Going nowhere

Ronald Rankin (Letters, 17 February) is correct to say Scotland is stony ground (more like reinforced concrete) for the Tories.

A smaller number of MPs from Scotland – say 30 instead of 59 – would instantly cut Labour's representation from about 40 to 20. It would also reduce costs dramatically and make Westminster more representative, since so little of its business concerns Scotland.

It is difficult to see the Tories or SNP increasing their numbers significantly – just look at the Glenrothes and Glasgow North East by-elections – and if the unionists in Northern Ireland back a Tory administration, the new government could have more representation there than in Scotland.

In reality, the Tory leader could have promised anything in Scotland, as it is unlikely to affect the party's number of seats. Whether Scotland stays in the union or gets independence is immaterial to the Tories until the party reconnects with the Scottish electorate

BRUCE D SKIVINGTON

Pairc a Ghlib

Gairloch, Wester Ross