Just let monarchy fade away naturally - your views

Just let monarchy fade away naturally

Subjects have accused Nicola Sturgeon of 'pandering to republicans' after she chose not to support the Earl and Countess of Strathern, - yes, I had never heard of them either - better known as Will and Kate, when they ignored Covid guidelines to travel to Scotland.

When people across the UK have been making great sacrifices to keep each other safe from coronavirus, this dangerous and completely unnecessary royal trip, which was promoted as raising the morale of Scottish subjects when it really is all about promoting inherited and unearned privilege, was an insult to Scottish citizens.

This anachronistic concept harks back to feudalism and the divine right of kings, when people were bullied and frightened into acceptance.

When reports show that the monarchy is not as popular as some would make out, particularly in Scotland, is it past its sell by date? Although republicans are right to call for its immediate abolition, there is a suggestion that the monarchy could be phased out after the reign of the present Queen comes to an end. I believe this is an idea that is gaining ground, particularly in Scotland.

Jack Fraser, Clayknowes Drive, Musselburgh.

West of Scotland bias over Covid tiers

I am, not for the first time, disgusted by the disgraceful west of Scotland bias shown by the SNP Scottish government after hearing the latest coronavirus update.

The treatment meted out over the last several weeks to Edinburgh and Midlothian in particular regarding tier placement, is shocking and is in total contravention of the statistical data.

Beware, at your peril, East of Scotland voters, how you vote in any future independence referendum as you quite clearly will be totally ignored and dominated by blatant west of Scotland bias.

This is the final straw for me, if indeed one was required. I shall never again vote SNP nor vote for separation, to then suffer unfair domination from an administration within Scotland.

Edinburgh Council should find a modicum of gumption to fight this bias against the east.

Jim Wilson, Dalry Road, Edinburgh.

EU state aid rules no help to indyref

The BiFab wind turbine plant goes bankrupt, while orders for turbines for this country go elsewhere.

Both the Scottish and UK governments say that they are hampered by EU state aid rules - a problem in the current negotiations with the EU. The SNP surely has an issue here - is this not the same EU they are so keen to get us back in to?

William Ballantine, Dean Road, Bo'ness, West Lothian.

Forget indyref2, save business instead

Angus Robertson goes into great detail about Brexit and how Scotland is getting dragged out against our will (News, December 8).

But if we had voted to leave the UK in 2014, Scotland was having to leave and reapply to join the EU with no guarantee of getting back in. It must be OK to leave Europe, but only on the terms of the SNP, it seems.

Angus’ party should be putting their efforts into saving Edinburgh's businesses and people's livelihoods, not an indy 2, as they have kept Edinburgh in tier three again.

We have been the most compliant city following the rules, and data figures and health chiefs pointed to a lower tier for weeks.

So much for following the science - they just do what they want.

Craig Naysmith, Mountcastle Crescent, Edinburgh.