THE dialogue over the return of a [blue] British passport brings to mind my thoughts over the coat of arms on the cover (Tories salivate over British passports going back to blue ... but they might be made in France, The National, Sep 11). When I was a youngster in the years that followed the Second World War every citizen in Scotland was issued with a national identity card, the cover having the Scottish coat of arms on the front page. This was abandoned in favour of all UK passport holders having the English one imposed, accepted without challenge, I assume?
If we manage to stay in the European body of nations as an independent country, a simple alteration to our passport would be simple. We should also return to issuing passports for our country from a Scotland-based office, likewise driving licences, with the Saltire replacing the Union flag.
I could list more changes we should pursue on our way to independence, postage stamps with Scottish themes for starters, a new national anthem that is rousing and inspiring, more show of our national flag etc. Why not start a debate from readers?
Jim Barrie
Dundee
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel