Match standards

Having been a member of the Scotland Supporters Club since its inception in 2005 and a regular attendee at national matches since the Cyprus game in 1969, may I give a pragmatic, non-nostalgic view on the future stadium for Scotland home matches? The halcyon days of Hampden were not, in my opinion, great times for spectating at football matches – the baying crowd, the crush, the dustbowl. the urine fountains and streams are deservedly consigned to my memory’s filing cabinet!

Aye, but we had guid teams then – Denis, Jim, Jinky, Kenny, Graeme et al... but sadly, no good reason to keep the outdated, antiquated, muchloved inadequate stadium. The postponement of a decision is so predictable as the Hampden-likers scurry to the Scottishgovernmentforfunding for a refurbishment plan or crowdfunding launch.

Murrayfield is a great stadium with unrivalled transport links by plane, train, tram, bus, car and feet. Yes, it was modernised before the Hampden one but with a superior finish. It has better catering, sight lines, access and egress. The last time I was at a midweek World Cup qualifier it took four hours to get home after Police Scotland abandoned the safe dispersal of traffic through Toryglen.

Would it be too revolutionary to give the deciding vote to the members of the Scotland Supporters Club? Now that would provide clarity and a

democratic-based result. I want to remember the few minutes of the Famous Roar renaissance after Leigh Griffiths’ second goal against England, but in a new setting. Let Queen’s Park follow the route of the Spartans in finding their level with an academy, and we can enjoy a pint at an international game too!

KEITH SMITH

Priestfield Gardens, Edinburgh

guilt or otherwise of criminality is then pursued in the courts at a later date, will Mr Salmond initiate another crowdfunder to pay for his defence? I wouldn’t put it past him.

COLIN HAMILTON

Braid Hills Avenue, Edinburgh