Sir, It would seem that Jenny Hjul has ceased her character assassination of Alex Salmond and turned her attention to his successor.
She suggests that Nicola Sturgeon is in the process of reneging on her recent pledge to put Scotland first.
Unlike some of her readership, Miss Hjul may regard herself as an accomplished journalist, but it would seem she has scant knowledge of the workings of the political mind. She believes, apparently, that Miss Sturgeon’s recent indication that she would welcome participation in a Westminster coalition as both a betrayal of her promise to Scotland and a lust for a higher personal profile.
In fact, nothing could be further from the truth as Nicola Sturgeon, the politician, recognises that the balance of power will still lie with Westminster no matter what extra powers may be given to Scotland under “devo max”. She is merely looking to take advantage of any increase in the number of SNP seats in London.
A recent opinion poll forecast, and I am no nationalist voter, has put the possible number as high as 54, and if that prediction is even close in reality it will give the first minister a much stronger bargaining position to achieve more of her aims at putting Scotland first, which is far from fading fast.
Finally, Jenny accuses Nicola of embarking on another journey of pitting Scot against Scot and all of us against our fellow Brits, instead of recognising that the prospect of any future referendum is bound up in a popular uprising which looks more like growing than fading away.
However, as always, only time will tell.
Allan A MacDougall. 37 Forth Park, Bridge of Allan.
Better together real proof
Sir, Surely there is no better illustration of the cohesion of the people of the United Kingdom than the ceremonies of Remembrance that were held last Sunday.
It remains an abhorrent thought that such cohesion might have been broken in September by the short-sighted and short-term aspirations of our various nationalists who appear oblivious to the realities of geopolitical influences and the dangers to world peace of the growth of corrupt dictatorships in the governance of nations.
Derek Farmer. Knightsward Farm, Anstruther.
Politicians and power danger
Sir, The recent television programme relating to the fall of the Berlin wall, gave a rather frightening insight into how the lives of ordinary people could be completely destroyed by politicians.
The wall, which was 95 miles long and manned by armed guards at 302 check-points, completely cut off (by land) West Berlin from East Germany from 1961 until it was torn down in 1989, proving beyond doubt how politicians and uncontrollable power are so closely integrated! John McDonald.
14 Rosebery Court, Kirkcaldy.
Moving tribute to the fallen
Sir, On November 11 my husband and I visited Edinburgh’s Garden of Remembrance beside the Scott Monument, to pay our respects to my grandfather, John Gordon from Dundee, who died at Arras in May 1917.
John had served in the 6th Battalion, Black Watch. We had obtained a small wooden cross through Poppy Scotland in his memory and this was planted, along with thousands of others, in the garden. The sight of row upon row of crosses made a moving tribute to the fallen.
Finding John Gordon’s cross was made easier as we added a red dot sticker to make it more prominent.
Hazel Allan. 21 Stratheden Road, Broughty Ferry.
Others better qualified
Sir, I was incensed to read in Wednesday’s Courier that Peter Andre has been hired to switch on Perth’s Christmas lights and sing us a song or two (which, to be fair, is more than Mark Wright did last year).
Apparently Mr Andre was hired by our city centre manager, without as much as a mandate from our elected council, which is somewhat surprising as ultimately it is taxpayers’ money which will foot the bill.
Who, then, would be best qualified for the privilege of lighting up our city? Well, what about Bethany Haines who has conducted herself, as have her family, in a brave and dignified manner, as did her heroic father, Peter, in the face of a barbaric regime?
G E Muir. 70 Abbey Road, Scone.
No guidance needed…
Sir, I heartily endorse Tom Black’s letter of November 12 and fully agree with him on most points.
However, with regard to India where overpopulation in urban areas is a major constraint towards further economic development, the country needs no guidance from Westminster.
India, to its advantage, has assimilated the best of The Raj. Unfortunately, the UK has, it seems, tossed out anything suggestive of discipline and common sense.
Kenneth Miln. 22 Fothringham Drive, Monifieth.