SOME independence activists, and even politicians like Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil, berate the SNP leadership for their apparent disengagement with the constitutional question. Frustration at forever playing the long game is made worse by the fact that the First Minister was seen by some as somewhat over-cautious even before the deadly coronavirus pandemic struck.

I sympathise but see it differently. We nationalists strongly condemn the likes of David Mundell when he accuses Nicola Sturgeon of wanting to close the border when she had merely said that our policies may diverge from Westminster’s but she had no power to shut borders. His remarks struck me as obsessive, perhaps even neurotic, about the constitutional issues when Sturgeon was merely logically answering a question which referenced her approach to the novel virus. Consequently, she emerged as the winner of that spat.

If Nicola Sturgeon returned to full-campaign mode for Scottish independence today the fiercely critical outcry would engulf her to such an extent that her career would be over and Scottish independence would be set back decades. And even hints about independence at this stage would be harmful.

So what’s her strategy? Firstly and most importantly, she isn’t afraid and she has definitely not lost her focus. She simply has to bide her time and use that time to good effect. Our main target groups in Scotland are firstly those who are disinterested in the constitutional issue and secondly those who are interested but still undecided. The SNP Government’s handling of this crisis can go a long way to ensuring those two groups are much more accepting of an independent Scotland. And those same two groupings would be appalled if she starting hammering on about independence now.

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Another important related point is that, if we want to achieve independence, now more than ever, we have to show competence in governance. We not only have to handle the pandemic, we have to deal with the economic chaos and social devastation to follow. In truth, these twin crises will make or break the governments of each and every country severely affected by this pandemic. Critics say combine all of this with a drive towards independence. I say that during the economic, societal recovery stage following the medical emergency, then we may start making the case again. We can build, by demonstrating competence and even statesmanship, a case for Scottish independence which is inarguable. We want a 60% vote in favour of independence next time but it may well be higher if things go well over the coming year or two. We shall need those kind of figures to force a referendum in the first place.

Some say the dream will never die. I want independence, not a dream. Some say independence is inevitable. They aren’t necessarily correct. To democratically achieve independence we need to show we’re up for it. Nicola Sturgeon is doing that in spades right now.

Final point. England, the intelligent bits that is, is awakening to the First Minister’s abilities and full command of the facts regarding the pandemic. Intelligent England too is becoming far less hostile to the idea of Scottish independence. Europe was already aware of Sturgeon’s ability, her and Scotland’s pro-EU credentials and civic Scotland’s internationally co-operative inclinations. The First Minister’s standing on the world stage grows apace, in sharp contrast to certain male leaders who are so obviously self-centred and devoid of empathy. They exude self-aggrandisement while the great world female leaders exemplify, personify even, the ethos of public service.

The SNP absolutely must focus on the pandemic for the coming months maybe even a year but, in the changed world beyond then, they need to be better positioned than their Unionist opponents. They are winning so far. Long may it continue and the rewards will come in the end.

David Crines
Hamilton

I WOULD like to inform Jackson Carlaw that, in spite of all his efforts to deny it, there is a border between Scotland and England. I see the notices by the road every time I go shopping in Berwick-on-Tweed. My spirits are lifted on the way home when I see the sign saying “Welcome to the Scottish Borders”.

A much bigger border, the one whose existence Mr Carlaw tries to play down. It is the difference between the openness and compassion of the vast majority of Scots and the greedy and selfish attitudes manifested in the policies of the Tory Government, especially the disastrous performance at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. One thing that this episode teaches us is that the most effective way to act in a crisis is all together, working as a community, with no one left behind and definitely no talk of “herd immunity”.

There are so many heroes in our country, and many of their contributions will remain largely unsung, but I for one will never forget the role of our government in Westminster, who ignored the independent scientific advice for years that the greatest threat to our society was a global pandemic, and when that happened, failed to act promptly and responsibly when most needed. Their incompetence has cost lives. They will answer for their errors and poor judgement.

Pete Rowberry
Duns

WHEN will all of the journalists, including those accountable to their anti-Scotland editors accept that our First Minister and our government are not accountable to them, but rightly to the people of Scotland?

Their questions are seldom constructive, nor suggestive of any intention to assist in comprehension of our First. Minister's primary concerns which currently are dominated by our collective and individual safety.

John Hamilton
Bearsden