I HAVE mentioned that I am no constitutional expert but once more could I please ask those that want to prove a point by quoting a charter, or an act, or a claim of right, please read the thing first rather than copy and paste memes containing parts of something?

One group this week had a meme up allegedly containing words from the Act of Union that took me no time at all to show came from the English maritime laws of the 1660s.

Some may think it harsh that a supporter of independence highlights these mistakes to fellow indy groups. I, however, believe that it is far better we correct our mistakes than have a Unionist do it for us.

There is no magic nugget. No hidden gem of a get-out clause. If there was, it would have been used in 2011 when we had that SNP majority government.

No, we have got what we have always had, an internationally recognised treaty so contrived as to make it as difficult as possible to leave. But that is where the constitutional experts come in to play, that is where our politicians come into play, but most of all, this is now the time when our patience comes into play.

We have had hundreds of years of this most uneven of deals. This present-day drive to independence is relatively new, being measured in decades. But we are where we are because of stalwarts sadly no longer with us.

I do honestly get that people are frustrated and some may even be annoyed, but now is the time for sensible thinking, measured response and factual information. It only takes one inaccuracy to tarnish all the good stuff that you have achieved, so let us leave the rampant hysteria to the Unionists.

Cliff Purvis

Veterans for Scottish Independence 2.0/SNP Armed Forces and Veterans

TO the best of my knowledge, not one of the 60-plus British colonies which have gained independence did so with the blessing of London (please correct me this is not so). Indeed, many only became free after much violence and bloodshed; Eire, Cyprus, Aden and Kenya come to mind.

This Scottish colony is now the only jewel in the imperial crown, and as National readers have observed, Westminster will never willingly allow Scotland with all its riches to depart the Union.

The English Supreme Court has closed off any democratic route to independence – we are legally trapped in the Union. Ah you say, but there is the SNP’s single issue General Election. As an old (very old) cynic, my answer is, do you really think Westminster will not legislate against this option?

In spite of the UK already being viewed as a political basket case, the loss of Scotland will be a mortal blow to England’s tattered international prestige, economy, pride, self-esteem, arrogance and conceit. “We have catched Scotland and we will never let her go”.

Those 60-odd former colonies are doing away fine in their own ways, and none wish to be ruled by London again. So, tell me, what exactly is the democratic and legal means by which Scotland will gain its freedom?

Richard Walthew

Duns

I HAVE noticed many players thanking their god either by pointing skywards, crossing themselves or praying on their knees after scoring. They must believe that god played a part in helping them score. A vision suddenly occurred as to why Scotland missed the late rugby penalty to lose against Australia and our football team failed to qualify for the World Cup. We are not thanking god enough!

We should stop selecting our teams on sporting merit and instead select our most devout religious leaders. God would then favour us. Imagine a rugby maul where we had a team full of monks. They could hide the ball inside their cassocks! The opposition wouldn’t know who to tackle! Our teams would clear up until the opposition followed our lead.

God might then have difficult decisions to make so might turn to VAR (video assisted religion) where he (it’s always he! Is this original misogyny?) had to decide between opposing followers. Time delays would not be a problem because he has an eternity to work in.

Campbell Anderson

Edinburgh

IN response to the 2021 census result indicating that England and Wales are now minority Christian countries, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has said that believers must now “play our part in making Christ known”.

We sincerely wish him well if this evangelical campaign is to target discerning fellow adults, but fear that what he has in mind is further proselytising to the quarter of all English primary school children in their charge, the continued enjoyment of tax exemption and a redoubled deployment of their privileged seats in government.

Neil Barber

Edinburgh Secular Society

I AM told that eggs are getting scarce. It is ridiculous that the UK Government are making conditions so bad that the chickens are now going on strike.

M Ross

Aviemore