THE SNP Government’s ceaseless intention to use Brexit to create division and enmity has been highlighted again by Brexit Minister Mike Russell’s latest reaction to talks with the UK Government about the many new powers that will transfer to Scotland as we leave the EU (“’Attempted power grab is threat to devolution settlement’”, The Herald, August 9).

As the UK Government insists there will be a “significant increase in decision-making power of each devolved administration”, Mr Russell counter-intuitively contends it’s all simply a means to diminish Holyrood’s authority.

The reality is that an increase in Holyrood’s power as a consequence of further post-Brexit devolution is the SNP’s worst nightmare.

The SNP has little interest in devolution; it has failed to use some further powers delegated in the aftermath of the 2014 referendum. The SNP fears Scots will become satisfied with Holyrood managing much of our domestic legislation while Scotland keeps the benefits of the generous Barnett Formula, and remains within the UK single market where the majority of our trade takes place and our social and cultural ties are most strong.

Martin Redfern,

Woodcroft Road,

Edinburgh.

PROJECT fear is alive and well in the minds of some Herald correspondents who forecast apocalyptic catastrophe in their rush to judgment on the ongoing Brexit negotiations, despite having nothing more substantial to go on than media speculation and tittle tattle (Letters, August 9).

Some appear to delight in seeking to denigrate the ability of those negotiating on our behalf . They see nothing but risk rather than opportunity post Brexit and remind me of the risk-averse third servant in the parable of the talents who buried his one talent so as not to risk losing it, and was punished for that.

I much prefer the attitude of the first and second servants who were sufficiently courageous to risk using their talents to expand them and were rewarded for their efforts .

I agree with the positive sentiments expressed by Ian W Thomson (Letters , August ) and have faith in the ability of the British people to again rise to the challenge by using their talents to make a success of Brexit.

Alan Fitzpatrick,

10 Solomon’s View,

Dunlop.

IAN McLaren writes that he could almost hear Vera Lynn singing the song The White Cliffs of Dover when reading my letter on Brexit (August 8).

His views, run through with pessimism and expectation of the worst possible outcome to the Brexit negotiations, reminded me of the fictional Home Guard platoon member, Private James Frazer, in Dad’s Army. I can hear him saying, “We’re doomed – doomed”, his standard reaction to a difficulty or challenge.

Ian McLaren’s attitude and those who share his views do little, at this early stage of the exit process, to enhance the prospects of a successful outcome. Sniping from the sidelines before anything of substance has been agreed can only encourage those sitting on the other side of the table.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road,

Lenzie.

WHEN Allan Sutherland writes that the SNP should “start on the long road to convincing Scots that they are fit to run a council, never mind an independent state” (Letters, August 8), I would remind him that the SNP is in its third successive term of government in the Scottish Parliament, which suggests that the voters have confidence in its ability to run Scotland.

In throwing insults at the SNP, he also insults Scotland, a country that has given much to the world and that is perfectly capable of making its own decisions and electing democratic governments.

It wants to remain in the EU and that is why, since last year’s referendum, the SNP Government has been working to protect Scotland’s interests in Europe, and to protect Scotland from the hard Brexit being pursued by a Westminster government with no democratic mandate in Scotland.

Ruth Marr,

99 Grampian Road,

Stirling.