Sir – Having observed the cloned mock outrage by the SNP regarding the forthcoming visit by President Donald Trump to the UK, one wonders about the real reason behind the rhetoric.
Could it be that our nationalist politicians believe Scotland is a paragon of virtue which qualifies us to lecture other democratic countries on how they should run their affairs while being silent on dictatorships?
Or is it a smokescreen for another agenda?
For example, it could be because President Trump said Brexit would be good for the UK and that he would put us “front of the line” for a bilateral trade deal which would mean other countries would follow suit, including some countries from the EU, thus spelling the death knell for any future European-style multilateral agreements.
The reality is that there can be little doubt a successful Brexit (backed by the US) would be good for Scotland and the rest of the UK but a disaster for the SNP who want to destroy the UK single market (four times larger than the EU combined) and hitch their wagon to an increasingly dysfunctional and divided European Union.
So perhaps the next time we see Alex Salmond or Nicola Sturgeon grandstanding when lampooning President Trump, we should remember what their real agenda is – independence at any cost and not Scotland’s best interests.
Ian Lakin.
Pinelands,
Murtle Den Road,
Milltimber.
President was right on Sweden
Sir, – When President Donald Trump told his Florida rally that “Sweden took large numbers (of refugees) and has problems it never thought possible” I expected hysterics and was not disappointed.
With many of my extended family living in Sweden, I was well aware that areas of Stockholm and other major towns are run by immigrant gangs and are “no-go” areas for the police.
Since 2014, crime figures have soared and women, even when accompanied by men in city centres, are routinely attacked and sexually abused by bearded “unaccompanied” youths.
Former Prime Minister of Sweden, Carl Bildt, with a well-deserved reputation for sweeping things under the carpet, went so far as to accuse the American president of being high on drugs.
But before Mr Bildt had finished, we heard police were fighting for their lives amid blazing cars on Stockholm’s streets and had been forced to open fire on Islam’s masked rioters.
A gold-plated welfare programme and porous entry policy, leaves Sweden with the highest per capita intake in Europe with the result that two thirds of all benefit payments are given to “refugees”.
Rev Dr John Cameron.
10 Howard Place,
St Andrews.
Keep dogs under control
Sir, – We are asking dog walkers to take precautions when out walking in the countryside in the coming months.
Incidents of livestock worrying – where sheep and cattle are distressed, chased, injured or killed by uncontrolled dogs – are increasing, and we are pleading with dog owners to ensure that their pets are kept under proper control.
In addition, we are asking dog owners to avoid fields where very young livestock is present, as per the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This is particularly relevant at this time of year, when lambing and calving are under way.
Where the public takes access to fields where older livestock is grazing, we ask that they keep dogs under close control.
They should also be aware of the potential dangers that cattle can pose, particularly where a dog is present. Last year saw the highest number of livestock worrying over the last seven years, with 179 incidents, up by 40 on 2015.
We would remind the public that, while the union views the option as a very last resort, farmers do have legal rights to shoot a dog worrying livestock. There have been some cases where much-loved family pets have been shot because they have not been properly controlled by their owners.
NFU Scotland does not wish to see more instances and reiterates its plea that dog owners comply with responsible access rights.
Andrew McCornick.
President,
NFU Scotland.
We need a revaluation
Sir, – It is likely that in a few weeks’ time, the controversy over business rates will have calmed down (February 22).
There was much anguish among companies and organisations that work hard to ensure their operations are financially viable.
We should not forget though that the new levels were determined by independent valuation assessors.
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has acted, somewhat belatedly, to ease the strain.
Imagine the controversy that would have arisen if domestic properties had been given a long overdue revaluation.
This is not likely to happen because nearly all the political parties are frightened of the backlash.
The values that were determined more than 25 years ago, when the council tax was introduced, are now well out of date. To avoid any political difficulty, the Scottish Government changed the levies for E to H properties, which means many residents will face an average increase of about £500 a year on their bills, as well as allowing the local authorities to raise the tax by up to 3% for all residents.
It has put off the day of reckoning. If we are to keep the council tax there needs to be revaluations if there is to be any semblance of fairness.
Bob Taylor.
24 Shiel Court,
Glenrothes.
Unionists are running scared
Sir, – While debating a Scottish Six on Radio 4’s Today programme, Labour Peer Baroness Young stated she was against it because it would end up discussing the price of mince in Auchtermuchty.
This patronising attitude sums up the unionist mindset. They regard Scots as children who don’t really know what is good for them.
The BBC believes Scots are too parochial to be trusted with their own news programme.
Tony Blair conspired with then BBC Director General John Birt to stop a Scottish Six being established.
They feared it would lead to a groundswell of support for independence. The reason a Scottish Six is now being opposed by the unionist establishment is the same now as it was then.
Alan Hinnrichs.
2 Gillespie Terrace,
Dundee.