Cost of changes

As CHAIRMAN of the former Local Government Property Commission (Scotland) set up in 1995 to oversee the transfer of all assets between aggregating and dis-aggregating authorities in Scotland in terms of the 1994 act, I have watched with interest and understanding, but some concern, intense debate initiated by Kevin Stewart of Aberdeen City Council on the idea that some councils will have to merge (your report, 17 August).

I noted the comments by Cosla and the Scottish Government that plans do not exist to change the number of councils in Scotland. I also read the considered opinion of Alastair MacNish.

It is neither my place nor my intention to involve myself in political considerations and while I accept the need for efficiency I would urge all local authorities, Cosla and the Scottish Government very closely to consider the formal reports of the Staff and Property Commissions.

Scotland went through the agonies and ecstasies of the 1970s reconstruction with the creation of regions and districts, duly reported by the then commissions, only to see them largely disappear 20 years later.

Any process or threat of constant change is disruptive and costly, and need not lead to the anticipated or desired efficiencies. History must teach lessons, although I fear it rarely does.

(PROF) GORDON S MILNE OBE

Dovecot Grove

Edinburgh