IF Alex Salmond was to live up to expectations of the inspirational character who confirmed my belief that Scotland should determine its own future, he would now finally find a way to set aside his differences with Nicola Sturgeon and propose that she take a leading role in the new independence campaign of the wider Yes movement once the best route forward has been determined.

While there is still much debate around de facto referendums and possible alternatives, whatever route emanates as the preferred option from the SNP special conference (hopefully fully considering views across the wider Yes movement), these two very able and charismatic individuals working co-operatively towards their shared primary goal would soon deliver the sustained and clear majority support that will form the foundation of returning Scotland to independence.

Such a formidable alliance is what most of those attempting to sustain the dysfunctional “Union” fear as they know that when the various strands of the Yes movement are enthusiastically brought together, the Scottish public will no longer be “divided” but united in the knowledge Scotland has the talent and the resources to confidently determine its own destiny.

With Jeremy Corbyn and left-wing politics effectively ostracised from the Labour Party, most socialists know independence is now the only realistic route to socialist governance in Scotland and, rather than rely on Tony Blair devotees at Westminster and Holyrood, genuine Scottish socialists will democratically support self-determination to remain true to their core principles as espoused by Labour’s founder, Keir Hardie.

READ MORE: Mairi McAllan rules herself out of SNP leadership race

The time for Scotland to progressively embark on its own path is now.

Stan Grodynski

Longniddry, East Lothian

I REMEMBER that before Nicola Sturgeon took over the reins of the SNP the media were adamant the party was a one-man band and no-one could replace Alex Salmond. Well, how wrong they were. Even now they say Nicola will be hard to replace – I agree but not impossible.

The Scottish media know the SNP have an abundance of talent to choose from. The English media, including some whose journalistic teeth were cut in Scottish politics, show little respect for Scotland.

There was one exception. Robert Peston gave the best compliment on his dealings with Nicola when he reported that when he did interviews with her she at least attempted to answer the questions that were put to her. Contrast that with Fiona Bruce’s performance in the last two Question Times.

Where now for Nicola? I would like to suggest she should be head of the next Yes campaign. She is clearly a leader, has respect across the political spectrum and could unify most groups and individuals. The party would be free to get on with governing the Scottish Parliament.

Alex Kerr

Paisley

WHILE I accept the SNP party leadership has made a decision to cancel the special conference, it was unnecessary and possibly unhelpful.

The point of the conference was to discuss what could or could not be done and create a set of strategic options. Regardless of who the new leader is going to be, those options remain exactly the same given that, as a recognised political party aspiring to govern it has to be seen to be following the laws as they exist.

Having a conference to review those options would allow party members and interested by-standers to listen to each of the candidates’ views. Whoever wins would, of course, need to create the tactics to achieve the strategic goal but, importantly, it would have allowed party members to make a better-informed judgement on who to select as leader.

And, of course, not forgetting that getting a referendum is not the same as winning it and for that all of us have to set aside minor differences or perhaps even cherished specific wishes to help persuade the undecided of the merits of independence.

Comparing that with the constitutional status quo which is essentially continual rounds of Tory self-interest interspersed by occasional Labour administrations trying and failing to undo the damage caused to society and further failing to instigate any long term improvement.

Nicola Sturgeon has achieved a great deal for us and for everyone there comes a time when enough is enough.

While many of us all voted to give the SNP a mandate for a referendum it was not in her or our power to hold one that would be recognised. Neither Nicola nor Alex Salmond could overturn that autocratic power held by the Prime Minister. Not being able to hold that referendum is not Nicola’s fault.

READ MORE: Protesters in new clash at Erskine hotel over plans to house asylum seekers

Nick Cole

Meigle, Perthshire

WHAT an emotional time it has been – sadness at the resignation of our inspirational Nicola Sturgeon and anger at the Scottish opposition parties’ lack of respect and their inability to acknowledge the amazing contribution made by our FM and the long service she has given to our country. There has also been delight at all the worldwide tributes paid to her and hope that, as we regroup to continue on our path to independence, Nicola can take time to feel the sun on her face.

As we continue on that path, I look forward to a massive rally that will demonstrate to Westminster and the Scottish opposition parties that we are as strong as ever and mean business. They can all calm down. We know the Blue Tories and the Red Labour Tory wannabes offer Scotland nothing.

Jan Ferrie

Ayrshire

IVAN McKee is correct in saying Kate Forbes’s religious beliefs are irrelevant (The National, Saturday). Or are we to be informed of the religious beliefs of all potential SNP leadership candidates?

M D Clark

Midlothian