Aperfect storm

Credit Suisse's i nfl uential report on household wealth shows that Covid- 19 and Brexit created a "perfect storm" in the UK. It has been the worst hit of all the world's major economies. Younger workers, those from minorities and women (who disproportionally work in hospitality and retail) took the brunt of the devastation. Unlike other equity markets, British shares failed to stage a meaningful recovery from the sharp decline they suffered in the spring when the FTSE 100 fell from above 7,500 to less than 5,000. Brexit fears impacted our GDP and caused an exchange rate devaluation with sterling down around seven per cent against the US dollar.

The prospects for Scotland which now faces the added uncertainty of being hived off from England are incredibly bleak. Launching a new currency will be a nightmare while the SNP'S fiscal incompetence and its belief in a high tax- high spend economy will speed the departure of its remaining upper rate taxpayers.

DR JOHN CAMERON Howard Place, St Andrews

is the cash it will make for the owners. I’m a bit sick of having adverts crammed down my throat everywhere I look these days.

Calum Macdonald They will have a “consultation” where everybody says no, it’s a terrible idea and they will say they have had overwhelming support. However, to be fair it’s not a permanent billboard it’s an advert on the covering surrounding scaffolding round the building. It’s got to ook better than all that metalwork.

Richard Wasp

Lucien Romano

Your comments on some of the most popular stories of the day -

taken from The Scotsman website and Facebook page

Sounds like a temporary advertisement on scaffolding when the building is being renovated. So why not? Better than looking at scaffolding with green netting up

Bob Gartland This will add to the general tackiness of the city.

Paul Burgess Who is going to see it? The town is dead with lockdown II anyway.

Bryce Stewart Whoever allows that monstrosity to be put there, or anywhere should be sacked for insulting the architectural state of the Royal Mile.

Mary Macleod

Shock, horror!! It might actually distract from the realities of people sleeping in doorways. Get your priorities sorted Edinburgh Council.

Julie Sykes Do they really want to utterly destroy what people visit there for?

Robin Lee Horne Welcome to Edinburgh PLC.

Peter Anderson