Sir, While I have the greatest respect for our local councillors, who do generally do a good job under very difficult conditions for very little reward or recognition, I felt that I must respond to last week’s article by Councillor Willie Archibald.

His assertion that “Essentially who 'won’ the referendum was irrelevant” left me astounded – joined I am sure by the over 65 per cent of people in the Borders and the South of Scotland who voted No last September, who will be further astonished to read later in the article that the referendum result was “much closer than many expected”!!

It is becoming clearer by the day that the SNP have not accepted the maxim that No means No, and will continue to ask the question until they get the right answer – at whatever cost to the people of Scotland. Their continued demand to have power over all financial matters would mean Scotland having to face far greater cuts to our public that those implemented by the last Conservative government.

Which brings me to the symbiotic relationship (yes I can use big words too) that the SNP has with the Conservatives. Each of these parties thrive on the division caused by their respective increase in support and the threat of their potential power.

No surprise then that locally the SNP are using a poll conducted by Lord Ashcroft (former Conservative Party Treasurer) to persuade electors that in Dumfries, Clydesdale and Tweeddale it's a “two horse race”. The voters will make their decision, based not on opinion polls but on who will best represent the constituency.

Returning finally to Councillor Archibald’s article, I also think that to describe those who are against the location and cost of the Great Tapestry of Scotland (costs which will be borne by local council tax payers) as “tumshie heids” is deeply offensive and demonstrates a lack of respect for the democratic process.

I am, etc.

Robin Tatler Peebles Sir, While I have the greatest respect for our local councillors, who do generally do a good job under very difficult conditions for very little reward or recognition, I felt that I must respond to last week’s article by Councillor Willie Archibald.

His assertion that “Essentially who 'won’ the referendum was irrelevant” left me astounded – joined I am sure by the over 65 per cent of people in the Borders and the South of Scotland who voted No last September, who will be further astonished to read later in the article that the referendum result was “much closer than many expected”!!

It is becoming clearer by the day that the SNP have not accepted the maxim that No means No, and will continue to ask the question until they get the right answer – at whatever cost to the people of Scotland. Their continued demand to have power over all financial matters would mean Scotland having to face far greater cuts to our public that those implemented by the last Conservative government.

Which brings me to the symbiotic relationship (yes I can use big words too) that the SNP has with the Conservatives. Each of these parties thrive on the division caused by their respective increase in support and the threat of their potential power.

No surprise then that locally the SNP are using a poll conducted by Lord Ashcroft (former Conservative Party Treasurer) to persuade electors that in Dumfries, Clydesdale and Tweeddale it's a “two horse race”. The voters will make their decision, based not on opinion polls but on who will best represent the constituency.

Returning finally to Councillor Archibald’s article, I also think that to describe those who are against the location and cost of the Great Tapestry of Scotland (costs which will be borne by local council tax payers) as “tumshie heids” is deeply offensive and demonstrates a lack of respect for the democratic process.

I am, etc.

Robin Tatler Peebles