Keeping shortbread tins Scottish can only help trade with rest of world grow

Contrary to Brian Wilson’s claims (Perspective, 9 March), it is British Nationalist bullies, who are dragging Scotland out of the EU single market against our democratic will, that threaten Scotland’s exports.

Unlike England, Scotland has a strong balance of trade surplus – and before anyone says, “Ah, but you trade much more with England than the EU” I would point to Ireland, which was formerly hugely dependent on UK exports but now exports three times as much to the EU as it does to the UK. This is what you can do when your destiny is in your own hands and removing the Saltire from Scottish produce does nothing to promote Scotland’s reputation for quality goods either here or abroad.

In response to Richard Lyon’s letter, our national anthem “Flower of Scotland” has nothing to do with anti-englishness as it refers to an invading army’s “power grab” of Scotland, which still has some resonance today in Westminster’s Brexit Withdrawal Bill.

FRASER GRANT

Warrender Park Road, Edinburgh

The mindset of those nationalists criticising the business decisions of the hugely successful and admired Walkers business gives us real insight into what a pathetically, insular, petty-minded, parochial and prejudiced country Scotland would be if independent.

Do these people never stop to question what damage they are currently doing to Scotland and how their beliefs will never achieve independence. It is quite incredible how misguided emotion, racism and so-called patriotism is seen to be positive attributes by nationalists.

DOUGLAS COWE

Alexander Avenue Kingseat, Newmachar

Brian Wilson is absolutely right. Those child-minded political fanatics creating a stushie over a flag on a biscuit tin damage the image of our country and colour the view of outsiders looking in with regard to some of our politicians. They reaffirm the widely held image of nationalists of any hue as being, at the very best, narrow-minded and obsessional.

Ironically, they are in every sense of the phrase antiscottish.

ALEXANDER MCKAY

New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh