Fare's fair

As usual, the Scottish media and opposition parties can't see the meat for the veg in the SNP's hugely successful auction for a lunch with Alex Salmond (your report, 5 February).

Two matters stand out. The quality of the food must have improved immeasurably since I dined there more than three years ago.

And the auctioneer who managed to achieve such a figure for a dinner has an exceptional talent which the Scottish Government should harness immediately.

Just think what savings he could achieve for the Scottish public purse in negotiating land and other acquisitions and disposals.

GRAEME McCORMICK

Arden

Dunbartonshire