THERE was a time in Scotland when the sole language to be spoken, enforceable in law, was English. Scots Gaelic in particular was totally outlawed. The English language has served us well but it must be recognised that a native tongue which is part of our national heritage ought not to be “allowed” (and certainly not forced) to vanish.
It does to me seem shameful that it is not promoted in our education system to an acceptable level and it is admirable that Welsh and Irish Gaelic are given recognition in other parts of the precious Union. There are many examples of our culture worthy of preserving and a beautiful, lyrical and pure language is surely one such. I agree with and endorse the views of David Smart and Julia Pannell (Letters, December 9). It is encouraging that an effort is being made to promote Gaelic in Forfar.
READ MORE: Letters, December 9
Flower of Scotland is a good, rousing historical song but its value as a national anthem is doubtful, meaning something only when our sporting adversary is England. We do need a proper national anthem appropriate for all occasions, and I support the suggestion of three verses, one in each of our three languages. What works for New Zealand and South Africa, for example, should be equally suitable for Scotland.
John Hamilton
Bearsden
HERE we go again; too little/too much is being spent on the preservation of the Gaelic language. Gaelic proponents contend that Scots is not a language when challenged with disproportionate state spending.
I was proud when a person whose first language is Spanish came into the family. This extended the interest already there for languages which had come about through state education and the simple need to adapt to living in different countries.
READ MORE: Columns written in Scots and Gaelic are much missed
The Spanish speaker, from South America, made us more aware of the different forms of the language which exist and that while much of the content of other forms could be understood, there were proportions which could not. I’m not aware anybody has argued that any of the forms of Spanish which exist are not languages in their own right and feel there is a parallel here with English and Scots language, ie Scots is a language.
On that basis I contend that there is proportionate underspend on the Scots language.
Robert G Clark
Gorebridge
REGARDING the coming Covid vaccines, I would make the following assumptions:-
a) That more than one vaccine will eventually be made available,
b) That we will not be given a choice of vaccine, it will be a case of take it or leave it although there may be different vaccines for different groups of people,
c) That vaccination may require to be repeated after a period of time,
d) That mixing different vaccinations would not be recommended.
If these conditions are applicable, each person vaccinated would require to be made aware of which vaccine they have received, hopefully in print, and such records also kept by the health service to monitor future effects.
RW Millar
Hamilton
TOMMY Sheppard MP is absolutely right – there was no need for Prince William and his wife to travel across the UK and break the Covid restrictions currently in place. Of course they should be fined for breaking the rules – no-one should be exempt. Their journey wasn’t essential, the even confirmed they’ve met some of the people on this visit via Zoom, so why put the public at risk by spreading the virus?
READ MORE: SNP MP: Kate and William's visit sends out wrong and confusing signals
The attitude of the BritNat apologists for this nonsense also needs looked at. Maybe they are happy to live in a divided country where certain people such as the royal family can break any rules they want but the rest of us aren’t. The sooner we get independence the better – at least then we can look at dumping this family of leeches.
Cllr Kenny MacLaren
Paisley
A 1250-MILE train journey to transport a couple, irrespective of who they are, around mainland Britain, crossing various borders between differing pandemic restrictions and all for a few unnecessary chats and photoshoots will surely entice any remaining open-minded Unionists to think again.
However, seems that Sarah Vine, spouse of Cabinet minister Michael Gove, knows better.
If her thinking that such wanton disregard by the Duke and Duchess is an example of all that is good about the British Crown and the Union then it is a sad reflection on the intelligence of those who support them and an insult to the adherence of their subjects to the discipline which has severely restricted freedoms for the past nine months.
Tom Gray
Braco
MY sources tell me that the “dynamic duo” are swinging past Barnard Castle where Dom will show them where the latest designer specs can be had.
Gordon Murray
via thenational.scot
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