Alex Salmond was a class act, and his recent re-appearances in the media confirmed that. He usually wiped the floor with Unionist opposition. The referendum was probably stolen in 2014 by Gordon Brown’s last-minute intervention.

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Many thousands of Scots whose heart said “Yes!” grabbed Brown’s “Vow”, with its promise of a sort of quasi-independence (it wasn’t of course) with relief. This does not make them bad people, but it is a permanent stain on Brown’s “legacy”, which I do not recall him disowning (although nor do I recall enough anger being generated by this con trick; only noisy street demonstrations get the attention of our masters).

We will not be fooled again, and there will certainly be a “next time”. Alex Salmond – an outstanding politician and patriot – can still achieve his, and our, “dream” if we really want it.

David Roche
Blairgowrie