The SNP have carefully built an image as a party for Scotland, with a new way of doing things in contrast to the politics of those who fail to deliver on promises and have sometimes been mired in scandal ("SNP face further questions over MP's dealing", The Herald, October 2).

Over recent months however, one new revelation after another makes it all too clear that the SNP are as prone as others to missing ambitious targets, particularly in critical aspects of health, education and the environment, and also failing to implement their plans effectively, as with the reorganisation of the police.

The link between these appears to be a lack of attention to detail along with a failure to plan ahead properly. That lack of foresight now seems to have created a looming crisis in shortages of GPs.

As for that claimed moral superiority, it is looking shaky in the face of this week’s disclosures. The Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, was unconvincing trying to justify giving public money to T in the Park when they clearly could have afforded to pay all their own costs of moving to a new site. The claims regarding business dealings involving MP Michelle Thomson that are now under investigation will be, as the First Minster has said, "completely unacceptable", if proved to be true.

When your support is so dependent on a faith that something very different is on offer, it can be quickly undermined when reality proves otherwise.

Keith Howell,

White Moss, West Linton,

Peeblesshire.