that they would not support an IndyRef re-run.

Keith Shortreed, Cottown of Gight, Methlick, Aberdeenshire