SYMPATHY isn’t the prevailing sentiment within the nationalist community towards Gordon Brown, it’s more often hostile or even venomous. That’s understandable given his interventions in the independence referendum where the Vow most certainly mattered, but I have to confess that I feel sorry for him in many ways.

Neither Nick Clegg nor David Cameron had any influence on Scots, and arguably could have been counterproductive given the disdain if not contempt most felt for them, but the son of the manse from Kirkcaldy most certainly did, given the respect in which he has been held by most north of the Border, including myself I should add.

The pledge of “a system of government as close to federalism” was accepted by many and believed by some, possibly enough to swing the referendum to No at the last gasp. Earlier interventions had been equally significant as they shored up a Better Together campaign that was hapless and faltering. His appearances electrified the campaign to remain in the Union, gave ballast to a mainly lightweight team and his pledges carried weight.

The month before the Vow he spoke of “a federal state within two years after a No vote”, the “sharing of sovereignty” and “a shift in power away from Westminster”. Wherever you stand on the “power grab” or ongoing constitutional debate that most certainly hasn’t materialised, as not only is power being drawn into London but the image of a federal state has been blown asunder by Westminster’s actions.

I don’t know whether he volunteered or was conscripted. He’s been a longstanding opponent of independence and may have just felt compelled to step forward for what he believes in. Equally, Mr Cameron’s team was flapping with support for Yes rising; a call to arms by the favoured son may well have been made.

But the reason I feel sorry for him is that I believe he’s been used. Ironically, “no thanks” have been given from those he supported and maybe even rescued, and now his reputation is being further sullied by continued attempts almost to justify his position. The latest intervention that independence would see “austerity until doomsday” and the NHS threatened is really quite pathetic and unbecoming from someone who knows and can do far better.

He’s a political colossus in both Scotland and the UK and whilst his tenure at No 10 was short-lived and far from glorious, he did reign as Chancellor for a decade. His record there is mixed and I decry the unleashing of PFI with the consequent debt so much of the public sector is now saddled with, never mind craven submission to the City of London and support for the war in Iraq. But there were actions in addressing poverty that he deserves great credit for along with regulatory actions like independence for the Bank of England.

His Scottish roots are deep and I first came across him during the miners’ strike as we both sought to obtain social security benefits for those fighting for their communities but who faced being starved back to work. His commitment to the cause was genuine. Likewise, his books have shown both a substantial intellect as well as a deep respect for and knowledge of Scottish socialist history.

The Red Paper on Scotland ignited Scottish political debate in the 1970s every bit as much as his interventions in 2014. It provoked discussion and ideas across both nationalist and devolutionist circles, and the fact that it’s still referred to today testifies to that. I also greatly enjoyed his biography of Jimmy Maxton though I can’t help feeling that he’s the very antithesis of the Red Clydeside firebrand. Maxton was passionate as Mr Brown is dour and was as mercurial as he’s predictable.

So for all those reasons, leaving aside any debt or obligation over saving the Union, you’d expect respect and acknowledgement across the political spectrum. It has been a lifetime of public service and in the highest of offices of state, others with considerably less service never mind ability have been rewarded with significant roles or sometimes just sinecures.

Mr Brown has things to offer the UK, yet offers it seems there have been none. It’s truly remarkable that international posts or major institutions haven’t been found for him yet telling in so many other ways. For the Tory establishment despises him and privately decrie him. The appalling phrase “one-eyed Scottish cyclops” was used by the odious Jeremy Clarkson but the wider sentiment still prevails amongst many in the London establishment. He’s been used and abused by them but like some old dog keeps going back for more punishment, in the hope of affection that’s never forthcoming.

He’s in danger of losing respect in Scotland as has been shown by the marked decline in the Labour vote, in the very heartlands that once idolised him. He’s entitled to his views on independence but his contributions should match his intellect and stature. This latest contribution was frankly beneath him.

There are many arguments for the Union that are credible from history and sentiment, through trade and integration to pooling and sharing but the horsemen of the apocalypse descending on an independent Scotland isn’t one. Many had hoped that nonsense had been put to bed back in 2014 when eminent independent figures acknowledged arguments on both sides and basically said it was marginal either way and a matter of what you made of it or what you wanted from it.

To be fair the Yes side has been guilty of underplaying initial difficulties and turbulence to be faced. In that respect Andrew Wilson’s Growth Commission is to be welcomed for acknowledging challenges. But they are challenges that can be overcome as in Finland when the Soviet Union collapsed and Ireland when the Celtic Tiger crashed. There’s no reason why Scotland couldn’t be a successful nation, it’s a matter of choice and Mr Brown knows that.

For sure, there would be some testing early years but when we face a Brexit cliff, continued Tory rule, increasing austerity and growing inequality many will decide it’s worth the risk. Some years of trial at home, as opposed to the old road of emigration, a price worth paying.

In siding with those who decry him against those who respect him, Gordon Brown’s contributions should at least match his ability.