Sir, – Jenny Hjul’s defence of Dr Catherine Calderwood (A bitter pill for the doctor, Courier, April 8), who she admits to have known for several years, and her vilification of the members of public who called for her resignation is disappointing but not surprising.
In fact the only surprise is she appears vaguely supportive of the first minister.
Dr Calderwood did not make a mistake.
Despite her daily stern-faced appearances on television doing a passable impersonation of the Rev I M Jolly warning of the dire consequences of not staying at home, she in fact twice made the conscious decision to travel to her holiday home and face the possible consequences.
As this is still a free country that is her right and I would defend her freedom to do so. However the consequences were that she was caught defying government advice which ironically she herself was pontificating.
Her hypocrisy was compounded by her lies over the reason for and the frequency of her visits and had to merit immediate resignation or, failing that, dismissal.
Had this happened the display of public opinion which Ms Hjul finds so concerning would not have had to take place.
Ms Hjul’s unsupported statement that Dr Calderwood is Scotland’s best public heath expert is dismissive and insulting to the deputy chief medical officer and the team of experts working in the background.
And her contemptuous comment about “the curtain twitching neighbours in Earlsferry” might well merit an apology.
Finally, regarding her approval of the less stringent controls imposed by the Swedish government, can I suggest she closely monitors their future actions and the progress of the Swedish death toll and reports back to us on developments in that country.
John Milne.
Rose Cottage,
Kirkmichael.
Police officers not immune
Sir, – I can’t believe the number of police vehicles I’ve passed with two officers inside and no protective masks.
As key frontline workers this should surely be a top priority.
Should I be stopped ,if they’re not wearing the appropriate measures to protect themselves, then I won’t be winding down my window to chat.
As someone who, when outside, is continually wearing a face mask and antiseptic gloves, I don’t expect to be compromised by essential front line staff.
Eric Travers.
38 Gellatly Road,
Dunfermline.
Garden centres could still bloom
Sir, – It is astonishing to me that the government has outlawed garden centres in their list of non-essential purchases, as if they were selling hair colouring or deluxe Belgian chocolates.
For many people gardening has been identified as a factor in keeping sane during the lockdown, a feeling much to be desired.
And like other elements of agricultural production, it is essential that this year’s production allows the way for next year’s harvest.
Garden centres can very easily function within social distancing.
And there is a strong relationship with our Tayside soft fruit production and distribution.
Holyrood can put through legislation to allow garden centres to open albeit for plant distribution alone, without following UK rules. Go to it Nicola!
Mona Clark.
9 Millbay Terrace,
Dundee.
New normal will be different
Sir, – As a recipient of one of the prime minister’s letters from Downing Street, I have to acknowledge the serious purpose and value of it .
However, in his letter the sentence ending “the sooner life can return to normal” is, I find, alarming.
What has been normal was rampant consumerism and ecological abuse, a significant factor leading to the present global crisis.
What was considered normal must be replaced with a new world order through intelligent planning and effective control measures.
The only way by which mankind can progress towards a far more tolerant and happy existence.
Kenneth Miln.
6 Swallow Apartments,
Union St, Monifieth.
Covenant more impressive
Sir, – The promotion of the Declaration of Arbroath as a touchstone and totem for the independence movement reached a mild fever pitch in the last week of thwarted celebrations of its 700th anniversary.
It may not contain any stirring “while 100 of us remain alive” phrases but I think the National Covenant had a much bigger influence on the shaping of Scotland’s society, culture, politics, enlightenment -and our character, global contribution, reputation and influence.
It also got a lot more signatures than the Declaration which, according to Neil McLennan’s new book, Conquered By No-One, was signed by 39 barons with varying personal agendas.
As with the Saltire, in appropriating Arbroath to their cause nationalists have inadvertently cheapened its noble status. I hope someone produces a factual, balanced analysis of the National Covenant, its aspirations for religious freedom, human endeavour and Scottish identity before its legacy goes the same way.
Allan Sutherland.
1 Willow Row,
Stonehaven.
