Sir, The letter by M Parkin (November 7), regarding powers handed to Scotland by Westminster since 1999 beggars belief. He seems to have taken a few subjects and banded them together, and made it look like Westminster gave us control of these affairs.
Let’s take one or two examples. Sport well I am now of pension age, but I seem to remember going to international football and rugby matches while still at school and Westminster had nothing to do with them.
Health the NHS was founded in 1948 and three separate Acts of Parliament were passed for Scotland, England/Wales and N Ireland, so we have had control of our health service since that date.
Law and Order Scotland has had its own judicial system for centuries, the envy of many countries at one time.
Fisheries okay, this is one I do know something about, as I spent nearly 40 years at sea. Perhaps he doesn’t remember, but when the Heath government took us into the Common Market in the 70s “the fisheries industry was expendable”. No fisherman will ever forget that.
His assertion that we now have control over our fisheries policy is absolute rubbish. When the EU Fisheries Commission meet at the end of the year to thrash out quotas for the various countries, there are no Scottish ministers allowed into the chamber.
The decisions for the UK are taken by a UK fisheries minister. How many times did I watch the news on television, to see a minister who could not tell a haddock from a cod, come back from these meetings and say: “That was the best deal we could get.” We were always a bargaining chip and counted for very little.
So, Mr Parkin, it’s really not a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket.
Ronnie Hughes. 1 Pickford Crescent, Cellardyke.
Celebrated, not lamented
Sir, In his letter (November 7) Captain Rick E Parcell jumped to the defence of Captain McRae’s admiration of the British Empire.
While it is true that Nelson Mandela’s fight was against apartheid, that racist system of government was implemented by white South Africans to protect their wealth and privileged lifestyle a political viewpoint also held by the British Empire.
If Captain Parcell thought it acceptable to work in or visit a country that based its politics on barbarism then that was his choice, after all, we are lucky enough to live in a country that allowed him that choice.
To suggest that the British Empire was acceptable because they weren’t as brutal as others is ludicrous. Using that sort of logic we could say we should allow fox hunting again because the foxes enjoyed it, or that, given a chance, turkeys would vote for an early Christmas.
The captains should accept that the days of gunboat diplomacy have gone. The British Empire ruled by fear and sent a message to the rest of the world that racism and brutality were acceptable. Racism of any kind is “unacceptable”in today’s world.
I repeat, once again, the demise of the British Empire was celebrated by its former colonies and not lamented, as the two captains would have us believe.
T Tolland. East Park Cottage, Braidestone, Meigle.
The humour is easily missed
Sir, I read the letters from Dr John Cameron and Jim Shaw (November 11) and I must confess to, at first, taking them seriously. I initially intended to remind them that Alex Salmond responded to news of the burning of his effigy by complaining that it was unfair on Nessie to be included.
I was also going to point out that I am unaware of any of the “humourless 45” who actually took exception to the actions of a bunch of English people in Lewes.
It was at this point that I realised the two men must be a double act. Surely no person intelligent enough to be a doctor would write such a crass and ridiculous letter and mean it?
When I realised the letters were, in fact, making some ironic and comedic point I laughed long and loud.
I found it especially funny when Jim Shaw said that Alex Salmond shows contempt for political opponents, particularly the Tories.
Alex Salmond’s comments pale into insignificance when compared to David Cameron’s own colleagues’ attacks on him and even more so to the abuse showered on Ed Miliband by everyone including members of his own party.
Anyway, John and Jim, perhaps one day you will rival Francie and Josie, but you will first need to lighten up and be a bit less cryptic with your material.
I found it hilarious, but many people, I fear, will have missed the humour.
Harry Key. Mid Street, Largoward.
No need to get Peter Andre
Sir, With regard to yesterday’s article about Peter Andre switching on Perth’s Christmas lights, I read in The Courier (November 11) that Provost Liz Grant was actually doing the switch-on. So why do we need Peter Andre, or anyone else for that matter?
If people want to see the lights being switched on they will be there, no matter who is pressing the button. I think Perth and Kinross Council should be spending their (sorry, our) money on better things.
Susan Morris. 2 College Road, Methven.
Brilliant display of respect
Sir, What a brilliant display of respect and discipline from all those who took part in the Remembrance Day parades and service at the Cenotaph. I’m sure it was admired across the world.
John McDonald. 14 Rosebery Court, Kirkcaldy.