I DO realise the timing of indyref2 is crucial. I also realise I could be wrong in my assertions that our bid for self-determination should be now.
Whether you agree or disagree with me, maybe we could still agree that now is the time to present our position on many controversial topics. The SNP could take the wind out of their critics’ sails by presenting the answers before they ask the awkward questions.
A potential Achilles’ heel in our bid for independence is our position on fisheries.
When we rejoin the European Union after independence we must hold firm on getting a better deal for our fishermen. So I’m hoping our MEPs are currently in informal discussions with our European allies regarding this.
Let’s get our act together now. We use to have a saying in our house “you can be so sharp you cut yourself”.
Let’s not hesitate too long and waste our chance for self-determination.
Robin MacLean
Fort Augustus
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here