THE joining of Scotland to the United Kingdom was done by, and for the benefit of, the wealthy ruling classes.

The ordinary people of England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales weren’t asked.

At the time ordinary folk had no rights.

They were effectively second class citizens within their own country. The Scots formed part of those who built Britain’s railway and canal systems.

They also played an important part in the industrial revolution and making Britain’s empire a success.

For centuries the Scots have fought, and died, defending the United Kingdom.

Throughout this time Westminster has on numerous occasions implemented policies intended to eradicate the language and culture of Scotland, while making Scotland the first to get the dirty end of the stick whenever times were bad.

Equally, time and time again, the Scots, like their Irish and Welsh counterparts, have been the target of lies, stereotyping and derogatory racist comments by an ignorant English public and media.

So is it any wonder the Scots want out of the United Kingdom?

CT Riley, Spennymoor.

I WORK with a number of Scots and we have discussed the SNP success at Holyrood at great length.

It seems the reason the SNP did so well is predominantly down to the extremely effective tactics it employed during the election campaign.

While the other parties focused on the SNP’s desire for independence, the SNP concentrated on its achievements in coalition, such as free university places, free prescriptions and free social care.

It even changed its name on the ballot paper to “Alex Salmond for first minister – vote SNP”.

But before the right wingers get too excited about the Tory party obtaining a hegemony in Westminster, I’d proffer a couple of caveats.

Now it is in power the SNP faces a dilemma.

Independence in Scotland is like abortion in the US, it’s a divisive issue.

The SNP won’t put it to a referendum unless it absolutely has to since it already knows that it will lose.

This was a Scottish election won on Scottish issues.

The next UK general election will be fought on UK issues and my Scottish colleagues are telling me all those Scottish Labour voters who have just voted SNP will return to the party they most trust in Westminster – Labour.

Charlie Kay, Bishop Auckland.