In two minds

in Scottish schools. The position can only get worse as to learn a foreign language pupils have to have a good grasp of the grammar and syntax of their own language and the standard of English teaching in schools is demonstrably poor and deteriorating. Schools will have to look to recruit English teachers from countries where English is taught as a foreign language, covering proper grammar and syntax, if the situation is to be reversed. for “Britain” we should read “England”, given that the British state did not exist until the parliamentary union between England and Scotland of 1707. Sir Humphrey’s wording reminds Scots of their place. Lesley Riddoch (Perspective, 31 July) contradicts herself in her article, “Scotland faces a moment of choice”, when she accuses those elsewhere in the UK, who have “an irrational fear of being run by foreigners” i.e. who then want out of the EU. She contradicts herself by supporting a party, the SNP, that also has an irrational fear of being run by foreigners, in their view, i.e. by being run by the English, from London. She can’t have it both ways! WILLIAM BALLANTINE

Dean Road Bo’ness, West Lothian