Ni cola’s silly snub

Following his visit to England, where he was met by the prime Minister and had an audience with the Queen, the president of the United States travelled to Scotland.

Tight security was provided by Police Scotland, at the expense of the Exchequer, and he was greeted at Prestwick by the Secretary of State.

But where was the supposed First Minister of Scotland? Apparently showing her disapproval of Mr Trump by staying away.

Nicola Sturgeon’s aim of achieving independence for Scotland is surely misplaced. How on earth could she possibly develop international trade for Scotland when she is selective in who she is willing to meet?

The US is already one of the UK’S biggest export markets, which includes a lot of goods from Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon has obviously got a lot to learn about international relations. Sometimes one has to deal with people in spite of one’s personal feelings about them. She has singularly failed that test.

ROBERT IG SCOTT

Northfield, Ceres

Nicola Sturgeon needs to make friends, not enemies, as she has backed herself into a dangerous corner with President Donald Trump, who has now allegedly responded by

saying how much he doesn’t like her.

As a professional politician Nicola Sturgeon should be well aware of the power wielded by President Trump, and as First Minister of Scotland she has the national responsibility of working with other politicians in a diplomatic manner and needs to create bridges and not build walls.

DENNIS FORBES GRATTAN Mugiemoss Road, Bucksburn

It was good of the First Minister to come out of her holiday break to attend the Pride event in Glasgow at the weekend, forsaking any opportunity to make political points.

However, Ms Sturgeon’s proud claims for tolerance and respect do not sit happily with her and her party’s (and the Greens’) lack of respect for the majority of Scots who voted “No” in the independence referendum or who disagree with the “independence at all costs” agenda, resulting in the decline of Scotland’s once proud reputation for education, health services, job and wealth creation etc.

Let us have tolerance, respect and equality for all.

FRASER MACGREGOR Liberton Drive, Edinburgh

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