Data Innovation: ‘Edinburgh’s bid to become the data capital of Europe’

You report (24 September) that Cambridge, Oxford and St Andrews are the worst universities for social diversity, despite being the academic top three. Meanwhile London Metropolitan university– the second lowest in the academic ranking – is the second highest for social inclusion.

Perhaps I am being simplistic, but does this not indicate that the pursuit of social diversity is at the expense of lowering entrance standards?

COLIN MCALLISTER South Street, St Andrews

When even John Swinney expresses unease about a second Brexit referendum – presumably on the grounds of the democratic deficit that would involve – we should sit up and take notice. For the record let me say I voted Remain.

If, after a referendum has been held and won or lost, and the losers call out for another, it begs the question – why bother in the first place. This failure to accept defeat – twice in their case – eventually put off the Quebec-canadians to the point that another is now virtually unthinkable.

I appreciate accepting defeat is difficult for the lunatic fringes in some parties but preserving democracy is more important than pleasing minorities and I think John Swinney is the first in the higher echelons of the SNP to begin to see this.

ALEXANDER MCKAY New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh

offers a career for the scientists, plus taxation opportunities for government – as well as something to frighten us with.

Clearly, there is no chance of altering the earth’s trajectory around the sun, which is what actually controls our climate over the centuries, so we are being treated as fools for financial and political purposes. MALCOLM PARKIN Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross