Sir, Congratulations to Allan Petrie (Letters, April 26) for his well constructed piece highlighting Jenny Hjul’s lack of proper research behind her latest attack on both the SNP and the perceived evils of Scottish nationalism.
The main thrust of her argument was enthusiastically based on findings by the CBI, which that organisation quickly retracted within days.
He also touched on British nationalism and the conditional readiness of the British to participate within the international family of nations provided that its representatives were allowed to be mother.
Put another way, they would only take part if they were allowed to run the show.
If we really wish to understand this mindset, there is a need to honestly accept that this attitude to others has been nurtured since the Norman invasion by the progeny of the invaders who strongly believe, and still do to this day, that government should be by a monarchy supported without question by a powerful aristocracy.
Whether we choose to believe it or not, these faceless people have a major political influence, and not all of them sit in Westminster as elected representatives to exercise their assumed right to control.
On September 18 this year Scotland will have the opportunity to break away from unelected domination, but whether all those entitled to vote fully grasp what a great chance they have to determine their future destiny is open to question.
Allan MacDougall. 37 Forth Park, Bridge of Allan.
Happy to help them go . . .
Sir, I note that during The Courier’s Referendum Roadshow trips staff have met and interviewed the odd person who declares that if Scotland votes for independence in September they will leave the country.
I am not a wealthy man, by any manner of means, but I am charitable and would happily contribute something to their bus fare to help them on their way. I will even help them to pack should they so desire and will blow them a cheery kiss goodbye as they leave.
Ronald Henderson. 15 Durley Dene Crescent, Bridge of Earn.
Extra MEP expense
Sir Another cost of becoming a new state in the European Union is the cost of the extra members of the European Parliament we’d have to have.
Small states in Europe have more MEPs than Scotland has right now. Finland, with the same number of people as us, has to pay for 13 MEPs compared to our six.
It would be part of the price of being a new state in the European Union.
At £1.7 million a pop, MEPs and their related costs don’t come cheap. But with more and more powers delegated to them, at least we’d have more votes. Not that an extra seven MEPs in a parliament of 766 members would make much difference.
Our extra seven MEPs would cost us another £12 million every year. Never mind! It’s only an extra £5 each for every home in Scotland. Every year.
Andrew Dundas. 34 Ross Avenue, Perth.
We can sort it on May 22
Sir, The relaxation of the law concerning the behaviour of travelling people (Letters, April 22) is but another example of an EU diktat that may suit Southern Europe, but has no place in our better managed society.
There are many other such unacceptable examples and their removal can start by proper use of the ballot box on May 22.
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross.
Not health and safety’s fault
Sir, I read with interest the article about health and safety gone crazy and the market being banned from Market Street in St Andrews (April 25), but was puzzled about which health and safety regulations applied.
The answer is none, so it is unfair to lay the blame of moving the popular market at health and safety’s door.
If the real reason is that there has been a significant increase in traffic and a higher risk of injuries, why not say so? The “elf and safety” excuse looks tired.
I’d urge any of your readers wanting to check if a health and safety excuse is genuine to contact the Myth Busters Challenge Panel at www.hse.gov.uk/myth
David Snowball. Director Scotland & Northern England, Health & Safety Executive, Belford House, 59 Belford Road, Edinburgh.