Scotland has ‘spent its share of oil revenues’ since 1980

Sir, I have to hand it to Reverend William Crossan who, no matter what statistics are produced from reputable sources showing the ineptitude of the Holyrood government in matters of education, economy and health, will always trot out experts whose opinions rubbish them.

I was accused of gleefully seizing on dubious data when, in fact, I take no satisfaction and deplore the manner in which the future of Scotland’s younger students is jeopardised by neglect.

I have no wish to denigrate the current product of the education system but I fear for the future. In his most recent letter, the Reverend Crossan quotes Professor Brian Ashcroft as having stated Scotland has a surplus of £68.5 billion.

As I found this inconceivable, I took the trouble to contact Professor Ashcroft, who assures me the current deficit is in excess of £15 billion and the £68 billion surplus was a hypothetical one he mentioned in his Economy Watch blog of July 2013.

This was based on Scotland receiving a geographical share of oil revenues right back from 1980 and he continues: ‘Even if there was a small overall surplus over the years, this still means Scotland has received and spent its share of oil revenues.’

By implying the statement from Professor Ashcroft was recent and by plucking the figure, to use it out of context, Reverend Crossan is twisting the facts and seeking to mislead.

Brian Gee. Lefkara, Carradale East.