Money talks

Tourism secretary Fergus Ewing told Holyrood’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and

External Affairs Committee that the Scottish and UK governments are having” amicable and constructive” discussions about the possibility of extending the furlough scheme (your report, 26 June) “Amicable and constructive”, that is a first. Amazing what a desire for money will do.

ANDREW HEATLIE Cleland Avenue, Peebles

The latest Covid figures completely vindicate Scotland’s decision to diverge from the UK approach to the virus. Thanks to superior leadership, proper planning, a better performing NHS and a better test and trace system plus clearer messaging we have had no deaths in the last four days while England has suffered well over 300.

The argument that the economy will suffer due to a more cautious approach is disproved by the experience in light touch Sweden,

where the economy is faring no better than in Denmark, which closed its borders and enforced far stricter measures. Until consumers feel confident that the virus is under control, they will avoid all but essential shopping.

When shopping in Asda at the weekend, most were not wearing masks while other people ignored the No Entry signs meant to ensure a proper one-way system.

However, our progress in tackling the pandemic risks being undone if face coverings are not worn in shops or asymptomatic tourists flood into Scotland without being tested at the Border.

The publicity photo of former Secretary of State David Mundell shopping while not wearing a mask and Tory councillors boasting on social media that they will only listen to Boris Johnson’s advice are not helping Scotland.

MARY THOMAS Watson Crescent, Edinburgh

With all the talk of closing the Border with the rest of the UK, I was wondering: is it just the English people that the SNP wants to keep out or would the extra billions of pounds that they are begging for from the UK Government also be turned back at Berwick? ALEX GALLAGHER

Labour Councillor North Ayrshire Council Phillips Avenue, Largs