Chalk and cheese

WHEN comparing Covid updates presented in Scotland with those in England, the term ‘chalk and cheese’ springs to mind.

On a daily basis, Scotland sees the First Minister presenting figures with her ‘experts’ relegated to wallflower status, while the Prime Minister makes very few appearances when the accompanying experts provide and explain the figures.

Scotland sees Nicola Sturgeon taking the lead and setting the agenda, while England sees those with a deep knowledge of the mechanics of the pandemic firmly in charge of presenting and, most importantly, explaining the figures with the aid of easily interpreted graphics.

Looking at the information provided to the public is another example of ‘chalk and cheese’. Generally, Scotland presents figures at a health board level, while English figures are much finer-grained, with distribution more localised.

Why is there such a difference in the dissemination of similar information? Could it be the SNP administration sees daily media exposure as a PR opportunity too good to be missed?

Two totally different approaches to keeping people informed — one provides information while the other provides information as part of a PR exercise. I know which I prefer.

GRAHAM WYLLIE, Greengairs, Lanarkshire.

WHILE I am not a fan of Nicola Sturgeon, I was impressed by her handling of the coronavirus crisis at the start.

However, it wasn’t long before she reverted to type and is now using her daily briefings as a political tool to gain support for the SNP.

How galling it would be for Union supporters if, despite having a completely inept government, the SNP achieved independence because of a pandemic!

JAMES WISHART, Dundee.