DEAR Malta,
Happy Independence Day from your Scottish friends. We raise a wee dram of whisky to you and toast your sovereignty and your right to determine your own destiny as a nation in Europe.
We realise that in this most unprecedented of times, your celebrations will have been rather subdued and more private due to the pandemic and social restrictions on larger gatherings.
But we hope this did not dampen your spirits or family festivities too much. We Scots have observed your progress in the last 56 years with great interest.
From a colony to a nation once again, with a strong equal partnership in the European Union, there is much for Scotland to admire from a wistful distance.
While our endeavour for self-determination continues, Malta’s place in Europe and the positive economic, political and international benefits this brings endure and progress.
READ MORE: How Malta is forging its own path as 56 year independence anniversary passes
As two small nations, we have much in common in these turbulent times of economic uncertainty and environmental concern.
The storms of Brexit draw closer while we fight to keep our citizens healthy and safe in the face of a global pandemic and climate change.
Despite these troubles, we both remain strong in our resolve to build back better in the aftermath.
And despite our geographical distance, the hand of friendship stretches far across the many miles of ocean and land that lies between us, with a hope that we too may celebrate our own Independence Day in the years to come.
In the words of our great hero, William Wallace: “Freedom is best, I tell thee true, of all things to be won”.
Yours aye,
Douglas Chapman MP
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