Bruce’s legacy

I WAS surprised to learn that the most prominent descendant of King Robert the Bruce is the Earl of Elgin (your report, 17 May). Intending no disrespect to his lordship, I’d have thought, in terms of traditional hierarchies, that the Queen was rather more prominent a descendant.

However, since the Bruce’s grandson, Robert II, had at least 24 children (and probably many more), I suspect there’s a fair proportion of the Scottish population (and the world at large) that’s descended from the Bruce. I imagine a proportion of them will be voting Yes. And judged by more meritocratic standards than The Scotsman has applied, some might have opinions as worthy of consideration as that of the Earl of Elgin.

Robert Seaton

Bedford Court
Edinburgh