I THINK Andrew Wilson’s views on running Scotland’s assets commercially as stated in his column last week are appalling (Scotland’s assets should be run commercially to drive huge returns, September 12) – especially regarding the rail network!

Why on earth anyone would want to perpetuate the failed – crazy – privatisation method of “running” a rail network is beyond me. Billions wasted every year, straight into shareholders’ pockets rather than re-invested into the network.

He suggests we run our railway using this method and bid for franchises abroad to make profits.

There is a very good reason why this can’t happen; there are no “franchises” available abroad – the UK is so far the only country in Europe stupid enough to privatise its railway network.

Jeff Kirk
Dumfries