SIR – While David Barnett was sitting down to write his “Maybe Scotland shows the way” piece (T&A, September 19) some residents of Pullan Avenue, Eccleshill, spontaneously talked with us about the Scottish vote.

As I picked up the paper at 7am in the Co-op the following morning, the result was being discussed and the lady on duty at the till said that her husband had been up all night watching results.

That is an astonishing achievement for a political campaign which took place on the other side of Berwick and Carlisle, as was the turnout of more than 84 per cent and a mainly good natured and overwhelmingly peaceful exercise in democracy.

They do things differently in the Ukraine!

I cannot support David’s call for an “Independent North” but I would welcome cross-party co-operation in a “Home Rule for Yorkshire” campaign – real devolution within a federal Britain.

Scotland has reminded us that when politicians get into conversation with people on the ground about matters that really concern them this can generate enthusiasm, lively debate and hope.

I am no lover of referendums, but on this occasion the message must be “Thank you Scotland”.

Councillor Geoff Reid , (Liberal Democrat, Eccleshill), Woodfield Close, Bradford