Derek Miller asserts that the economic case for Scottish independence has been neutered by the fall in the value of Scottish oil reserves and that a newly independent Scotland would be facing "the mother of all economic meltdowns" (Topic of the week: the constitution, Letters, January 31). A Yes vote in 2014 was expected to lead to independence about March 2016 so his prediction may be premature.
Oil prices rise, fall and rise again. Oil is not Scotland's only resource. Our Scandinavian neighbours, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland are all doing better than Scotland and none appears to regret being independent. Norway has oil and a massive sovereign wealth fund, having used that resource more sensibly than has the UK. The other three do not have this resource but still do well as independent states, both in the welfare of their citizens and residents and in contributing usefully to world affairs. Even the citizens of little Iceland, having shown the courage and common sense to have an independent state, are doing better than us.
Roll on Indyref2 and let us hope that we learn from these neighbours (as well as staying friends with our southern neighbours, who may also benefit from the good example of Scottish independence).
David Stevenson
Edinburgh
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