As someone trying to follow the financial side of SNP promises I have become ever more convinced that those charged with controlling the finances in the Scottish Government, and the promises to come with independence, are from the same school of finance as Gordon Brown.

And we know where that left us.

Stewart Little,

7 Brierie Hill Road, Crosslee.

It is essential that all politicians and commentators in the independence debate make it absolutely clear to the electorate that a vote one way or the other will not deliver one single policy initiative.

If a Yes vote is achieved it will be for the subsequently elected Scottish government to set policy, not the current SNP Scottish Government. Any future government could easily not be formed by the SNP so its policy pronouncements are meaningless. It astonishes me this fundamental point is so readily glossed over.

Greater clarity is required to reiterate the point that the vote next September is not an election.

Gordon Keir,

42 Kilbarchan Road,

Bridge of Weir.

It is true that ageing populations of all countries are causing pension problems but it is time we looked at a new way of running our society, as the Westminster model is distinctly flawed as far as Scotland is concerned and lateral thinking is required. May I commend to Alan Gray (Letters, September 24) the Reid Foundation, an apolitical organisation, and ask him to consider its discussion paper on the Common Weal. This is perhaps a way forward from tired thinking and how there is an alternative way for Scottish society to be organised which would include pensions.

In the independence camp, I have not met a single person who thinks independence will create a land of milk and honey. However, I do detect a constant theme, which is how to create a better society for all. It does seem that any idea put forward by any political party in the Yes campaign is set for ridicule before the proposals are properly considered. I call this stifling debate which has never been a healthy and indeed this lack of respect for an opposing view by all sides including Better Together and their supporters, shows that nationalism with a capital N has no boundaries.

Alan M Morris,

20 Kirkhouse Road, Blanefield.

Joanne Lamont has such a nice turn of phrase. From "something for nothing" pensioners with their free bus passes and elderly care to her description of Yes voters as "viruses"'. ("Lamont says SNP exploits misery of Scots", The Herald, September 23). Which is the intolerant side? Is Damien McBride writing her speeches?

Isobel Lindsay,

9 Knocklea Place, Biggar.

Having listened to the referendum debate, and heard John Swinney stating that he alone could guarantee that pensions would be protected and increased by 2.5%, or the retail price index, or average wage increases, I wonder if he has considered that, even if Scotland votes for independence, it might be, the SNP would not be elected to form a government in 2016. How can he make such a pledge?

Gordon W Smith,

21 Baronscourt Gardens, Paisley.