SNP ‘opened the door’ for school pupils

Sir, – The Courier editorial (February 4) rightly assesses faults on both sides of the row between the reactions of Peter Wishart MP and some of the Strathallan School senior pupils who rejected his views on independence.

However, some aspects of this storm must be examined. It was the SNP who gave school pupils the right to vote in the referendum but then hurl abuse at freethink- ing teenagers who reject their overtures.

For an experienced MP to react churlishly on social media was bad enough but the later twittering of his so-called “friends” was disgraceful.

Those messages show how any opposing view is treated by SNP supporters. The taunts towards those teenagers were rude and excessive and contained threats to abolish private schools in Scotland.

The many private and independent schools of Scotland have a long and envied record of academic and social success.

A bolition would decimate the national standards of education and would also have an enormous effect on the Scottish economy and employment.

SNP opposition to public schools will be noted by thousands of parents, most of whom are not rich, but who work hard for the best possible education for their children.

If those alleged “brats” enter later life with the freedom of thought and the power to defend their beliefs, Scotland will be a better place. Angus Brown. The Orchard, Station Road, Longforgan, Dundee.