Dear Editor Contrary to popular belief voting Yes in the upcoming referendum is not about emotionally distancing ourselves and ostracising Scotland from our neighbours and friends in England Wales and Ireland. It is not about any fake or historical notion of national pride of about what it means to be Scottish. I am proud of the fact that the only stipulation to vote is that be registered to vote in Scotland and that’s it.

It is also interesting to note that many supporters of Better Together viewpoint struggle to understand that the YES vote simply gives the Scottish people the opportunity for better and more representative democracy in 2016. This is particularly galling when Westminster MP’s frequently state that they feel dictated to by the EU and the ‘Bureaucrats from Brussels’. Despite the media hype (although understandably spearheading the campaign) a vote for YES is not about SNP or Alex Salmond. A 2016 parliament will likely be a broad church. Admittedly politicians currently talking down Scotland will have a lot of catching up to do, but if the voting patterns in Scotland of the last 90 years holds true, it will likely be a Labour/Unionist/left of centre government.

The only true reason to vote Better Together is if you believe in a right of centre conservative view point, and policies that the current government is implementing. Vote No if you believe in a unregulated free market that has directly led to the increasing poverty in the country, reliance on foodbanks, bedroom tax, student fees, privatisation of the NHS, banking deregulation and massive tax avoidance by the very rich, and also if you honestly believe that ‘we are all in this together’.

As a proud resident of Clacks I am very pleased to have an effective local council and like many others would not wish to be brought under the larger burgh of Stirling/Stirlingshire. Clackmannanshire Council are best placed to deliver services to the people of Clackmannan the same way that people who live in Scotland are best placed to see to their own country and the wishes of their people. Yes there are risks with independence, but none that can’t be overcome with unity and a vision. We are a rich land with a diverse economic base but frequently we will be hit with scare stories and be told that we are being irresponsible from banks and financial institutions.

On September the 18 we have the chance to change our country for the better and we should grab it.

Yours Sincerely Scott Bamford Clackmannan