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Letters / The devil you know

As far as I can remember anyone coming to these islands would ask if we were Scottish and our answer would always be No we are Shetlanders.

But now on 18 September we are going to hand our own identity over to the very people we have denied for all these years.

Gordon Harmer is right when he says every decision made and agreed on now by Alex Salmond and the SNP will be what we will have to live with for the rest of our lives (Alex Salmond and the SNP; SN 8/9/14).

The people of Scotland say they don’t like the Tories, Labour or the Liberals so what does that leave – nothing but the SNP to rule as they please whether you like it or not.

People say they will have the power to decide who says and who does what, but look no further than our own council. Have they ever listened to what we wanted? I don’t think it. So if you think a Scottish government will be any better you are living in a dream world.

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When I look around these islands which are my home I think we have not done bad with our UK government i.e. health service, sports facilities, ferry service, road services (even if it can be temperamental at times), to name but a few. So would we have had so much with a Scottish government? I think not.

I was born a Shetlander, not Scottish or English, and I can stand up and say that, but if we become independent as part of Scotland then I lose my right to say that. We will have handed it all over to Alex Salmond and the SNP.

As they say better the devil you know than the one you don’t, so I will be voting a resounding No.

Michael Mackay
Lerwick

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