Letters | 18 August 2012

State of the Union

Sir: One did not expect Iain Martin (‘Unionist Gold’, 11 August), a former editor of the Scotsman, to turn up in the Spectator, still arguing against Scottish nationalism and promoting the union. So that is what the Olympics are about — waving the Union flag. Not for itself. We do not rejoice in other countries’ golds, only in those of Team GB. Ah well, I said farewell to the Scotsman and will do the same to the Spectator if we cannot have a slightly higher standard of debate. How about: why is it beneficial for all countries except Scotland, one of the oldest nations, to be nation states?
Helen C. Bovey
Edinburgh

Sir: I suppose it was inevitable that the success of Team GB at the Olympics would precipitate a desperate plea by a Scottish unionist that his compatriots should take note of the benefits of the Union.