People are fed up of ‘aloof and elitist’ rule

Sir, – Allan Sutherland is a long-time contributor to your letters column and his unionism is well known.

However, even by his standards, the level of “Scottish Cringe” he displayed in his latest letter (“No credit on either side”, August 16) plumbed new depths.

To suggest that a legitimate political demonstration (the “All Under One Banner” march recently held in Inverness) should not take place, simply because the tourists were watching, is beyond credible.

Indeed, I am willing to suggest the majority of those tourists were from other independent European nations.

Many of them no doubt wonder why Scotland has not chosen independence already and why we continue to allow ourselves to be dictated to over matters such as Brexit by an aloof and elitist London.

Furthermore, to suggest that the ability to march in defence of your views is a “disgrace to democracy” is similarly misguided.

Indeed, the right to peacefully and publicly protest is one of the hallmarks of a well functioning democracy.

The fact that Scotland’s population is one of the most politically aware in Europe may put Mr Sutherland off his cornflakes in the morning but it is something the rest of us celebrate.

Meanwhile, the fact that there are marches in the street – including one planned for Dundee this weekend – is not the fault of the SNP but rather that of a Westminster Government who betrayed their “Vow” of 2014.

The UK-based government rides roughshod over the expressed wishes of the Scottish people over issues such as Trident, Brexit and austerity. Henry Malcolm.

331 Clepington Road, Dundee.