Power to set policy will make the difference in an independent Scotland

Once again Iain Macwhirter trots out his favourite argument against independence, the "hassle factor" (Even independence can't overcome geology, March 25). The idea that it's simply not worth the time or energy in setting up a separate health service, inland revenue and other institutions of state, when Scotland already has a degree of autonomy in these areas, falls down under the simplest examination. As many such functions are already devolved and retain expertise based in Scotland, the process of establishing full independence will actually be simpler than if they were headquartered and operated out of London.