Face up to the reality that the referendum changed Scotland

There is clearly a desperate wish on the part of some to shut down any further reference to independence following the result, and it is tempting to conclude that this is motivated more by fear than by their lofty sentiments about the democratic process which resulted in a no vote, or their overblown concerns for a divided nation.

If they fear the possibility of a resurgence of the independence debate, they are probably right to do so, for it certainly will not go away. However, rather than seek to turn the clock back, I think it is time for them to accept the reality of what is happening now: that people have been energised and invigorated by having the opportunity to have a real say in factors affecting their lives. They have listened carefully to the way politicians of all stripes have conducted themselves, and they are unlikely to go on accepting the diet of partisan rhetoric which has blighted real democracy for so long.

I say to them, get used to it - stop carping and start constructing. If you have a worthwhile strategy to propose let us hear it, for if it's good enough the people will listen and vote accordingly. If, however, it continues to prop up the crumbling edifice of party-driven false promises, rancour and faux sincerity that has been the hallmark of UK politics for generations, don't be surprised if no-one is listening.

Gerry Seenan,

Eglinton Terrace,

Skelmorlie.

I NOTE with some amusement that the Letters Pages today (November 21) clearly show that Project Fear is not dead but has just transformed into a different campaign.

Alex Gallagher obviously believes that political convictions are easily cast off and that the 45 per cent who voted Yes should confess their error and remain silent while he and his political allies get back to ignoring what the voters believe. Whereas Bill Brown paints a picture of magnani­mous No voters who are obviously morally superior to Yes voters and he expects the Yes voters to know their place.

I wonder how many others are thinking that the reason for the fear is they know that the vote was won on a deception, namely the "vow", and that as with all matters political, there is a price to pay in the future. Already opinion polls are showing that a majority of voters want another referendum within 10 years and it will be fascinating to see how this figure increases when the Smith Commission reports.

I see personal attacks on Nicola Sturgeon beginning as the Unionists believe that demonising Alex Salmond was a real winner. Have they not heard that you can't fool all of he people all of the time?

David Stubley,

22 Templeton Crescent,

Prestwick.

I WOULD remind Alex Gallagher that Nicola Sturgeon has made it perfectly clear that it is not up to her to determine if there will be another Independence referendum, it is up to the people of Scotland. I don't remember anyone suggesting to Mr Gallagher and his colleagues that Labour should throw in the towel after they were beaten by the SNP in the Scottish parliament elections of 2007 and almost obliterated by them in 2011. Mr Gallagher must be aware that following the healthy 45 per cent vote for independence on September 18, the SNP's membership has more than trebled, welcoming among the new recruits many disillusioned Labour supporters, and Labour continues to trail well behind the SNP in the opinion polls, which also show a clear majority of voters desirous of a future referendum on independence.

Mr Gallagher is of course perfectly entitled to hold his own views on the subject and to argue robustly in favour of them, but he may wish to reflect on a significant word used by Johann Lamont when she quit as Scottish leader of London Labour's branch office: dinosaurs.

Ruth Marr,

99 Grampian Road,

Stirling.

FOLLOWING your front-page headline about Nicola Sturgeon's pledge: ("First Minister Sturgeon: I will govern for whole of Scotland", The Herald, November 21), I copy below an email which I have sent direct to Ms Sturgeon four times over the past month, also sending it each time to her secretary. I have yet to receive a reply, but now think that she may have read it. My email is as follows:

"Ms Sturgeon, as you take on the role of First Minister of Scotland I am, for the fourth time, compelled to write to you asking that you remember that you will be First Minister for all Scottish residents, and not only for those who support your views on Independence. I have never voted for the SNP, and doubt very much that I ever will, and I strongly oppose many of your views.

"I do, of course, accept your right to pursue a separatist agenda in your own time and with your own resources.

"I ask, therefore, that you personally, and not one of your staff, confirm to me in writing that you understand that the role of First Minister requires you to impartially represent the views of all Scots, and particularly those demonstrated by the majority of Scots voters who wish to remain part of the wonderful institution that is the United Kingdom.

"I look forward to receiving your reply at your early convenience, although after three failed attempts, I rather feel that you do not have any intention of replying."

Lex Muir,

Woodlea, Corsbie Road,

Newton Stewart.

IS today April Fool's Day? I can think of no other reason why a politician who for two years was the lead MSP and co-ordinator of a referendum campaign which ended in failure should find herself Politician of the Year ("A triumphant Sturgeon is named our Scottish Politician of the Year", The Herald, November 21). They'll be appointing such failures as First Minister next, which will only serve to confirm the low esteem in which the SNP at Holyrood deserve to be held.

Steph Johnstone,

71 Hughenden Gardens,

Glasgow.

YOUR political Awards have this year, again raised an eyebrow.

Last year's award of Debater of the Year to Johann Lamont was, well, debatable.

This year Alastair Darling is given a Lifetime Achievement award, partly for his "saving the banks"' in the financial crash, we are told. This is tantamount to giving an arsonist a medal for helping put out the fires which he set .

Then Gordon Brown is accorded the title Best Scot at Westminster. Lord Lucan has made more appearances in the Palace of Westminster than Mr Brown, the self-styled semi-retired politician .

Why no award to Jim Murphy for Best Debater with a Megaphone or George Galloway as Best Self-Publicist in a Hat?

James Mills,

29 Armour Square,

Johnstone.