WE heartily agree with Lesley Riddoch that “May’s election requires more vision than just independence” (March 18). Independence, or federalism, or even a decision to remain in the post-Brexit UK, is not an end; merely the start of a new phase in our nation’s adventure.

Anyone who thinks we don’t have problems is deluding themselves; anyone who believes those problems are intractable lacks ambition and confidence, and perhaps an appreciation of the competences required to run a modern country and the institutions needed to develop them.

We wrestled with these issues for 18 months to create one possible story of Scotland’s future in our book “Scotland 2070 – Healthy, Wealthy and Wise”. We sent copies of our book to all of Scotland’s party leaders. We heard that at least one party leader “didn’t have time to read it, and it was passed on to the relevant policy branch”. Maybe the party leaders don’t like the “without the politics” strapline – but my goodness, our readers do!!!

Why not challenge election candidates and canvassers to think seriously about their vision for Scotland’s future? What is your vision for Scotland in 25 years’ time and in 50 years’ time? How will the policies you intend to promote in the next parliament contribute to achieving those visions? What will you do to create robust institutions and cultures that will work for the long term? How will you excite the majority of the people to be enthusiastic about building something for the future?

It’s worth reflecting that in 25 years’ time, there might well not be an SNP – but there will be our children and grandchildren, growing up and taking charge, hopefully thriving in a flourishing country.

Ian Godden, Hillary Sillitto and Dorothy Godden

Edinburgh

AS usual, Lesley Riddoch hits the nail on the head. She asks where is the SNP’s vision of why indy, and how indy Scotland will be better? Lesley makes several pertinent suggestions – reform council tax and land tax, land reform, a national energy company, a digital society, etc. I would like to suggest a few more as follows:

As per the maritime policy unanimously agreed at the SNP’s Aberdeen conference, but on which silence has since prevailed, announce the construction of the proposed cruise turnaround and ferry port on the brownfield site at Preston Links and create 1000 jobs thereby.

Astonishingly, large cruise ships cannot currently berth at Scotland’s tourism honeypot of Edinburgh. The new port will provide that facility and also the vital post-Brexit direct ferry links with the Continent. The cost to the taxpayer is modest as the project will be franchised to a reputable port developer/operator on a time-limited basis.

Tackle the homelessness crisis by facilitating council borrowing to embark on a substantial and targeted council house building programme.

Legalise, licence and tax narcotics supply (like tobacco and alcohol) not only to control our chronic drug misuse problem, but to generate the funds to tackle it. Not possible under Westminster.

Be clear and upfront about creating the Scottish Reserve Bank of our independent Scotland, responsible for monetary policy and the pound Scots. We are already familiar with our own bank notes, so what is there to fear?

Remind voters again and again that UK ranks a lowly 24th in the UN world ranking of GDP per capita, compared with the much higher ranking of other European countries with a similar or smaller population to Scotland, such as Luxembourg at third, Switzerland at fourth, Ireland at fifth, Norway at sixth, Iceland at seventh, Denmark at 11th and so on. And most have lesser natural resources than Scotland, which with independence would be near top rank.

That’s five vision action points for a start. As the old proverb goes – “Where there is no vision, the people perish”.

Roy Pedersen

Inverness

HOW hard would it be to send a copy of Lesley Riddoch’s article to every candidate in the Holyrood elections? Think of the endless hours of boredom it might save us. Rubbishing the opposition is not a good way to gain votes but if you glance at some election leaflets you’ll find it’s a popular choice. The last UK election was a lesson in how NOT to win votes.

I want to hear about new ideas and hear debates about land reform, how to tackle poverty and social issues. I’d like to hear how Estonia guards its digital society from hacks and scams. I don’t want tired reruns of old ideas that have had their day.

Blaming and name-calling without constructive ways to do things differently is a waste of time. Debate and polite disagreement are key to the future. People should be free to express even crazy ideas without being shot down in flames.

I’d love to hear what prospective candidates think about Lesley’s suggestions. And one thing I’d like to add. Instead of constant debate about that “second” vote, could we have some information about what list candidates will do for us? What happens if we write to one of them and they don’t even bother to reply, for instance? What are they responsible for? Shoring up their party’s vote, or representing the people in their area? If they make promises, can we hold them to those promises?

Time to turn the spotlight on what we can expect from our elected list candidates?

J Guz

Dundee

WOT, only four Union Jacks in Allegra’s Metatronic Presence Chamber?

Derek Ball

Bearsden