Lost city

I noticed that Edinburgh wasn't listed among the top 221 cities in the world, according to the Mercer 2010 Quality of Living Survey, even though London, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Belfast were all there.

So I e-mailed Charles Salmans, the director of global public relations for Mercer, and his reply was: "For whatever it's worth, on several occasions my family and I have helped the economy by spending tourist money at the Edinburgh Festival. I have yet to attend the 'Aberdeen Festival'. Edinburgh is a lovely city, one of my personal favourites, and Mercer has an office there."

I almost rolled off my seat laughing. How can you just forget the capital of Scotland?

CARL EASTWOOD

Leamington Terrace

Edinburgh

I am quite stunned that Scotland's cities did not shine in the list of top 50 for quality of life, as the advantages of living in Scotland play a significant role in the nation's ability to attract and keep top entrepreneurs.

In a recent survey of some of Scotland's high achievers, "quality of life" was cited by 49 per cent as one of the most important factor for companies locating their business here.

Lifestyle also came top when asked what makes Scotland compare favourably to other countries outside the UK. Quality of life was rated highly by 75 per cent of respondents, while 57 per cent chose the standard of education and Scotland's talent pool.

The survey of 103 high achievers across Scotland was commissioned by HSBC Private Bank Scotland and gave a ringing endorsement of our culture, our towns and our countryside.

JOSS MITCHELL

Director, HSBC Private Bank Scotland

Hanover Street, Edinburgh