ALTHOUGH Alistair Darling has tried to address the currency issue in several ways, he has failed to get across to the average voter what is admittedly a fairly complex concept.

He did say that an independent Scotland could choose to use the pound sterling, but only in the way it could also choose to use the US dollar, or the euro, or even the yen.

You can use any currency you wish, but you can't legally print any currency you wish.

So yes, you can use the pound, you can save the pound, but you cannot create the existing pound; and that's the straightjacket that would face an independent Scotland.

You can of course print a pound Scots, but then the world market will have its say on how much it's worth, and the money lenders will take their cut every time you want to buy anything from abroad; and abroad will then include anywhere south of the Border.

Bruce McIntosh,

Corriedoo,

Dalry,

Castle Douglas.

I HAVE recently returned from a second visit to our family in Bawtry, South Yorkshire. For the second time the local bakery has refused to accept a Scottish £20 pound note. That bakery has several branches in the area.

A pharmacy with several branches in South Yorkshire also does not accept Scottish notes. My question is: how many other retailers in England will refuse to accept Scottish notes if Scotland goes independent? Will we have to ensure that we obtain English notes before we cross the Border, and will there be a charge for this service and perhaps a currency difference?

William Ross,

The Drive,

Edzell.