World service

Published on 01/08/2012 00:00

David Stevenson’s suggestion (Letters, 31 July) of following Norway’s example and appointing international consuls makes good sense.

Using our diaspora we could probably find honorary consuls in most countries.

Without the need for expensive and inefficient offices over-manned by overpaid officials many expatriate Scots would consider it an honour to represent their homeland in their present country of residence.

Aside from the cost of a couple of hundred Saltires and brass door plates such a system could reap benefits in gaining Scotland recognition throughout the world.

However, it would help if these ideas were actually emanating from the SNP. At the moment its policy development seems to have stalled.

Its most recent suggestions, such as membership of the 
Monetary Policy Committee, were not thought out and the present defence suggestions on equipment and staff levels would 
not only reduce Scotland’s standing in the views of many 
countries but also stand a good chance of wasting money on 
trying to maintain them far above Scotland’s needs.

The next two years need to be full of plans for Scotland’s transport, education, health, social policy, international relations, defence and the other policies that a real government needs.

Looking at some of the 
output so far it would seem that some of the SNP hierarchy are 
actually scared of a win in the referendum and all it entails and are instead aiming for the Scottish football policy of a glorious defeat.

Bruce D Skivington

Strath

Gairloch, Wester Ross

David Stevenson rightly highlights the overseas aid given 
by the First Minister’s various initiatives and that of the British government’s overseas aid programmes.

It should be remembered that a great deal of urgent and continuing aid is given by several well-known UK charities together with the various parish church undertakings.

Colin C MacLean

Hillpark Avenue

Edinburgh