Foreign interests

The First Minister welcomes the opening of the expanded Amazon warehouse (your report, 14 November). Fine, but to go on to laud all the “foreign” companies that have set up in Scotland is beset with risks. They get direct and indirect subsidies from all taxpayers. They can up and leave at a moment’s notice (Motorola is an example). The profits are exported.

It remains a flaw in the separation argument that there are so few large home-owned companies; their taxes are essential to bolster oil-derived revenue, much of which stems from “overseas” interests.

A clear, detailed publication of the income/expenditure balance sheet after separation is needed, not just a generalised welcome for companies which partly rely on Scottish low pay for success.

Joe Darby

Cullicudden

Dingwall