Press for truth

her army of special advisers. She must now have as many as Donald Trump. Spending on these special advisers has gone up threefold under the SNP (your report, 1 August). The message for her beaten but most obedient and pet members seems to be: do not worry; we will find you a taxpayer-supplied job, even if the voters turf you out.

ALEXANDER MCKAY New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh that comes with a “get out of jail free card “anymore. (DR) GERALD EDWARDS

Broom Road, Glasgow Thoughtful articles by Darren Mcgarvey and Euan Mccolm (Perspective, 1 August). I was particularly struck with what Euan Mccolm said about SNP press releases. They have long been boringly predictable, and sensationalist, dare one say taking us into the realms of fake news with their exaggeration. So much so, does anyone pay any attention now? WILLIAM BALLANTINE,

Dean Road Bo’ness, West Lothian facts to be taken hostage by our political biases’, 1 August). Before any on either side of the debate on Scotland’s big question wonder if that suggests either one of us is shifting their position, I would argue quite the opposite. A better understanding of what genuinely underpins someone’s beliefs is always a positive, as much as when they do not agree with you as when they do.

Regarding an indyref2, many understandably hate the thought of another round of arguments based primarily on predetermined positions, dominated by political catchphrases intended to deride more than to inform. Those like me whose first instinct is to recoil from confrontation might be more tempted to exchange views with those like Darren, who appears willing to not only listen to what the other side is trying to say, but to genuinely think about it too.

KEITH HOWELL West Linton, Peeblesshire