So why does Sturgeon’s advice on mass gatherings differ from rest of the UK?

I am a little puzzled by the reasons behind Nicola Sturgeons announcement on restrictions for gatherings of more than 500 people in Scotland while the rest of the UK have decided against it at this time. For me it raises a number of questions and doubts.

Why did she choose to preempt the UK Prime Minister’s

COBRA decision and diverge from actions taken by the rest of the UK? Was this some sort of nationalist statement of independence, presenting Scotland as different to the rest of the UK and following actions taken by EU countries? If it was a decision made purely on medical advice, should we not be told by Scotland’s

Chief Medical Officer why she has given different advice than that given by the Chief Medical Officers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales?

Or is this an admission that despite previous statements of superiority, under SNP governance the NHS and emergency services in Scotland are less able to cope than their counterparts in the rest of the UK? At times such as these transparency and confidence in the government making decisions for the right reasons are vitally important and we must be told.

PAUL LEWIS Guardwell Crescent, Edinburgh

Having been reassured by the steady, scientifically based guidelines from the Government and pleased that we have tackled coronavirus in a unified manner, I was disgusted that Nicola Sturgeon decided to jump the gun and seek to grab the “glory” of pontificating on COBRA. I look forward to hearing (i) why she thinks Scotland should go it alone; (ii) if we, as a united Parliament, have decided we are better equipped alone?; and (iii) if we have resources to go it alone? I presume Ms Sturgeon will no longer be attending COBRA in London as she apparently wants to be the leader!

JAMES WATSON Randolph Crescent, Dunbar, East Lothian