LISTENING to GMS on Monday, I was amazed at the level of misunderstanding there seemed to be around how to decide one’s vote. It was as if most contributors thought that they were voting for or against independence last Thursday.

That election was to vote for the party or parties whose manifesto one wanted implemented in government. Some parties included the intention to hold a referendum on independence, others planned to block one. It was not about deciding on independence, just the opportunity to do so at a later date.

So those who want independence obviously would vote for having a referendum. Sadly, those opposing independence did not realise that supporting a referendum would have ensured their chance to vote against independence, as much as it allowed others to vote for it. Not voting to hold a referendum could have deprived them of the chance to reject independence and justify their claim that most folk do not want independence.

If they truly believe that, voting for a referendum-supporting party would have given them the chance to prove it. Or were they too scared of being proved wrong?

P Davidson

Falkirk

I LISTENED to Nicola Sturgeon on the Andrew Marr Show. It was the same old, same old – “when the virus is under control”, blah blah.

Well, I think this latest election result is the SNP’s last chance saloon. It wasn’t only SNP members and supporters who turned out to vote in their thousands – many in Scotland lent their votes to give such a resounding success to the SNP – but it was also a message. Independence is wanted and needed, and a vague promise of action once the virus is under control is not enough. It could take years.

Andrew Marr asked very pertinent questions as to where things were on currency and the National Bank amongst other salient points. It is now seven years since the referendum and it would appear we are no further forward in having a road map than we were back then. Now is the time Nicola – you have now a eager SNP team before you.

And I would add at this time, a good leader delegates. Use the talent you have within your MSPs and delegate to them the answers and map people will need to support an indyref2. It’s not all about you, it’s about the thousands who not only voted in the hope it would speed independence . It’s the thousands who lent their votes and will expect in the next five years that the National Bank and currency will be in place, and that the road map to independence, recovery and prosperity will be mapped out. This would include the ups and well as the downs on the road to full independence.

You are no doubt aware there is dissent amongst the ranks at the time it is taking to put in place the machinery for independence. Many, many SNP members and supporters put aside their discontent to ensure the SNP win, but patience among many is now running high. On the Andrew Marr Show you stated that sterling could be used on an interim basis, but perhaps for years. I could almost hear the phones going in SNP HQ as people resigned their membership.

I have stood in the rain at polling stations, frozen on bridges waving a flag for Scotland, gone through shoe leather knocking on doors and delivering leaflets, attended innumerable meetings, all in the hope of getting answers and seeing positive movement to independence.

This will be my last journey with the SNP if things do not change. By all means, go on with your sterling stuff in controlling the pandemic, but be a leader who recognises the importance of delegation. I don’t think any voter would think any less of you as a leader if you were to do this. You have the talent in Holyrood – use it.

Frieda Burns

Stonehaven

THE man who gave us the Vow in 2014 – the man who broke the Vow – can he be trusted? Of course I speak of Gordon Brown, now calling for a four-nations approach to saving the Union.

Did Mr Brown miss something? Surely he did not miss the Holyrood election results, where a clear message came forth. Mr Brown and other Unionists take note: the people of Scotland have spoken and will no longer be pulled into your web of deceit. The majority from those elected to serve were elected on manifestos clearly indicating indyref2, and the time will come for that manifesto pledge to be delivered. Meantime, it is the global pandemic that must take priority as the First Minister has said all along.

My advice to Mr Brown, divert your energy to saving the Labour Party from oblivion here in Scotland, because your new venture in saving the Union is a lost cause.

Catriona C Clark

Falkirk

SO, Gordon Brown has left his attic and stepped in front of the TV cameras looking like some demented maths teacher once again. How come he only appears when he believes we mere mortals need to be warned against the evils of Scottish independence?

Where does this failed politician go when issues such as the huge damage caused by the stupidity of Brexit need to be addressed?

I find his patronising tone to be incredibly insulting to we Scots who believe in independence for our country.

Why does this yesterday’s man have the gall to believe that his vision of Scotland should be listened to, as if he has some magical insight?

By believing we are better off with the status quo, he wants us to continue to be governed by a Westminster elite who are corrupt, incompetent and amoral.

I suggest that Gordon Brown should get back to his attic and let us get on with becoming a successful and modern independent country.

Harry Key

Largoward