Your essay is a great medium to start a debate that was missing from the independence referendum, in particular as regards business and investment (101 ways to make Scotland great, Comment, October 11). I spent 35 years from mail boy to senior manager in finance and banking and watched takeover after takeover, leaving no competition and therefore alternatives to the public. It's unfair and unstable as we have seen from the financial crisis caused by a relatively tiny percentage of people.

Governments should legislate to ensure banks can only have a certain percentage of the market or introduce a banking system following the German "three pillar" model. Too big to fail cannot be an option in an independent Scotland as we simply could not afford any bank failure. Banking is in essence a third party using people's money for profit. However, we have come to believe it belongs to the banks.

Creating small, profitable banking institutions will make banks truly accountable to shareholders and provide investment at a local level where the risk is more easily understood by the banks. Massive investment should be left to governments who are accountable to the electorate.

Thanking you for the forum.

David Smyth

Rosyth

The essay is a thought-provoking contribution to civic debate. As noted in points 36 and 37, providing an open platform for discussing new ideas is an important first step in a progressive society. While it will be interesting to hear more about a Scottish national investment bank and national housing company (points 15 and 51), there may be lower hanging fruit to develop Scotland at present.

BBC Radio Scotland could make full use of its dual frequencies to split FM and MW into different stations, with news/current affairs on FM and culture/sport on MW, for example, with minimal subsidy.

The railway line connecting Alloa to Dunfermline was upgraded recently as far as Longannet Power Station. With the power station due to close in March, the line could be opened to public trains at very little extra cost.

The new income tax powers could see bands linked to the real economy, with a starter rate of 10% applying to all those who earn below the median wage, lifting people out of poverty.

Finally, a new voluntary income tax of a penny or two in the pound can be created as there is evidence of public willingness to pay more for certain, hypothecated, services such as health or education.

Ross Auld

Edinburgh

There might be 101 ways to make Scotland great, but that won't count for much if we remain the unhealthiest nation in Western Europe. So it's a shame there was no mention of health in last week's manifesto for a "better, fairer society".

Having enough money, living in a nice house, achieving your potential and being able to access good public services are all part of a happy and fulfilled life. Yet none of these things are as important as having the good health to be able to enjoy them.

Scotland didn't used to be so sick: until the 1970s, we were around the European average. The current causes of Scotland's premature mortality – mainly suicide, alcohol, violence and drugs – are consequences of social and political choices. Tackling these "causes of the causes" are the biggest challenge we face.

The public health doctor Michael Marmot argues powerfully that health – not GDP – is the best measure of national success, and describes how equality and disempowerment are making us sick.

It all matters, and our physical and mental health is a candid reflection of civic engagement and empowerment in Scotland. The 101 ways need to include health as both a cause and consequence of the good society we all aspire to.

Dr Michael Smith

Glasgow

Let’s think for a moment about the graphics accompanying last week’s essay. I interpret the picture to show a miniature bonsai pine tree in the form of a map of Scotland. A small, yet perfectly formed, evergreen is a fair visual metaphor for a nation doing its best, but prevented from growing to its full potential.

I admit my knowledge of arcane arboriculture is sketchy, but I know that bonsai trees are not naturally wee. Seemingly, even after years of artificial constriction in flower pots these tough little trees retain the ability to grow to their full potential, facing wind and weather with normal vigour, if only they are set free to develop naturally in the open ground. Kudos is due to your essay artist.

Douglas Hunter

Ancrum

Sunday's Essay will no doubt give lots of us much food for thought, but we felt it most unfortunate that the clever depiction of Scotland as a bonsai tree inside a light bulb, although showing the Western Isles (albeit not in foliage) omitted Shetland and Orkney.

Alan & Roslyn Anderson

North Berwick