Saving Mcdonald

So, apparently, the First Minister is standing by her shamed minister, Mark Mcdonald (Scotsman, 8 November), and considers him still a ‘’valuable part of the SNP group in Holyrood.’’ Former Labour leader Kezia Dugdale says it all ‘’stinks’’. Few would disagree with that assessment.

Perhaps Ms Sturgeon could appoint Mr Mcdonald to her burgeoning army of taxpayersupplied special advisers, as shedidwithanother‘’valuable’’ Snpmemberwhorecentlylost his seat, before Mr Mcdonald’s constituents get the chance to show what they think.

ALEXANDER MCKAY New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh Yes.the Queen stripped Lester Piggot of his OBE and he was then jailed for tax evasion. The establishment is corrupt top to bottom. - Colette Quinlan Redundant and embarrassing institution. The money they saved or earned by tax evading ‘investments’ would save the lives of many if it was available to social services. - Daniel Lambie Prince Charles paid £4.48m in tax last year. The Queen has paid income tax and capital gains tax since 1992. - Alan Gibb

If I was rich enough I would Yes. HMRC chase many people with little money. Meanwhile, Her Majesty and family are squirrelling fortunes away outside Britain. What a monarchy. - Anne Catherine Barrett They need to justify being a monarchy. It’s time to end the archaic nonsense. - Adam Taylor No, they don’t control the management of their investments. - Graham Thirde