I FIND the contents of Martin Hannan’s report (Professor slams group of pro-indy academics, July 22) disappointing as it could be interpreted as a slip in standards.
READ MORE: Author of 'neverendum' paper slams group of pro-indy academics
Early at the beginning of the second half of last century, Professor Norman Sidwell put in a tremendous effort to establish degree courses for the construction industry and its related professions and pioneered research in these areas. Heriot-Watt University became globally acknowledged as one of the leading centres for construction education and research. Professor Sidwell was followed by a stream of other talented academics who built upon his work and further developed the university’s standing.
The latest stushie involving Professor Colin Jones and other colleagues, regarding his paper “Neverendum”, is not helpful to the university’s reputation. What is not clear is whether or not Jones’s research was funded and if so by whom. In addition, did Jones receive payment from The Times?
Thomas L Inglis
Fintry
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 here