Senate in waiting?

IT no doubt makes sense to utilise the former Royal High School as a hotel (your report, 3 February), rather than leave it as a derelict reminder of the parliament building we weren't allowed to have.

Even so, surely some thought should be given to the changing political landscape in Scotland before relinquishing public ownership of a neo-classical masterpiece which is not just of significance in Scotland, but makes it into Professor Mark Gelernter's authoritative work on the history of American architecture as a seminal design which influenced the national style of the United States.

Thomas Hamilton's supreme achievement is not just any old redundant building. According to his near contemporary, Alexander "Greek" Thomson, it was one of the two most important buildings in Britain. The present government in Holyrood is committed to holding a referendum on Scottish independence. In the event that the outcome is a "yes" vote, then Scotland may end up with a bicameral system of government, in which case there will be a need for an equivalent of a Senate house.

The former Royal High School has been closed for around half a century. Should we not be holding on to it at least until the referendum can be held?

If the public's answer is in the negative, then by all means let it become a hotel. Otherwise, we should be holding on to it as our potential Senate Chamber.

DAVID J BLACK

Moray Place

Edinburgh