Dear Orkney News.
Given that I have only had a brief read of newspaper reports on the Growth Commission findings I cannot make a detailed judgement. But there are a few points I would like to make.
The report is based on where we are now, so we should always be mindful that at the time of Independence (the sooner the better) the economic situation will almost certainly in a different position (Brexit, Brexit, always Brexit!).
On currency, I would hold with having an independent Scottish currency sooner than later. Utilising the new National Investment Bank to give Scottish savers the opportunity to invest in the future infrastructure and economy of Scotland. And given the current paucity of returns on savings, I am sure a good proportion of Scottish savers would be willing to invest in an Independent Scotland.
Finally trust. In the run up to the 2014 referendum at a get together in Kirkwall, I asked Alex Salmond if he trusted Westminster to adhere to the Edinburgh agreement. He assured me that Westminster would, but I was deeply sceptical (he may have been himself, but didn’t want to scare the horses). Given everything that has happened since I would caution an approach of being hopeful but plan for the opposite.
Yes then, yes now, yes always.
Jon Southerington, Orkney
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