SCOTSMAN.COM VIEW

Neil Oliver’s National Trust appointment is populist, not political

His historical work speaks for itself and his documentaries are great for the general population. He doesn’t hide Scotland’s darker roots either. - Jack Stephen So, are some now saying that an appointment such as this can only be given to a Yes voter or to someone who has no known opinions? - Alasdair Gordon Not a particularly big fan of his, but bang on the money he’s free to believe whatever he wants and that should no way affect his suitability for the post. - David Pennie He makes great programs and his background is ideal for the post with the NT. His political opinions, which he is entitled to, are nothing to do with the position. - Chris Norman Shooting the wrong target - it’s the NTS that has got it wrong. Oliver is free to be an outspoken Unionist, if that is his mind (and it is) but the NTS needs to choose figureheads that do not divide their membership so strongly. In a high profile role, they must realise that if a person brings ‘baggage’ to their role, then the NTS is embracing that baggage. - Henry Orr