KEVIN McKenna states that, despite having been a Yes voter in 2014, he's now glad that we didn't get our independence ("I'm now glad we didn't win in 2014", The Herald, August 27). However, his piece is written on the basis of several false premises. It's an argument based on what's happened in still-devolved Scotland and largely ignores the counterfactual of an independent Scotland.

He says that it would be have been inconceivable that the SNP (under a new name) would not have formed the first government of an independent Scotland. Whilst likely, to borrow a term from the leader of an administration arguably worse than any we've had in Holyrood, there was no "oven-ready" post-independence treaty, whether with the remaining UK or the EU, there would have been a period of negotiation, which I would hope would have been through a body representing all of Scotland, with membership from all political hues but accepting of, and bought into, the reality of the new constitutional position. That negotiation would take some considerable period of time, giving an opportunity for the defeated unionists to show their commitment to Scotland's political future and also giving themselves the opportunity to show their statesmanship and, in so doing, sell themselves to the electorate. Indeed, I would also argue that there are grounds for the first independent government to be a coalition, with parties working together to embed Scotland into its new international position.

It's also wrong to assume that what we have seen in the SNP over recent years would have happened in the SNP he presumes would have led the first independent government. Alex Salmond would not have resigned when he did. It's unlikely that "those hell-bent on destroying" him would have been able to command the same level of support - in the party or outside it - against the man who would go down in history as the person who brought us independence. Taken together, it becomes easier to suggest that at least some of the excesses and failures seen over recent years would not have taken place.

Scotland deserves better than we've had over recent years. The relationship between Westminster and Scotland must improve - it could not possibly get worse - but those in Holyrood must take a long hard look at themselves. Government by soundbite and meme is not government, nor do they provide opposition. More importantly, though, the refusal of the parties to contemplate a unionist/nationalist coalition in Holyrood is failing us. Until independence is won, the Scottish Government's primary role is to legislate and administer the devolved areas of responsibility and, on a day-to-day basis, that is where its focus should be. Whatever our politics, we need that to be done well.

The Northern Ireland Executive has cross-community working forced upon it (albeit it with some considerable degree of operational difficulty for historical reasons). Is it really impossible for Scotland to have our unionist and nationalist politicians working together? Constitution aside, there's so much more to unite us than divide us.

Ken Macdonald, Linlithgow.

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The same old Labour hucksters

THANK goodness, Kevin McKenna has finally come clean about independence. If Yes had won Alex Salmond would have been Prime Minister of Scotland for the first five years, and as a relatively young man would have stood again. If he had won or lost that election Nicola Sturgeon would never have held power (for better or worse).

But instead of looking after our own interests, Mr McKenna prefers Scotland to have been controlled (devolution being a trap for Scotland) in the 10 years since then by a reverse nap hand of David, Theresa, Boris, Liz and Rishi: total incompetents tainted by sleaze, purveyors of right-wing populism and actual repressive legislation (Public Order Bill et al).

Now we have Mr McKenna’s old Labour chums back, but it’s the same old Labour hucksters reneging on their manifesto and hitting the weakest and poorest first. They oppose free meals for kids and benefits for more than two children (unless you are an MP or peer or royalty), but hey, bankers' million-pound bonuses are hunky-dory: this while the Scottish Government has instituted a new children’s benefit and reduced poverty to its lowest anywhere in the UK (did you miss it, Kevin?).

I received a brochure from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme today, suggesting Labour (which disowned the miners during the strike) has “promised” to end the syphoning off of half the profit from pension fund investments to government which has disgracefully gone on for 30 years. This year it will amount to more than £500 million. I’d be interested to know if Mr McKenna believes Labour will give it up? Haud the bus, I think that’s the Tooth Fairy at the door.

GR Weir, Ochiltree.

Scots were fooled again

IT was with jaw-dropping incredulity that I listened to Sir Keir Starmer's claim that he had no knowledge of the £22 billion "black hole" in the UK Government's finances until the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) told him about it after the General Election ("Starmer braces UK for 'painful' budget", heraldscotland, August 27).

I have never considered SNP leader John Swinney to be in the mould of Nostradamus but I distinctly remember that during the election campaign he (Mr Swinney) repeatedly stated that there was a £20 billion deficit in UK Government finances and that the Labour Party would continue to inflict austerity on the country after the election. The figures he quoted came from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) and were in the public domain. If Sir Keir is now trying to indicate that he had no inkling of this he is either being dishonest or incompetent.

As for Sir Keir's two leading henchmen in Scotland, Ian Murray and Anas "Read my lips" Sarwar, who denied there would be the continuation of austerity in the post-election period, I saw on Tuesday morning that neither had the courage to make themselves available to go onto the BBC Good Morning Scotland radio programme and answer questions about Labour's continuation of austerity. I recall that following the change of government at the General Election of 1970 the rock band The Who released a new single called Won't Get Fooled Again. A memorable line from that song was "Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss". It would appear that on July 4 this year very many Scottish voters actually did allow themselves to get fooled again.

Jim Finlayson, Banchory.

Sir Keir Starmer at his press conference in the Rose Garden at 10 Downing Street yesterdaySir Keir Starmer at his press conference in the Rose Garden at 10 Downing Street yesterday (Image: PA)

SNP pay moves irresponsible

THE Scottish Government's decision to concede to public sector unions by offering pay increases far above inflation is both alarming and irresponsible. The reported ScotRail pay offer of around 4.5% is a prime example of inflated public sector wage bills and inefficient, out-dated working practices being rewarded on an annual basis. This approach sets a very dangerous precedent, signalling to unions that the Government can be easily swayed.

The Scottish Government’s lack of a clear pay strategy leaves taxpayers, especially those working in the private sector, vulnerable to being exploited year after year. It is concerning that public sector workers, who already benefit from better job security and generous pensions, are now receiving totally unrealistic pay rises. To fund these increases, crucial services such as pensioner benefits and other public services are being sacrificed, demonstrating a complete disregard for those who rely on these essential provisions. We are continually being asked to pay more for much less; to reward failure or prop up services that cannot stand on their own without huge public subsidy, as is the case with ScotRail.

Shona Robison and the SNP continue to poorly manage Scotland’s finances effectively, once again prioritising union demands over the needs of the broader public. This highlights a pattern of poor decision-making that puts short-term political appeasement ahead of long-term fiscal responsibility. Despite the additional funding from the UK Government via the Barnett Formula, as recently reported in The Herald, the ongoing generous pay increases are unsustainable, especially in the face of looming budget cuts.

It is imperative for the Scottish Government to implement substantial public sector reforms to protect taxpayers and ensure that public services deliver genuine value. The current trajectory threatens to erode the quality and availability of vital services, leaving the most vulnerable to suffer. Moving forward, the Government must establish a balanced pay strategy that prioritises fiscal sustainability and the public good, rather than always capitulating to unrealistic union pressures.

The SNP must take responsibility for safeguarding Scotland’s future by making decisions that benefit all citizens, rather than catering to the demands of a select few. Only through disciplined financial management can we ensure that public services remain robust and accessible for everyone.

James Smith, Glasgow.