Waving to all

Pamela Nash is right in that the Saltire belongs to everyone (Perspective,30 November) so why is she claiming some people are hijacking it? As the St Andrew’s Cross is the most visible sign of Scotland’s identity it is not surprising that it is used by those who believe sufficiently in their fellow citizens to take all the decisions available to any other normal country. At the most recent Yes march there were flags from many nations, including the St George’s Flag, which shows that the independence movement is inclusive and doesn’t blame immigrants for all our woes, unlike the Great British jingoism.

Flags, by their nature, are political and that’s why several councils removed the Saltire from public buildings and replaced them with Union Flags. Brexit has seen a vast increase in Union Jack packaging in supermarket food and veg produce, which is concerning when many want to support Scotland the Brand, local producers and avoid unnecessary food miles.

St Andrew’s Day is ignored by our London-centric broadcasters and it is time we properly celebrated our Patron Saint by making 30 November a school and national holiday with public events or even shopping for Union Jackemblazoned products.

MARY THOMAS

Watson Crescent, Edinburgh