Odd patriotism

A few weeks ago an SNP councillor from North Lanarkshire complained that the recorded messages at automated checkouts in supermarkets were spoken by ladies with English accents.

Now we have Christine Grahame, SNP MSP and convener of Holyrood’s justice committee, launching a sneering critcism of members of the Royal Family and stating that “as a Scot” she was upset that John Lewis was stocking Union flags to celebrate the Jubilee (your report, 12 May).

Well, as a Scot it depresses and saddens me to read such bigoted statements and I can only hope the electorate will realise that these kind of people are not suitable to be in government at a time when international co-operation is increasingly vital.

There is a thin line beween bigotry and misguided patriotism and these two people have crossed it. It was Samuel Johnson who said in 1775 that “patriotism is the last refuge of a scroundel”.

Donald Lewis

Gifford

East Lothian