SO, with less than 60 days before the UK crashes out of the EU, Scotland’s food and drink leaders have finally put their heads above the parapet (Food and drink chiefs demand Brexit extension, November 11). And what have the defenders of Scotland’s major exports done? They have written a letter – asking for compensation for losses.

Can I suggest they don’t hold their breath waiting for a cheque. Where were these “leaders” before the Brexit vote? What were they saying at subsequent Westminster and Scottish elections? Did they push for what Scotland voted for? No – they followed the Conservative Unionist line throughout simply asking for Brexit to “benefit” all parts of the UK equally.

READ MORE: Angry food and drink chiefs demand Brexit compensation in PM letter

Well, it looks as if they are getting what they asked for and can now look forward to the “fantastic opportunities” that await in January. While they may have said nothing of substance over the last four years, I have a sneaking suspicion the mute button will be reversed once the independence referendum approaches. Ironically, we can then look forward to vociferous high-profile objections from these same “leaders” to the possibility of Scotland regaining unfettered access to the EU markets they currently fear losing. Whose interests do these “leaders” represent – their Scottish members or the Conservative party?

Kerr Walker
Alford

I READ with great interest that Jimmy Buchan, chief executive of the Scottish Seafood Association and farming chiefs have written to Boris Johnson demanding a new six-month Brexit extension.

Is this the same Jimmy Buchan who, in July 2016 said: “Embrace Brexit for the sake of fishing industry”? They were obviously reeled in hook, line and sinker and believed the bullshit the Tories were telling that their industry would be safeguarded after Brexit.

READ MORE: Brexit: Boris Johnson claims there is a ‘deal to be done’ with EU

When did he realise that what they voted for isn’t what they are going to get after Brexit, and why is he able to change his stance and not be reminded of what he said in 2016? Hopefully they will now support the move to regain our independence, and if it is the will of the people to take our place back in the EU to reap the trading benefits.

Gordon Walker
via email

THE fishing industry is in an invidious position as Boris Johnson has made it clear that taking back control over UK waters for the benefit of the UK fishing industry is a red line issue in the Brexit negotiations.

This may soon be the only red line left and become the main reason why the UK will leave the EU without having a deal in place.

It will be very difficult for all signatories of this letter to congratulate the UK Government on its loyalty to the fishing industry in the face of the catastrophic impact of a no deal Brexit on every area, industry and the economy of the UK.

John Jamieson
West Lothian

KEN Gow (Letters, November 11) expressed his irritation at my use of “up here” to describe Scotland’s position on this island and what it infers, and for that I apologise!!

However, I thank him for his comments regarding the purpose of my letter and agreeing the idea (to tell No 10 why we want indy) has some merit. Regretfully, he and I are the only ones to think so.

READ MORE: Let's make this St Andrew’s Day one to remember by writing to Number 10

It would seem at this time that all the various organisations for independence (and there are many) are planning Zoom meetings, lectures by important people, cavalcades, fundraising and generally important things that take up a good deal of time and cash, and involve many many people (thousands in fact), so sending a simple message is not a priority!!

Perhaps Ken Gow and I could send one each, maybe on St Andrew’s Day, and another at Christmas. If I promise never to use “up here” again.

J Ahern
East Kilbride

KEN Gow’s letter is absolutely correct, but the correct turn of phrase is not “down there” but “down below”!

Coinneach mac Raibeart
via email

PLEASED to read your report (November 10) that the Edinburgh Tram extension project is still on track and on budget. Can the same be said about the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry, which has been running now for more than six years with costs running over £11m and still no word of a report, despite evidence sessions being concluded more than three years ago?

READ MORE: Edinburgh trams extension project remains ‘within budget’

A nice little earner for some folk, and high time serious questions were being asked about what exactly is going on. The trams have proved their value on the ground, and I’m sure a robust review and set of recommendations could have been produced within a couple of years at the most.

Ken Gibb
Ayr

RUMOUR has it that since the election there is now a new staff member at the White House whose duty is to follow the president around and pick up all the toys as he throws them out of his pram.

Peter Swain
Dunbar