Letter: Looming concern

In the First Minister's reply to the Queen's speech he stated that independence was "looming".

I believe this word implies an unwelcome imminent event.

In fact, the Chambers Dictionary gives a choice of meanings for "loom", including "to appear indistinctly or as in a mirage, especially in an exaggerated or magnified form" and "to overhang threateningly", which I think is the more common usage.

Alex Salmond is recognised as a skilled wordsmith who chooses his words carefully and it is good of him to inform Her Majesty of his concerns.

David Muncey

Lakeside Road

Kirkcaldy, Fife