The Advertiser is to be congratulated in staging the Big Debate on Thursday past.

While there was an in built advantage to the Unionist side with three representatives against two for the Independence side this imbalance was rectified by the energetic interventions of Kenneth Gibson MSP.

I am sure that this lesson has been learned , and that future debates will ensure parity of contributors.

Annabelle Goldie suggested that if Scotland was to aspire to a Scandinavian military profile then we would be less involved in international matters. This is not the case. A little research would have shown that the country which has contributed to more UN and NATO military missions than any other is Denmark which has the same population size as Scotland's.

Alan Reid repeated his contention that it would be illogical for Faslane to be our principal naval base when Scotland needs to defend our North Sea oil fields. it is extremely worrying that our Westminster representative has such a perfunctory view of our defence needs. Current Royal Naval deployments means that it's the five frigates of the Norwegian Navy which are best positioned to deal with a sudden seaborne threat to our oil fields as the nearest two UK frigates are based in Portsmouth, and the closure of Kinloss means our surveillance is undertaken for us by our Norwegian and other allies. In short the UK has in practice given up responsibility for defence of the North Sea.

But even more worrying is his complete lack of vision for the challenges and opportunities faced in the 21st century. The opening of the sea lanes over the Arctic and the international jockeying for position by our neighbours has left Britain as a mere bystander when we should be involved in the huge opportunities the North Atlantic offer in trade, exploration, energy and security. In contrast the Scottish Government's commitment to host the Scottish Defence Forces Headquarters at Faslane recognises this.

I look forward to the publication of the Scottish Government's White Paper on Independence later this year and would suggest that the Advertiser hosts another conference on the impact on the local economy of the Headquarters of the Combined Scottish Defence Forces at Faslane.

Graeme McCormick Convener YES Scotland Helensburgh and Lomond Redhouse Cottage Arden By Loch Lomond G83 8RD