Want to reduce the campervan menace? Why not enforce the legislation?
I feel fortunate to have discovered the route long before it was promoted, memorably cycling it just over 25 years ago. Virtually empty single-track roads on a bike are a joy. Should they be replaced by highways able to accommodate the massive campervans we see on our roads today?
Introducing a tax to fund improvements and, perhaps dampen demand in the short term, seems perfectly legitimate. Other measures could consider limiting the number or size of such vehicles on some roads, by means of permits for example, although this would entail additional bureaucracy. But enforcement of existing legislation on speeding, overnight stops and waste disposal should be a priority. What is most important to my mind is that greater account needs to be taken of local opinion. Surely solutions can be found to enable visitors to enjoy a wonderful experience while ensuring local communities can thrive.
David Bruce, Troon.
Read more letters
• Watching from our rented accommodation in Scourie in the north-west Highlands, the force of Alan Simpson's argument about the prevalence of motor caravans became clear. I would estimate that at least one-third of the vehicles passing is some species of travelling tent, and that's not including the ones occupying lay-bys.
The stories from local people of rubbish (and worse) being dumped are infuriating, and whose heart has not sunk at the sight of one of these ugly vehicles ahead of them on a single-track road, waddling along like a pregnant sow, indifferent to other drivers? Bring in a levy by all means, and make it high enough to make economic sense, but perhaps find a way of redeeming some of the cost in exchange for evidence of use of local shops and other services.
Brian Chrystal, Edinburgh.
• I refer to, and agree with much of, Alan Simpson's article on the NC500; a tourist tax would generate a fund to improve roads, services and regulation around the route.
However, we need to decide who the tourists are: as a taxpayer in Scotland am I paying a share of the existing costs already?
Allan McDougall, Neilston.
Tobacco ban is wrong
I wish to express serious concern that the Scottish Parliament has unanimously consented to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will ban tobacco products for anyone born after January 1, 2009 ("MSPs vote to ban tobacco for young", The Herald, May 30).
Quite apart from the questionable democratic legitimacy of such a consensus, this superficially attractive policy represents a disproportionate and dangerous infringement of the civil liberty of adults. While the health risks of tobacco use cannot be denied, and while adults as well as children should continue to be informed about such risks, the Government should not be removing freedom of choice in perpetuity.
It is important to realise that the legislation is a form of Prohibition, one which will criminalise not just the chain-smoker but even the occasional user of pipes, cigarettes or cigars. It will lead to absurd, impractical situations such as a 50-year-old person being charged while their 51-year-old partner is let off.
Consumption law in Scotland will also become grossly inconsistent, with alcohol and mind-bending drugs being permitted while tobacco, which has no disinhibiting effects, is prohibited. Moreover, it will divert precious police resources away from tackling real crime, including the violent crime which sometimes attends the consumption of drink and drugs.
It would be wiser, therefore, to reject this Tory-inspired bill and continue along the current path of education and reasonable regulation. If it is felt that a major political statement on the issue cannot now be avoided, simply raising the age for tobacco purchase to 21 would be much more sensible.
(Dr) Alistair Duff, Cumbernauld.
Anyone born after January 1, 2009 will be banned from buying tobacco products (Image: Getty)
Screen test for Glasgow's Subway
For me, the jury is still out on the comfort of the new Glasgow Subway trains except in the matter of the lack of on-train announcements.
There are screens on all the coaches, which cycle adverts for SPT social media, but nothing showing the coming station. Occasionally the driver will make announcements, but there's no consistency.
Surely it's a very simple exercise in these high-tech trains to programme the screens with the upcoming station name,and also have recorded announcements.
Maybe Gayanne Potter would be available ("Artist says voice on trains 'hers'", The Herald, May 30), and she would know how to pronounce Cessnock or Cowcaddens.
Stuart Neville, Clydebank.
Educating Nigel
AJ Clarence (Letters, June 2) remarks on Nigel Farage's likeness to one Joe E Brown. As one of your older readers, I have always thought Mr Farage unnervingly like 1950s ventriloquist dummy, Archie Andrews, in oh so many ways.
Rosemary Parker, Troon.
The pundit who said too little
I despair of the numerous times over the weekend that golf commentator Andrew Coltart found it necessary to inform viewers that Tiger Woods is the only man to have defended at the Memorial (Tournament).
I understood that all competing champions were defending their titles. Only Tiger Woods had successfully defended.
A rare instance of using too few, rather than too many, words.
David Miller, Milngavie.
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The Herald Scotland
34 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's deficit grew by £5.1bn, Government estimate shows
For 2024-25, Scotland has a net fiscal deficit of minus £26.2 billion – an increase of £5.1 billion from the previous year – with this the representing minus 11.6% of the country's GDP. The UK deficit for 2024-25 was minus 5.1% of GDP, less than half the rate of Scotland. The Scottish Government report said the 'deterioration' between this year and last was in part linked to a fall in North Sea revenue, but it added: 'The difference is primarily explained by movements in non-North Sea revenue and spending, with Scottish revenue growing more slowly and Scottish expenditure growing more quickly than the UK.' Revenue in Scotland grew by 1.5% in 2024-25 to £91.4 billion. Spending increased to £117.6 billion in 2024-25, up from £111.4 billion in 2023-24. 'As a share of GDP, public spending remained at historically high levels in 2024,' the report noted. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the figures show Scots benefit from higher public spending than the UK average – with this £2,669 more per person north of the border. He said this 'means more money for schools, hospitals and policing, if the Scottish Parliament chooses to invest in those areas' – although he also claimed 'people in Scotland will rightly expect to see better outcomes' for these higher spending levels. Mr Murray said: 'These figures underline the collective economic strength of the United Kingdom and how Scotland benefits from the redistribution of wealth inside the UK. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said voters north of the border will expect 'better outcomes' from higher levels per person of public spending (Ben Whitley/PA) 'By sharing resources with each other across the UK, Scots benefit by £2,669 more per head in public spending than the UK average. 'It also means that devolved governments have the financial heft of the wider UK behind them when taking decisions.' Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison said decisions taken by ministers at Holyrood 'are helping support sustainable public finances'. She said: 'For the fourth year in a row, devolved revenues have grown faster than devolved expenditure. 'Scotland's public finances are better than many other parts of the UK, with the third highest revenue per person in the UK, behind only London and the South East.' She also stressed the Gers statistics reflect the current constitutional arrangements, with Scotland part of the UK and 'not an independent Scotland with its own policy, decisions on defence spending and the economy'. Arguing the figures highlight the 'limit' of devolved powers, Ms Robison said while the Scottish Government is responsible for more than 60% of public expenditure north of the border, it only controls 'around 30% of revenue'. The Finance Secretary told journalists: 'As an independent Scotland we would have the powers to make different choices, different budgetary results, to build a stronger economy and enable Scotland to be a fairer, wealthier and greener country.' She pointed to Ireland, saying GDP there had grown 12.5% over the last year, with a budget surplus of 24 billion euros (£20.7 billion) in 2024. Ms Robison hailed that as an example of 'what a small independent country, one of our nearest neighbours, is able to do with the full powers of independence'. She said: 'What we want, through the powers of independence, is to be able to make our own decisions. 'If you look at Ireland and what they have been able to do with the powers they have, it's like night and day compared to the economic conditions of the UK economy or the Scottish economy. 'Independence is the direction we want to take because we believe it will unleash the potential, from day one, to be able to emulate some of the economic performance of many of our neighbours, whether it is Ireland, or some of our Scandinavian neighbours.'
Western Telegraph
an hour ago
- Western Telegraph
Scotland's deficit grew by £5.1bn, Government estimate shows
The latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (Gers) figures reported 'overall public finances in Scotland weakening, as expenditure grew faster than revenue'. For 2024-25, Scotland has a net fiscal deficit of minus £26.2 billion – an increase of £5.1 billion from the previous year – with this the representing minus 11.6% of the country's GDP. The UK deficit for 2024-25 was minus 5.1% of GDP, less than half the rate of Scotland. Minus £26,188,000 Scotland's net fiscal balance in 2024-25 Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland The Scottish Government report said the 'deterioration' between this year and last was in part linked to a fall in North Sea revenue, but it added: 'The difference is primarily explained by movements in non-North Sea revenue and spending, with Scottish revenue growing more slowly and Scottish expenditure growing more quickly than the UK.' Revenue in Scotland grew by 1.5% in 2024-25 to £91.4 billion. Spending increased to £117.6 billion in 2024-25, up from £111.4 billion in 2023-24. 'As a share of GDP, public spending remained at historically high levels in 2024,' the report noted. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the figures show Scots benefit from higher public spending than the UK average – with this £2,669 more per person north of the border. He said this 'means more money for schools, hospitals and policing, if the Scottish Parliament chooses to invest in those areas' – although he also claimed 'people in Scotland will rightly expect to see better outcomes' for these higher spending levels. Mr Murray said: 'These figures underline the collective economic strength of the United Kingdom and how Scotland benefits from the redistribution of wealth inside the UK. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said voters north of the border will expect 'better outcomes' from higher levels per person of public spending (Ben Whitley/PA) 'By sharing resources with each other across the UK, Scots benefit by £2,669 more per head in public spending than the UK average. 'It also means that devolved governments have the financial heft of the wider UK behind them when taking decisions.' Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison said decisions taken by ministers at Holyrood 'are helping support sustainable public finances'. She said: 'For the fourth year in a row, devolved revenues have grown faster than devolved expenditure. 'Scotland's public finances are better than many other parts of the UK, with the third highest revenue per person in the UK, behind only London and the South East.' She also stressed the Gers statistics reflect the current constitutional arrangements, with Scotland part of the UK and 'not an independent Scotland with its own policy, decisions on defence spending and the economy'. Independence is the direction we want to take because we believe it will unleash the potential, from day one, to be able to emulate some of the economic performance of many of our neighbours Shona Robison, Scottish Finance Secretary Arguing the figures highlight the 'limit' of devolved powers, Ms Robison said while the Scottish Government is responsible for more than 60% of public expenditure north of the border, it only controls 'around 30% of revenue'. The Finance Secretary told journalists: 'As an independent Scotland we would have the powers to make different choices, different budgetary results, to build a stronger economy and enable Scotland to be a fairer, wealthier and greener country.' She pointed to Ireland, saying GDP there had grown 12.5% over the last year, with a budget surplus of 24 billion euros (£20.7 billion) in 2024. Ms Robison hailed that as an example of 'what a small independent country, one of our nearest neighbours, is able to do with the full powers of independence'. She said: 'What we want, through the powers of independence, is to be able to make our own decisions. 'If you look at Ireland and what they have been able to do with the powers they have, it's like night and day compared to the economic conditions of the UK economy or the Scottish economy. 'Independence is the direction we want to take because we believe it will unleash the potential, from day one, to be able to emulate some of the economic performance of many of our neighbours, whether it is Ireland, or some of our Scandinavian neighbours.'
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Nicola Sturgeon vs Boris Johnson: Two memoirs and two unreliable narrators
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Maybe it was only to be expected of someone credited with being the best political communicator of her generation, but you've got to hand it to Nicola Sturgeon and the publicists at Macmillan behind her memoir Frankly. Her occupation of the Scottish news headlines since the end of last week has been total. 'A triumph. Frankly is the most insightful and stylishly open memoir by a politician since Barack Obama's Dreams From My Father,' said star Scottish novelist Andrew O'Hagan in the blurb for advance orders on Amazon (hard-cover £20.77). Didn't read that, but I liked Mayflies, so I'll take his word for it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The drip-drip of lines in The Times serialisation, the extra tit-bits and a few tears in her interview with ITV's Julie Etchingham and a characteristically combative interview on Radio 4's Today programme have kept the Sturgeon bandwagon rolling, as she happily prepares the ground for the next chapter of her life, perhaps with some international organisation like Unicef, wringing out the sympathy from every episode at every opportunity. Will Boris Johnson be tempted to review Nicola Sturgeon's new memoir, Frankly? (Picture: Duncan McGlynn) | Getty Images Straightening their records Not having privileged access to a freebie advance review copy or having time to nip down to Waterstones – where it was on sale with £6 knocked off three days ahead of official publication – before this column's deadline, my take on Ms Sturgeon's recollections is reliant on those extracts and interviews, and so much of it has been copied and posted that maybe I needn't bother with the book itself. But as a historic document perhaps I should, and it can sit on my bookshelf next to Unleashed, Boris Johnson's account of his rise and fall from Number 10, a similar exercise in record straightening, for want of a better phrase. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I have no idea if Andrew O'Hagan has read Unleashed and therefore puts it behind Frankly in the league table of political revisionism, but while styles clearly differ, both must be unreliable narrators of their own stories, just as I'm not best qualified to be an unbiased judge of Ms Sturgeon's work. But with such a polarising figure, who is? As The Salt Path controversy gloriously illustrated, first-person accounts aren't necessarily the most reliable. A reviewer of Unleashed in the left-of-centre New Statesman magazine explained: 'Maybe it is a feature of memoirs, but large chunks of this one feels like the version of Boris Johnson's time in office he wishes were true. Or perhaps he genuinely believes it to be true.' This must surely apply equally to Ms Sturgeon's recollections. 'I must have blocked it out' It stretches credibility to beyond breaking point that, as Ms Sturgeon told Julie Etchingham, she has little memory of what happened or how she felt when the police arrived at her door to turn the place over as part of the investigation into alleged embezzlement of SNP funds. We know she did nothing wrong because she will not face any charges, so would a normal person in the same situation not have remembered something of how it felt to be an innocent person whose life was upended in an instant? The 'I must have blocked it out or something' explanation for her amnesia, at one of the most dramatic moments in her life, seems rather similar to the evidence she gave to the parliamentary probe into her office's involvement or otherwise with the initial complaints against Alex Salmond. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It also seems spiteful, and unchallengeable because he is dead, to claim Mr Salmond didn't read the independence white paper before publication in 2013, instead heading off on a trade trip to China. Maybe he read the detail on the plane? Who knows? At least we have confirmation that the 'most detailed' preparation for a new country was anything but, which anyone with half a brain, including nationalists, knew at the time. What does that say for the recent independence papers she commissioned, which were worse? The Press corps too is a target for a disgraceful hatchet job, claiming men in the Scottish press hushed up allegations of inappropriate behaviour against a political reporter, when Ms Sturgeon should have known the journalist was dismissed after his editor, a man, was informed. 'Memoir of a clown' Just as Mr Johnson remained befuddled as to why Partygate became such a big deal, apart from the desire of a lot of Tory MPs to do him in, Ms Sturgeon cannot understand why the Gender Recognition Reform Bill became such a defining and damaging issue, in which she believes resolutely to be in the right, perhaps because, as she has now told the world, she regards her sexuality as not being 'binary'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Johnson book was so widely panned as being 'the memoir of a clown', as The Guardian described it, and was relatively light on revelation and heavy on entertainment value, that I don't recall its publication last October being accompanied by anything like the same media frenzy as Frankly, but then again Scotland is a small country and it's August with not a lot else going on, and Unleashed was released for the UK political conference season when the news agenda is usually packed. The timing is instructive. Ms Sturgeon does genuinely seem to be looking forward to new life – and isn't it fun that the Queen of Separatism apparently loves London, and chose The Times of London to serialise her book. But it's clear from Unleashed that return is very much on Mr Johnson's mind, and according to a recent Conservative Home survey, it's a hope shared by a quarter of 2024 Conservative voters.
