Parliament? More like St Trinian’ s

SIR, – I enjoyed immensely a concert given by the BBC-SSO at the Music Hall last Friday (September 27) with Mendelssohn, Bruch and Rachmaninov.

Transported to the Hebrides and Fingal’s cave, embraced by an emotional yet lively violin concerto and “blown away” by an orchestral tour de force to finish: Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances, fusing the Old and the New Worlds.

Inspirational music from mixed nationalities and religions transcending political boundaries.

Later, a wonderful meal at a Nepali restaurant staffed by Nepalese, Indian and Bangladeshi – all seeming to get on, one with another, and on the best of terms.

Indeed, a waiter volunteered to write down a few Nepali words for me when I expressed an interest in his language and culture.

Contrast this with the fiery antics in the House of Commons where elected representatives from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland seem unable to get on with each other. Scenes more reminiscent of St Trinian’s.

Tremendous damage is being done to the democratic process; the Mother of Parliaments is becoming a laughing stock. Maybe the offending Parliamentarians should visit that same Nepali restaurant to experience good manners and learn how to get on well – one with another – despite differing views? It has been said before. Power without responsibility... but to finish the quote would be insensitive!

Bill Maxwell, Mar Place, Keith