Columnist fails to see solution

Sir, - As I read Alex Bell’s column on August 18, Our Problems? They’re simply our own fault, bewailing many of the things he disapproved of as he travelled around Scotland on his holiday, I found myself agreeing with his premise that Scottish people lack the confidence to take control of their own affairs and make the best of their country.

My goodness, I thought, I’m reading an article which is going to advocate that Scottish people take full control of their own affairs (it’s called independence) rather than allowing other people to govern their country for them and then stand on the sidelines complaining.

Imagine my disappointment when I found he blamed the devolved Scottish Government for everything he found so distasteful, despite the fact that this institution has only existed for 17 years and has severely limited powers.

The entire logic of his column would lead any fair-minded person to lay the blame for Scotland’s ills at the door of the UK Government which has had control over Scotland’s affairs for 300 years and which retains control of all of the most significant economic powers which shape our lives to this day.

Mr Bell proves to his own satisfaction that we’ve made the very least of our beautiful country and then points at the wrong culprit and fails to see the only obvious solution. David Williams. 14 Aldour Gardens, Pitlochry.