State of the Union
Sir: Writing in a week that an opinion poll shows 58 per cent support for independence in Scotland, it seems bizarre for Professor Tombs to claim that commentators are ignoring ‘the death throes of separatism’ (‘Out together’, 17 October). He argues that nationalist supporters rely on the Brexit and Covid-19 crises to advance their cause, and that they will be in retreat once things return to normal. Then, once doubts begin to bubble up about the financial and economic uncertainties of independence, Scottish voters will return to the unionist cause. These arguments may give him some comfort, but here in Scotland they seem unreal. Covid-19 has given the Scottish public the chance to observe the ways the crisis has been handled either side of the border, and Nicola Sturgeon appears to have come out on top. This memory might well outlast the pandemic.
Many in Scotland voted against independence in 2014 because they were told that the only chance of staying in the EU was to remain within the UK. A ‘good’ Brexit is hardly likely to console them. As for the financial cost of independence, this will be the cause of much debate. I can only refer Professor Tombs to the many Brexiteers who acknowledge the cost of leaving the EU, but claim it is worth it to regain sovereignty. More and more Scots are now feeling the same way.
Ian McKee
Edinburgh
Carlyle perspectives
Sir: I can assure Charles Moore and your readers that the National Trust will reopen Thomas Carlyle’s house (The Spectator’s Notes, 17 October) and we will continue to share the history of the life of Carlyle and his wife Jane with all our visitors. Charles Moore takes issue with a podcast that’s available on our website, ‘Think a Likkle: Lineage of thought’.
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