BBC Scotland’s fascinating documentary on the Skye Bridge toll protest was another enlightening exposé on the double dealings of a distant Westminster government, ignorant and dismissive, to the economic fragility of the Highlands and Islands.
In the early 1990s the extortionate Skye Bridge toll, one way, was £5.40 compared to 80p on the Forth Road Bridge which was in line with toll charges throughout the UK.
Only in 1999, after years of protests and civil disobedience, did the newly elected devolved Scottish Parliament halt the tolls.
With rising opinion polls for indyref2, independence is now a serious prospect in view of a Brexit UK dominated by right-wing anti-Europeans obsessed with immigration and deluded past glories. As Scotland’s position and interests have been repeatedly ignored, this so-called “precious” Union has been fatally broken. An independent Scotland, in association with Europe and open to the world, is the only logical answer.
Grant Frazer
Newtonmore
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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