Letter: Tartan tat tactics

The abundance of shops in the Royal Mile which disgrace tartan, Scotland's world renowned image, proudly worn in our national dress, has been much spoken about (your report, 16 August) but no effective action has been taken.

If Peter Irvine is prepared to take the helm and is granted the support of the City of Edinburgh Council there will be many associations, companies and individuals ready to actively join and support him.

However, this requires a costed appraisal of a long-term strategy and an approved agenda (from the government?) for putting in place the retail profile and the quality merchandise mix that we wish to have so that Edinburgh's Royal Mile can represent a true quality image of Scotland.

Of course, that strategy must also recognise that every country sells cheap souvenirs to tourists so another location needs to be found for this. I don't think there's another capital city in the world that allows this type of trading to predominate in its most prestigious historic street.

DEIRDRE A KINLOCH ANDERSON

Kings Road

Longniddry