THE vexed issue of the likely setting up costs of a "new" Scotland has not gone away, with the Centre for Economics and Business Research now estimating the figure to be nearly £2.5 billion, with a further £2bn arising from new currency arrangements ("Salmond refuses to withdraw threat to renege on independent Scotland's debt", The Herald, September 1)

THE vexed issue of the likely setting up costs of a "new" Scotland has not gone away, with the Centre for Economics and Business Research now estimating the figure to be nearly £2.5 billion, with a further £2bn arising from new currency arrangements ("Salmond refuses to withdraw threat to renege on independent Scotland's debt", The Herald, September 1)

This is some 10 times greater than the SNP's spurious estimate which does not stand up to any serious scrutiny. A command system, alone, for an emerging Scottish Defence Force would cost more than £200 million.

With only just over two weeks to go to referendum day I find it difficult to believe that the Scottish electorate has little idea of the likely start-up costs for an independent Scotland.

The Yes campaign's contention that this aspect has not been examined closely at this stage is almost risible.

Caveat emptor.

Ronald J Sandford,

1 Scott Garden,

Kingsbarns,

Fife.