IT is surely becoming increasingly clear that the real choice facing Scotland is simple, uncomplicated independence or settling for a similarly uncomplicated position fully integrated as a small region of a greater England (otherwise called the UK).

Any devolution of “meaningful” powers to any part of a union fundamentally unbalances it and has long-term consequence and this is what Westminster faces at the moment. Ceding powers to a Scottish Parliament initiates a continuous demand for more of them and the only logical conclusion is ceding all of them. Or none of them which is the other entirely practical position.

Everybody knows the present convolutions are not intended to improve the governance of Scotland but to halt a Scottish procession to independence.

To prevent us choosing independence we were hastily and in panic offered huge new powers, inadequately described but “huge” nevertheless, and the chickens on this panic are now coming home to roost.

Any grudgingly ceded “further powers” will be a continuous source of discord between Scotland and Westminster and we will be revisiting the discussions and debates for evermore unless we get to another referendum pretty soon and take the simple, logical and sensible option at that opportunity. Or forget it and settle for Scotland in any meaningful constitutional sense ceasing to exist.

Dave McEwan Hill,

1 Tom Na Righ, Dalinlogart, Sandbank, Argyll.

I AM astonished at Labour councillor Alex Gallagher's suggestion (Letters, February 11) that John Swinney's position towards local authorities is inconsistent with his negotiating position towards Westminster. In both cases Mr Swinney is trying to protect not “his own finances” but Scotland's finances, and with the Scottish Parliament elections fast approaching, the public who pay for those finances, and have just had their council tax frozen for the ninth year, will be able to have their say on Mr Swinney's record of consistency.

Ruth Marr,

99 Grampian Road,

Stirling.

ON the eve of the independence referendum, at the behest of a panicky Gordon Brown, the unionist parties issued a quite unnecessary “vow” to grant Scotland greater devolution.

The resulting Smith Commission proposed that Holyrood have real control over income tax, VAT, stamp duty, and so on, and all Scottish political parties agreed to - and signed - its report.

Sadly it was soon clear our economic and tax base was so poor we would be much worse off than under the Barnett formula and “devo-max” Scotland would need English subsidies.

This makes an absurdity of “independence “and the implosion of the North Sea’s expensive oil basin left the SNP desperately trying to stall the implementation of the Scotland Act.

Yet Smith’s “no detriment” clause equally applies to English taxpayers, and if we cannot bear devo-max’s economic consequences it is time we were sent “homeward to think again”.

Rev Dr John Cameron,

10 Howard Place, St Andrews

WITH the harsh reality of the downturn in oil markets becoming ever more clear, and great uncertainty in international economic outlook, Scotland needs to ensure it is an attractive proposition to businesses considering where best to invest (“Economy faces its toughest year since recession in 2009”, Herald Bui, February 11). But the SNP Government seems set to use its manifesto for the elections in May to hold open the option for a second independence referendum during the term of the next parliament.

Despite high poll ratings, and widespread opinion within, as well outside the SNP, that it would make no sense to test the patience of the people of Scotland with another divisive campaign in the foreseeable future, still the SNP prefers to hold its options open, and no doubt keep its hard core support happy.

Yet Scotland will likely pay a high cost for this continued, and in all likelihood, unnecessary, uncertainty. When businesses are looking at this part of the world and considering their investment options why should they put money into an economy that could be going through great upheaval in the short term?

Quebec had the same experience for many years during its period of contemplating separation, and has since struggled to tempt back the businesses that instead chose to put their new investment into what were considered more stable parts of Canada.

The SNP is not just playing political games, it is also playing with all our futures.

Keith Howell,

White Moss, West Linton, Peeblesshire.