Sir, – I am struck, but hardly surprised, by the arrogant and misguided authority with which the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, parrots the UK Government line that there should not be another independence referendum in Scotland “for a generation”.
This is straight out of the Donald Trump playbook and it is, of course, not for Mr Jack, Mr Johnson or any other UK Government minister to decide whether there should be another referendum north of the border. We live in a democracy and this is a decision for the Scottish people.
One can, however, recognise the Tory government’s concerns as over the course of the last few months opinion polls, now 12 in total, have shown that the majority of Scots are in favour of independence.
Mr Jack and his colleagues need to remove their tin ears and listen to what the Scottish people are saying.
Professor John Curtice is absolutely right when he notes that Boris Johnson cannot “bind” the Scottish electorate, who have the “right to be fickle”.
If the electorate decide that they wish to back another referendum, and they give the SNP an overall majority at the next Scottish Parliamentary elections, then it would be foolish in the extreme for Westminster to ignore this.
Alex Orr.
Marchmont, Edinburgh.
Safety in spotlight at Letham Grange
Sir, – So, neither the owner of Letham Grange Hotel nor Angus Council consider the building a “danger to the public” nor a “safety hazard for local residents” (Residents demand action as former luxury golf estate is ‘left to go to rack and ruin’, Courier, November 6). Really?
During the nine years that Letham Grange Golf Club was a tenant, it was not unusual to observe heavy pieces of masonry falling from the building facade, sufficiently frequently to warn golfers to stay clear of some areas.
The club also (at its own expense) fenced off the conservatory to protect both golfers and members of the public legitimately exercising their “right to roam” from the risk of falling glass from the rotten wooden frame.
This has not subsequently been reinstated by the owner.
Earlier this year, following a storm, a large piece of Perspex from the conservatory was found more than 50 yards from the building across a road.
Regarding the integrity of the listed building itself, it was highly fortunate that an estate resident spotted the roof fire before it had a chance to take hold back in June.
Has the fire service reported on the probable cause and potential consequences?
By what standards are the owner and our own council officials judging the risks not to be a danger or safety hazard that needs urgently to be addressed?
Rob Kelly.
Former Treasurer,
Letham Grange Golf Club.
If only the UK could rid itself of Brexit
Sir, – Congratulations to the USA for ending the nightmare that was the Trump presidency.
President-elect Joe Biden, along with Kamala Harris, will take the country back to its true place in the world. They will rejoin the World Health Organisation, Nato, the Paris Agreement and all the other major world institutions Trump rubbished.
I am so jealous the US people had, and took, the opportunity to rid themselves of the madness. If only we had the chance to kick out Johnson and his government and even at this late stage rid our country of the madness that is Brexit.
Harry Key.
20 Mid Street, Largoward.
VAR has uses, but let officials run games
Sir, – Jim Spence (Courier, November 7) hit the nail on the head regarding the current ruling on handball.
As an ex-referee, I was always taught that the action had to be deliberate, and it is frustrating to see some of the idiotic decisions being given today. The same goes with offside. Being a kneecap or elbow in front should not be given as an infringement.
VAR has its uses, eg looking at serious fouls, but please leave it to the officials to run the game.
Malcolm Hodgson.
Comerton Place, Drumoig.
