Is Burns next?

I note the recent decision by the University of Edinburgh to rename the David Hume Tower (Scotsman, 14 September) given Hume’s views on slavery which, no matter how repugnant to us now, were consistent with the views of the majority at that time.

However if it is indeed the case that monuments etc in honour of those who supported slavery should be torn down or renamed or reference to their achievements be eradicated then I await with bated breath an announcement from the relevant authorities that hence forth Burns Suppers are to be banned and Burns Cottage in Alloway is at least to be renamed, if not torn down.

After all, Burns had accepted a position as overseer on a sugar plantation in Jamaica and the reason he did not pursue this role was because of the success of his first volume of poetry. However, given his willingness to undertake such a role it is clear that he did not have any issue with the concept of slavery.

Rather than focus on historic attitudes to slaver y would it not be better for those with

concerns in this regard to focus their attentions on eradicating modern slavery which is still very much with us.

KATE MARSHALL Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh