FOR me the referendum was about a vision of Scotland's opportunity to show a new face to the world.

My hope for independence was that our first act was to insist on the removal of a nuclear deterrent. The power of this statement to the rest of the world could have resonated for centuries.

The day-to-day stuff of currency and relationships with our neighbours was about negotiation and would have worked out. Never again in my lifetime will we be given the opportunity to remove such a fearful weapon.

Now, although as an optimist I know we shall all work together for the best, the heart of my soul will be shrouded in melancholy that this opportunity was missed.

George Wilson,

3 Barney Mains, Haddington.

BETTER? No. Together? It certainly doesn't look like it.

Iain Stuart,

34 Oakbank Crescent,

Perth.