‘Saltiregate’ did Salmond no favours

I was, however, astonished when the TV cameras focused on David Cameron, our Prime Minister, obviously jubilant about Murray’s success, and found Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond waving an enormous St Andrew’s flag two rows behind him.

Members of the SNP may try to cash in on just about anything to further their cause, but how dare they try to convince us that Andy Murray’s success in tennis is anything to do with them?

Murray’s initial grounding in tennis may well have been on the courts in his home town of Dunblane, but his career has been developed in other parts of the world, including the UK in its entirety, the USA, and I am sure many other locations. Why must the Nationalists always try to capitalise on anything which may just help to further their cause? The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is very important to the majority of us living on these islands.

It is in the interests of all of us to stick together.

Robert I G Scott

Ceres

Fife

After Andy Murray’s historic win at Wimbledon on Sunday, Alex Salmond whipped that Saltire out of his pocket and unfurled it like a conjuror showing off his best trick in front of a credulous audience.

I wonder if, had Andy Murray not won, it would have stayed firmly lodged in his pocket, since, by keeping it hidden until that triumphant moment, the First Minister seemed to be suggesting that a Scottish identity is only seen as an advantage when you’ve won. Presumably he would have been happy for Murray to be described as British if he’d lost, so remember this flag-waving gesture next October, and know that if Scotland votes Yes for independence this is the kind of narrow-minded Nationalism that we’ll have to live with.

Carolyn Taylor

Gagiebank

Broughty Ferry

A wonderful moment as Murray won his well deserved prize was spoilt by the crass behaviour of Mr Salmond as he fumbled with the Saltire.

Never did he more resemble a superannuated and hesitant football fan than then.

Not the behaviour of a “statesman” but that is no surprise. Once again, we have been left looking parochial by our “great leader”. Michael J Walker

Templecroft

Gullane

The Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond is derided by his opponents for holding up a Scottish Saltire as a Scot wins the Wimbledon tennis championship.

If Mr Cameron were to hold up a Union flag it is unlikely those same people would be similarly vitriolic.

The debate on Scottish independence cannot surely have sunk to such petty levels that a Scottish victory can no longer be celebrated by unfurling our national flag.

You cannot be serious!

Alex Orr

Leamington Terrace

Edinburgh

A fantastic achievement from Andy Murray. I could not believe Alex Salmond had the audacity to make a political point by jumping up and down waving the Scottish Saltire in pursuit of a Yes vote.

It is hardly First Minister manners and his childish conduct has surely lost him numerous votes.

Clark Cross

Springfield Road

Linlithgow

The display of a Saltire flag at Wimbledon by First Minister Alex Salmond has been attacked by some.

Union flags and Saltires were to be seen in the crowd on television but no European or United Nations flags, which may indicate how those present saw their identity.

It seems silly to criticise one person for his choice.

I did see one Lion Rampant, which could be attacked as heraldically incorrect on the basis that it should only be used by the King or Queen of Scots.

But in practice we now routinely use it as a second national flag.

David Stevenson

Blacket Place

Edinburgh