Lost argument

In his argument against an independence referendum next year, Alastair Stewart was perhaps too kind to the SNP approach (Perspective, 10 May). What he describes as their “unequivocal” victories in various elections since 2009 were arguably victories in terms of seats gained. Most still voted for the unionist parties or simply stayed at home. In the 2014 poll with its 85 per cent turnout – about as high as is possible in a mobile society with voting voluntary and less than perfect information–the majority voted against Scotland becoming an independent country.

It is too simplistic to say that all those voting SNP were voting for constitutional change. In last week's local elections, for example, I reckon about half voted for a change in the current arrangements. The other half had more down to earth matters on their minds.

It wasn't just the cost of living because the local authorities can only do a limited amount about that. It was the things the councils do have control over – grass cutting, bin collections, OAP homes, libraries, parking charges and the state of the non-trunk roads, local buses in the evenings and whether they think they are getting value for money for their council tax. Partygate was a factor too. On a turnout of well below 50 per cent in some areas it is cannot be argued that the result was a case for a referendum.

Indeed, the case against is even stronger when we consider that there is, as yet, no up to date prospectus for independence, a timetable that is increasingly vague, luke warm public support north of the Border, and still strong Westminster resistance. Alastair Stewart has highlighted the social case against a poll next year. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her government need to give equal concern to the political case against one.

BOB TAYLOR Glenrothes, Fife