Odious system

Published on 18/09/2012 00:00

I am aghast to find myself in agreement with Alexander McKay (Letters, 15 September), but he is correct: the British 
honours system is odious. He is impertinent, therefore, to assume I make an exception for Sean Connery, even though I admire the way the latter has supported the independence movement for many years. I do not.

Likewise, I’ll wager Mr McKay has not a shred of evidence that the SNP “pleaded” for Connery’s knighthood.

Everyone knows that the honours system – in particular knighthoods and peerages – is blatantly used by the British establishment to reward time servers (with some honourable exceptions) who can be relied upon to bolster that establishment.

That is one reason I argued (Letters, 14 September) that a knighthood for Andy Murray would be absurd.

I note that Mr McKay does not refute my suspicion that the motivation behind that proposal would be to ensure, as far as possible, that this great “British” sportsman does not step out of line before the referendum.

A Scottish honours system will no doubt evolve in due course. Something along the lines of the Medal of Freedom (USA) or Legion of Honour (France) will do nicely.

David Roche

Alder Grove

Perth

It IS fitting that the people of the Scottish towns and cities to which our Olympic heroes and heroines belong should have turned out in such large numbers to acclaim their achievements. The bond between the athletes and their communities is strong and this was particularly exemplified with the reception given to Andy Murray by the people of Dunblane.

The local community has shared the ups and downs of Andy’s career and it was great that he turned up to thank the people of his home town for the support he has been given over the years.

The Olympians are a credit to their communities, Scotland and Britain and it is important that these people are applauded for their sporting success and not used as a political football.

Bob MacDougall

Kippen

Stirlingshire

I am afraid David McEwan Hill (Letters, 17 September) has it the wrong way round. It was not those booing the First Minister in Glasgow who were making political points. It was Alex Salmond himself.

Why he thought it necessary to be there and make speeches on that occasion speaks volumes about his character. This was an occasion for the athletes.

It was day for politicians on the make to stay clear. Yet, like a moth to flame, the ego of Alex Salmond could not resist the cameras and crowds.

It is this fatal weakness for following every passing band wagon and camera that led to the deserved booing he received and his own fate is likely to be similar to the flame-attracted moth. His reception may be a mild taster of what will follow if he tries to cash in politically at the Commonwealth Games.

Alexander McKay

New Cut Rigg

Edinburgh