Respected Ruth

It is utterly laughable to think Lesley Riddoch could ever have “words of warning” for Ruth Davidson (Scotsman, 17 September).

If Lesley Riddoch is of the opinion that we Scots are having a hard time and her beloved SNP will provide nirvana, she need only read Andrew Wilson’s report to understand that we would face real austerity if separate from the rest of the United Kingdom. But true to form, naive separatists do not deal in reality, they are enthused by emotion and a hatred of everything British.

Ms Riddoch, you are wrong. Ruth Davidson’s reputation is not “fair to middling here”, it was her brilliant reputation which provided a clear message to the SNP and ensured a No result in 2014, returned a vast amount of new Conservative councillors and MPS and has maintained the momentum in Scotland to ensure the SNP would be defeated again should there ever be another unwanted, divisive referendum.

“Tory cruelty” cries Ms Riddoch. I suggest the real cruelty is what Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon have visited on Scotland, now an angry, bitter, controlled, divided country which is becoming uncomfortable to live in.

Eleven years in charge with virtually every aspect of life in freefall but Lesley in blind, naive observance believes that separation is the way forward. She is in no position to offer “words of warning” to the

Scottish Tory leader, a leader who lives a life of reality, not a life of fantasy.

DOUGLAS COWE Alexander Avenue, Kingseat, Newmachar, Aberdeenshire

Ruth Davidson’s new book is rightly praised for honesty about her personal issues and ambitions and acknowledged as a potential First, if not Prime, Minister.

I’ll be first in the queue if the sequel is entitled “How I halted the SNP and Indyref2 and how I’ll finish the job with policies to win in 2020 and turn Scotland around”.

Especially if chapters include “Reforming child benefits so one parent may stay at home during early years”; “Getting houses built at half the cost: reform planning and tax systems, adopting new construction methods”; “The need for cross-party agreement on funding old age care”; “What we can all do to reduce pressure on the NHS by eating less and exercising more” and “Encourage your kids to behave at school, work hard and excel, and I’ll do my bit by reforming the education system”. A few words on how to develop a positive working relationship with Westminster would be welcome too.

I’d also like her to adopt realistic policies on energy that examines the real potential of onshore fracking and renewables, a “drains up” review of economic development and quangoes and a “truth and reconciliation” independent inquiry into the SNP years.

The Conservatives are the only party not to have been in government at Holyrood. A radical, deliverable set of policies might get them over the line.

ALLAN SUTHERLAND Willow Row, Stonehaven