Cuckoo conscious

If Scotland does gain independence, and the Westminster government agrees to a shared currency agreement, then the Bank of England will find itself in a similar position to the host parents of a young cuckoo.

In both cases, a huge amount of commitment will be needed to nurture and protect a nestling which is unrelated to, and will do nothing to ensure the future survival of, the host species.

When fully independent, it will fly away to an uncertain future, like all fledglings, its natural parents having taken a calculated risk to give it the best chance of survival.

Still, at least the human protectors of the dependent giant in their fiscal nest would be entering into a voluntary arrangement, fully aware of all potential risks.

Carolyn Taylor

Wellbank

Dundee

In reply to R Forrest’s letter (1 February), could I call a truce over Golden Eagles and chickens and suggest that a Scotch thistle be the emblem in the centre of the Saltire flag?

The Scotch thistle is widely known and recognised and as far as I know is not edible.

Sheila Pate

Duns

Borders

call me a narrow-minded Nationalist (many do), but I suspect dirty work going on concerning the adoption of a bird as our nation avian symbol.

I always suspect the motives of Conservatives and Jackson Carlaw’s nomination has got me on alert for some devious plot.

He suggests Scotland should choose the robin. Whit! A burd most closely associated with freezing weather – and worse still – is famed for wearing England colours.

I would suggest the Ooslum bird, but we’re too late when one considers its unfortunate fate. Perhaps we should go for Scotland colours and settle for the blue tit, but given the jokes perhaps not.

Can we not settle for adopting a foreign bird? I’ll give my age away and vote for Marilyn Monroe.

Thomas R Burgess

St Catherine’s Square

Perth