I WOULD like to thank Alyn Smith firstly for his article about the SNP National Executive Committee and secondly for his common sense and wisdom in confronting what seemed to be – from an outsider’s perspective – a growing problem (Equality is a huge issue for me but independence comes first, August 12).

Most of us probably belong to at least two groups fighting for independence: there are lots to choose from.

My main experience is within the Yes movement and the SNP. I don’t know anything very much about the organisation or committee structures of the SNP, but I was aware of diversions.

READ MORE: Alyn Smith: Equality is a huge issue, but independence comes first

The positive atmosphere and straightforward momentum of Yes groups is cheering and unstoppable – especially in the face of the most cynical behaviours of the Unionist regime at Westminster who are right to be very worried indeed. As a non-partisan movement, the Yes movement is a very difficult target for Unionist media; the varied nature of many outstanding writers and charismatic spokespeople – new examples are emerging almost weekly these days – must confound their well-worn tactics of personal attacks and diversion.

Therefore, simply because it is an easier target, Unionists continue to vent all their wrath and frustration against the SNP, especially Nicola, looking for cracks and weaknesses and diversions and trying to create them when they are not there.

The attacks are vicious – and sleekit – and towards the next Holyrood election they will only get worse.

READ MORE: It was surprising to hear an SNP MP suggest rolling back years of progress

The Scottish National Party has always taken the flak for the independence movement and it is a mark of great leadership and integrity that it still transcends the grotesque political morass created by the current rotten, incompetent, totalitarian, racist regime at Westminster – and its propagandist media.

At this crucial time, the SNP National Executive Committee surely needs to focus on what comes first – independence – with absolute confidence that the SNP continue to demonstrate – daily, at Holyrood – that Scotland’s definition of independence begins and ends with humanity. There is ironic and serious danger in diverting energy and attention from the simple, massive goal of independence and the consequent right to guide Scottish society – at last on our own terms.

I hope the SNP will take heed of Alyn Smith’s comments, positively, and act accordingly so that momentum towards independence continues to grow without diversion.

In that way, we will surely roll over the Union jackery of specious Westminster offices in Edinburgh and all further attempts to subjugate Holyrood, and aim for independence within the next two years.

Frances McKie
Evanton, Ross-shire

I WUNNER foo mony o yer readers noted that the wee piktur o Boris, heichheid yin o the deid Union, in the front o Saturday’s National showed him haudin ae Union Jake that wis dounside up?

The braid white baund shuid be alang the tap, nae bidin doun the mast. Fan erse tae elbuk as the ane Boris wis toyin wi, it is recognised as ae flag o distress!

Fell appropriate aye noo gin yer a Tory, blue, pink or yellae. I wunner gin someone done it deliberate like, jalousin Boris wuidnae ken ony better? But then fit wey wuid he ken ony better, an wuid he care gin he did?

Tae ma wey o thinkin, Boris the Brexit disnae care twa beans fur England, let alane this lapsided Union. He is streivin tae sell off the “green and pleasant land” tae Trump an his cruikit cronies fast an cheap. Boris’s true feilties is fur the laun o his birth, the USA.

George T Watt
Arbroath