PROUD TO BE MADE IN SCOTLAND

Firstly, may I congratulate Scottish Field on publishing the excellent and strategically challenging article by Rupert Wolfe Murray on the reasons for buying Scottish when it comes to clothes.

The issues raised in the article have needed a public airing for a considerable period of time.

However, whilst I am totally supportive of the methodology needed to regenerate Scotland's indigenous textiles industry, even bigger issues are at stake.

If we as a nation are really serious about growing our economy then we need total commitment from the Scottish Government, its public agencies and the Scottish business community to actively develop the potential of 'Made in Scotland' as a quality brand which guarantees authenticity, traceability, ethicality of manufacturing, etc.

It should also not be confined to textiles. It should include all products and businesses which meet the quality criteria that Made in Scotland should represent and be accountable for.

Finally, whilst I very strongly believe that leadership on this matter must primarily come from the Scottish Government I can be contacted on dd.reid30@ btinternet.com if anyone shares my views or can offer other related ideas on forward direction. Derek Reid, Kinclaven, Stanley, Perth