I HAVE just read the interesting comments from the Scottish Independence Convention about a full-on Scottish banking system (Blueprint for a post-indy banking revolution, April 12).
I have to say I cannot agree to a lot of what it suggests. As an ordinary citizen that has used the UK banking system for the past 60 years I am very much used to the status quo, as will be many of my peers.
Having said that, I am not devoid of the different forms of banking that has become available to me over the years. Such as the more recent online banking. Also credit and debit cards, and the earlier building society banking – which, incidentally, helped me buy my first home.
READ MORE: A blueprint for a banking revolution in an independent Scotland
My main problem with Peter Ryan’s ideas is security. He hasn’t convinced me that having everything financial controlled at source is a better form of secure banking than we have at present.
I recognise his reference to the banking crisis of 2007/8 and all the problems that created. However, what is there to prevent security access from some clever IT hackers to a banking system under singular control?
My alternative choice would be to continue with the status quo method of banking rather than using credit unions for everyone. Scotland has three almost “national” banks of its own that use their own form of banknotes. Coin can be easily designed and minted like any other country. Our three banks could be under the control of a Central Bank but open to individual choice of public use. Perhaps even taken over to all become our own “Bank of Scotland” banks.
The Scottish people will have lot to contend with from the whole process of becoming an independent country. But please let us stay with things we are used to and ways that are important to us. It is the Scottish people who desire independence away from Westminster, not to have to change our ways of living in the process.
Alan Magnus-Bennett
Fife
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