History will not be kind to those SNP figures who put their egos first

Although I know none of them personally, I have long been an admirer of Mr Salmond’s political acumen and skills (I keenly watch his TV shows) and there is no doubt he has inspired many people, including myself, to believe that independence is achievable. Mr Sillars and Ms Cherry have also made substantial contributions to bringing the SNP to its current position today, on the verge of delivering for what many has been a lifelong dream of Scotland proudly joining other “free” and independent countries around the globe.

READ MORE: Long Read: The inside story of the week that rocked the SNP

However, all of them are now in danger, assisted by others who may be following their own personal agendas, of conspiring to deny future generations the realisation of that same dream. Should that regrettable outcome transpire, history will not be kind to those who could not set aside short-term self-centred goals because of assessed personal or political wrongs, or perceived different perspectives.

It takes humility as well as courage for exceptionally talented people to recognise that in the grand scheme of things it is generally wiser to work constructively in the shadows than destructively in the limelight, especially if wishing to remain true to a seemingly daunting goal such as self-determination for Scotland.

Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian

CAN the opposing voices within the SNP be reconciled?

I joined the party in the immediate aftermath of the 2014 referendum, not because I had been converted by the campaign – I had always believed in independence – or because of the result itself, which might have been expected, certainly at the outset of the campaign.

No, it was the manner by which the result had been achieved. The media we had trusted to be impartial had let us down. It had not been a free and fair and open debate but instead bogus arguments were put forward and our views were misrepresented. It was as if we had been cheated out of our independence.

READ MORE: SNP chief accuses Alex Salmond inquiry MSPs of 'bullying' accusers

For a long time I had resisted the idea of joining a political party. It inevitably calls for compromises with what you might believe. No-one supports every policy 100%. The differences in the SNP between the views of those on the left and right were well known and it seemed that they could be accommodated. There was a good deal of awareness of issues of social and racial justice.

Who could have predicted that problems would arise on that other axis of the political compass – authoritarianism vs libertarianism?

Many of those who now demand freedom for Scotland, who have been through the experience of 2014, and have since then actively campaigned with their time and their money, it seems to me are unlikely to accept being told what to think or say, provided we do so politely and considerately.

Jim Macgregor
Blairgowrie

WHEN Jeremy Corbyn was first elected Labour party leader, some were aware of his support for the Palestinian cause but I do not think it was generally perceived as being a strongly antisemitic base. However, as time passed and he became more popular, antisemitism seemed to become more and more prominent in reporting of Labour party affairs and existing factions seemed to emerge showing a weak leadership but more especially a party undeserving of a vote.

However, this pattern seemed to grow at great speed and dominated news about a party going into an election, which of course it lost spectacularly. At the time I couldn’t help but feel that the stirring of this story was being controlled outwith rather than within the Labour party – most probably by the British establishment.

I note the Sunday National is highlighting a growing anti-Scottish feeling in England. I must say I am not surprised. The rise of the SNP, the 20 or so polls in favour of independence, comments from within Scotland criticising the Westminster government, the apparent competence of the Scottish Government compared to the Westminster government have obviously rattled the ruling cabal at Westminster.

READ MORE: Charting the increase of anti-Scottish hostility in England

With the current factions appearing within the SNP, the situation is beginning to look like that exploited in relation to Corbyn.

Comments accompanying stories in most of the press are currently attracting more and more vitriolic comments against the Scots and their government. Even worse are the comments the BBC allow on their websites under the title “Have your say”. Comments are allowed on only selective stories. Most of the Scottish stories on which comment is allowed are those which might come under the “Scotland bad” category. What is noticeable is that the anti-Scottish comments have increased and become more vicious. If the Scots were defined as a racial group under the Equality Act, a high proportion would not be allowed.

Although there are claims about moderation, evidence of this is scant. The obvious increase of comments and the viciousness of these on both press and BBC sites would suggest the dirty hand of the UK establishment is at work.

The above is surely a reason for SNP factions to bury differences before the election, and why organisations such as NOW Scotland must be allowed to act as an umbrella organisation for the upcoming campaign. Independence must be the priority just now – difference, petty or otherwise can await the achievement of self-determination.

Colin Mowat
Laurencekirk