Letter: Scots dosh only

Published on 30/03/2012 00:00

BRIAN Wilson must have memory problems. In his unsubtle attack on the SNP, (Perspective, 25 March) he fails to mention Bernie Eccleston’s £1 million donation to Labour investigated after the ban on tobacco advertising was lifted on Formula One racing cars in 1997.

Or that the Hindujahs received passports after a Labour donation in 2001 or the £2m donation received from non-dom Lakshmi Mittal in 2002, or that Enron was accused of buying access to Labour after its donation in 2002 or more recently the cash for peerages scandals in 2006.

He ignores the fact that the three largest donors in the SNP’s history gave the money as ordinary Scots who believed in independence and sought nothing in return.

In the 1980s the SNP was heavily reliant on the income from the Neil Trust after a legacy of almost £1m. The poet Edwin Morgan left a similar amount, as did the recent pools winners Mr and Mrs Weir, who are long-term supporters. As the Electoral Commission records show, Labour in Scotland is highly dependent on London for finance, as it raises very little money from ordinary Scottish voters.

If we are to have reform then money from outside Scotland should not be allowed to influence Scottish Parliament elections or an independence referendum.

Calum Stewart

Montague Street

Edinburgh