IN response to the self-styled "informed observer" Alex Gallagher's views on the democracy he believes is our system of government, I would like to raise some questions.

First, where, in his view of democracy, does the unelected and obscenely expensive House of Lords feature?

Secondly, where in this democratic Utopia does the intervention of the supposedly impartial unelected but apparently "purring"'monarch feature?

Next, we have the intervention of the avowedly impartial unelected civil service, whose excuse for contravening centuries of adherence to the rules of non-intervention was that the Treasury didn't like the prospect of change - in what way is this democratic?

Finally, is it a feature of democracy that the losing side in an election or referendum gives up its beliefs and ceases to work for its goals ?

It really is time to realise that citizens of Scotland of all parties and none who want independence are here to stay.

Alice Watt,

Newton Street, Greenock.

NOBODY, either in the SNP or any of the other parties and individuals who were on the losing side in the independence referendum last year has ever said that the vote was anything other than a disappointment. But why should that mean they have to ignore the plain fact all the independence -supporting parties have received huge boosts in membership numbers and that opinion polls have also been very encouraging?

Alex Gallagher asks if Yes supporters have grasped the meaning of democracy. Perhaps in his universe losing an election or a referendum means forever holding your peace, but I haven't noticed that Scottish Labour, the Scottish Conservatives or the Scottish Liberal Democrats have vanished from the face of the earth after performing so badly in the last Holyrood election.

I'm sorry if it upsets Mr Gallagher but I'm afraid that proponents of Scottish independence are going to continue to make the case in the certainty that in time we will prevail.

David C Purdie,

12 Mayburn Vale, Loanhead.