I KNOW no more about Sir Nick Macpherson than I have read in the recent newspaper articles, and certainly on the face of it the appointment of a Unionist campaigner to a council set up by an SNP government is surprising, but the conclusion that his selection proves there will be no indyref2 in the immediate future is surely somewhat rash, especially from as knowledgeable and prescient a commentator as George Kerevan (Will appointment of Macpherson to economic group really sway voters?, July 12).

Your detailed report on the committee members shows that Macpherson is not the only one among them who is not an active independence supporter (Meet the team setting out economic transition to an indy Scotland, July 10). It also shows that the members have been chosen for their experience and proven expertise in business and economics and not for their individual political positions: surely an entirely proper proceeding.

READ MORE: George Kerevan: Will Macpherson's appointment to economic group really sway voters?

Furthermore, Macpherson must have agreed to serve on the council in full awareness that its aim is to prepare the ground for independence. I don’t imagine that he has done so with the intention of sabotaging the work of the committee from within: such a move would be not only flagrantly dishonest but also very foolish, as it would be seen through instantly by the other members.

I am inclined to see this appointment as a remarkably positive sign. If as experienced an economist as Sir Nick Macpherson has agreed to serve on this committee, it can only be because he has recognised that Scottish independence is not going to be long in coming. After all, it will be in England’s interests to have a prosperous country as its nearest neighbour.

Derrick McClure
Aberdeen

THE Scottish Government has just appointed a new advisory council to “draw up a 10 year national strategy for economic transformation”. On this council is Sir Nicholas Macpherson, former Permanent Secretary to the Treasury and the key adviser on George Osborne’s appalling and discredited austerity policy. He was also a virulent opponent of independence during the referendum and broke civil service rules in order to get publicity for his views.

READ MORE: Michael Fry: Those angry at 'arch Unionist' on Scotland's economic council must face reality

But even more disturbing is the lack of clarity in the remit. Does this strategy include the transition to an independent state with a Scottish currency and central bank? Does it include full control of all fiscal policy, including corporate taxation as well as monetary policy? Does it include all trade and industry and employment policy? What scenarios on trading relations are envisaged?

If none of these are included in a ten-year policy programme, what does this tell us about this government’s intentions and expectations?

Isobel Lindsay
Biggar

THE hysterical reaction from some leading figures in the independence movement over the appointment of one of 17 members to the Scottish Government’s new Economic Advisory Council is worrying; claims that it is conclusive proof that the SNP has abandoned independence should be dismissed as nonsense. Do they envisage an independent Scotland where political views override ability and qualifications for employment?

The appointment of Nicholas Macpherson to the new council should be welcomed; he has long-term experience of working at the highest levels within the UK Government.

READ MORE: SNP appointment of 'arch Unionist' to economic council criticised by Yessers

They should remember he has said that Brexit changed the terms of the independence debate and that Scotland now has greater potential to bring in skills and investment as a result of its improved fiscal credibility under Nicola Sturgeon’s government.

The acceptance of invitations to serve in this council by so many capable people from such a diversity of backgrounds is a sign of the confidence that they share with many of us in Scotland’s future under our present government.

John Jamieson
South Queensferry

WHAT an inspiring group of diverse appointments made by the Scottish Government to the council drawing up the 10-year national strategy for economic transformation for Scotland, covering a broad range of specialisms, views on finance and independence, which shows the intelligent way the government have gone about creating the council.

People who speak negatively of the group look at the appointments through the prism of their own bubble.

A country is a diverse group of people with diverse views and a broad spectrum of financial and political leanings. An inclusive, independent country has to be able to accommodate all, particularly if a referendum is to succeed.

READ MORE: Who's on the Scottish Government's new economic council?

What kind of council would it be if the members only represented one political stance? I would argue one not representative of all Scots. Why would people who are more right-of-centre accept a council made up of only left-of-centre appointees? A good government looks to represent all their citizens, not just those with the loudest voice.

One only has to look to Westminster to see how absolute power corrupts absolutely, with their increasingly right-wing takeover and the left being marginalised through the lack of a clear left-wing vision.

The appointment of Nick Macpherson is a piece of brilliant strategic planning. Who better to have on board than the person who was so good that his intervention advising George Osborne was the “turning point” in indy2014? Mr MacPherson is aware of the brief that he has accepted, and if he is subversive to the council then I am sure he will quickly be replaced.

The old adage of keep your friends close and your enemies closer still seem to fit this situation perfectly.

Christine Smith
Troon