Letter: Nuclear target

Dr Mark Campbell-Roddis (Letters, 20 May) suggests that it is now time to question whether we should continue to rely on our "allies" for nuclear defence.

It is not at present clear which of our so-called allies has the authority to launch nuclear weapons on the civilian populations of a number of unspecified countries - the so-called nuclear deterrent policy.

I would be surprised if any of the targeted countries represent any threat to Scotland.

What is certain is that the implementation of this policy, associated with bases located in Scotland, would make Scotland a primary target in the event of a nuclear holocaust.

On this basis, it important that the Scottish Government should now be fully responsible for Scotland's defence policy.

(Dr) David Purves

Strathalmond Road

Edinburgh