REGARDING refutation of organised pro-Union letters in local newspapers, may I thank Mr Rory Bulloch (Letters, February 16) for his kind words.

Also, on Satyrday, JF Davidson of Bonnyrigg eloquently explains why it is so tedious to do this necessary work (Letters, February 17). I add to his description. It must be honest and accurate if it is not to descend to the level of throwing back the same mud.

There is the depressing feeling that much irrevocable damage has already been inflicted and there is also fear of the mighty financial resources of the Unionists to initiate and support a legal case (although the editorial staff are of course wary of this), and there is a fear of more personal attack in verbal smear.

Principle and honesty are one of our few weapons. Nicola Sturgeon, John Swinney and an overwhelming number of our MPs and MSPs understand and demonstrate that very well.

Scotland in Union letter-writers were exposed by what Stuart Campbell of Wings over Scotland calls “an alert reader” who intercepted an email with a named list of addressees (email addresses correctly redacted) crowing at the number of successful letters published in local newspapers.

I submit that these people have forfeited any right to be taken seriously by the public and the electorate of Scotland.

Victor Moncrieff
Lanark