Is the UK holding Scotland back?

Sir, – Friday’s timely article and letter on the need to invigorate Scotland’s economic performance got me thinking.

The article – “Radical measures needed to boost economic growth” – compares the economic performance of three small European countries – Ireland, Denmark and Norway – to Scotland.

The key question for me is how can a country like Scotland, blessed with huge natural wealth (in the form of renewable energy, oil and gas, and water), a varied economy (food and drink, tourism, finance, life sciences, digital industries and education) and a track record in innovation, perform relatively poorly compared to other small European countries?

I have seen benchmark data – Growth Commission Report and elsewhere

– that small European countries have generally outperformed the UK. So is being part of the UK holding Scotland back?

Would Scotland perform better if we had full control of all economic, fiscal and social levers, like Ireland, Denmark and Norway?

I look forward to some interesting debate on this subject, and that needs to include a discussion on the merits of Scottish independence.

Willie Dunbar, Deeside Gardens, Aberdeen.