Points of view

Bribery The Queen, in her Golden Jubilee address, refers to, "what might be considered a parliamentary adjournment of almost 300 years". No such euphemism, and being economic with the truth, will meet the case. One stipulation of the Act of Union of 1707 was that Parliament should meet, year about, in England and Scotland. But Parliament became entrenched in London. What else could have happened, if you’re "bought and sold for English gold".

It was no adjournment. It was shameless bribery and consequent usurpation.

Donald M Manson PRESTWICK

Firemen The starting salaries of teachers, social workers and police officers are 16,644, 18,878 and 20,000, respectively.

Fireman at present start on 21,000 a year, and want this to be increased to 30,000. With whom, in the public sector, are they comparing themselves?

Malcolm G Kelly BRACO, PERTHSHIRE

Bigotry How pleasing to read your reports suggesting that Scots will be supporting England in the World Cup finals; really, we should support all the home country teams (had they qualified). If some of the bigotry habitually thrown at the English had been used against, say, ethnic minorities, then the perpetrators would end up in court.

William Ballantine BO’NESS, WEST LOTHIAN

Boycott In the light of the fact that Camelot shareholders are set to make 100 million profit, the people of Scotland should boycott the Lotto and support the idea of a Scotland-Ireland Euro 2008 lottery to fund domestic initiatives, as well as the Euro 2008 bid itself.

Andrew JT Kerr JEDBURGH

Tirade A recent stay at a small Inverness bed-and-breakfast allows me to refute Katie Grant’s charge (28 May) of an unfriendly attitude to tourists in Scotland. The visitors’ book was full of appreciative comments by tourists from all over Europe and America. Many assured their host that they would be returning.

Katie Grant’s tirade will do nothing to help our tourist industry during a difficult period.

John Sutherland EDINBURGH

Study Kevin Dunion’s letter (30 May), on the study, "Public Perception of Agricultural Biotechnologies in Europe", paints a picture that is altogether too flattering. According to one critic, "the arguments reflect no more than the current media coverage", which can hardly be said to be entirely rational.

(Mrs) Julian Jocelyn GLASGOW

Duke The Duke of Edinburgh’s remark to a policewoman in Stornoway that she looked like a "suicide bomber" (your report, 28 May), only goes down well for one person - himself.

Peter Keddie GALASHIELS