Sir, – While Scotland currently seems to stand alone in “respecting” the decision taken by the Catalan parliament in declaring independence, it is interesting to look at some historic parallels.
In February 1991, Iceland’s parliament voted to recognise independence for Lithuania from the Soviet Union and instructed the government to set up diplomatic ties.
While other nations stood back, it was the first such move by a Western nation.
In addition to Scotland respecting the decision on Catalan independence, a motion is to be submitted to the Finnish parliament by the MP for Lapland, Mikko Karna, calling on Finland to recognise Catalonia as an independent republic.
Mr Karna, who is part of the ruling Centre Party led by Prime Minister Juha Sipila, also sent his congratulations to Catalonia on its declaration of independence. Indications from Slovenia are that it will support independence for Catalonia.
Argentina could also formally recognise Catalonia.
While the European Union stands by, its failure to intervene in Catalonia and deliver a diplomatic solution is leading to ruptures within the bloc as nations inevitably take the decision on whether or not to recognise Catalan independence.
Alex Orr.
Flat Two,
77 Leamington Terrace,
Edinburgh.
EU has been found lacking
Sir, – As the Catalan crisis intensifies, it will prove a bitter and deterring lesson on the dangers of petty nationalism.
Viewed in this light, Scottish nationalist support for Catalan independence is brutally ironic.
The ghosts of the Spanish Civil War, in which Catalonia chose the republican side, are not far away.
For example, Spain’s feared gendarmerie, the Guardia Civil, which could soon be deployed, still uses the fasces as a symbol.
With Spain having already replaced Catalan police chiefs, it would not take much for violence to break out, and in the current euphoric state of Catalan nationalism, to spread beyond easy control.
Even without violence, we are already beginning to see the economic consequences of the disputed referendum, with banks and other major corporations moving their legal domiciles out of Catalonia.
The uncertainty will now lead to investment in Catalonia drying up.
The behaviour of the European Union, which should have played the role of an honest mediator has been cynical and short-sighted. As the EU focuses on Catalonia, a hard Brexit becomes ever more likely, and the SNP narrative on Europe loses its remaining credibility.
For Catalonia I feel very sad, but for Scotland I am delighted.
Otto Inglis.
6 Inveralmond Grove,
Edinburgh.
Unscientific speculation
Sir, – George Murdoch is really pulling the elastic of credulity to its limit with his letter suggesting pheasants are responsible for lyme disease (October 27).
I have been dealing with harvested pheasants for years and have never found a tick on one, ever.
I directly contradict him. It is easy to dismiss any link between pheasants and lyme disease, as easy as it is to dismiss a link between lyme disease and sparrows, or thrushes, or rooks, or any of our native avian species which far outnumber pheasants.
Lyme disease, and I’ve had it, will be best dealt with by the application of science rather than ill-informed speculation, especially that which is nothing more than a vehicle to further Mr Murdoch’s well known anti-estate/field sport campaign
It is clear that Mr Murdoch does not understand the life cycle of ticks, nor the means of transmission to humans, yet he propels this ignorance into pretending to offer an explanation, as yet undiscovered by scientific research.
Gerard Watts.
Persie Estate,
Bridge of Cally.
Dundee should look to Leuchars
Sir, – I read that the Bloodhound car, built to attempt a record speed of 1,000mph, had two test runs on the runway of Newquay airport, Cornwall.
This was formerly RAF St Mawgan, some five miles from Newquay.
I know that I have mentioned this before but I feel it is worth repeating. Dundee airport is in the wrong place and has little space to expand.
Subsidies to keep it open in 2018-19 will cost the taxpayer close to £4 million.
Could not Dundee and Tayside, for that matter, emulate Newquay and buy the runway at Leuchars?
It is 8,500 feet long and has been brought up to a high standard in recent years.
The army may now be using the base but the runway and an RAF presence is still there as it is a diversion airfield.
It is only eight miles from Dundee and the MoD have, in the past, indicated a willingness to consider joint usage.
It is on the main railway line and access to the road network is good.
Airlines, such as Ryanair have stated in the past that they would be interested in operating flights from Leuchars.
What is not to like about my suggestion?
John Dorward.
89 Brechin Road,
Arbroath.
Focus on fixing health crisis
Sir, – The latest Audit Scotland report on NHS Scotland highlights the severe challenges being faced by this service.
Health like education, continues to suffer from 10 years of SNP mismanagement.
Problems such as the pressures of a growing elderly population and ever more costly medicines and procedures, would test even the most effective and diligent of governments.
But the SNP seem happiest with distractions like their support for a smacking ban, their other ill-judged interference in family life with the named person scheme, and a range of other nanny state interventions.
It will take hard graft, focus and considerable political courage to find ways to help our medical professionals and teachers overcome the mismatch of limited resources and growing demand.
Yet an SNP Government with a weather eye on headlines and an overriding constitutional ambition, seems always to be more comfortable putting its energy elsewhere.
Keith Howell.
White Moss,
West Linton.
