I CONTINUE to be bemused by the branding strategy employed by Boris Johnson as his solution to his “Scottish problem”.

Having first stated his intention to “Union Jack” everything in sight – including, it would now appear, the Secretary of State for Scotland – as we now know he has appointed or anointed himself “Minister for the Union” too.

Surely he cannot really believe that the growing demands for Scottish independence will be subdued by such imperialistic antics? Surely his advisors are better informed than this?

READ MORE: First Minister wielding the axe ahead of Johnson’s Scotland visit

If Johnson seeks respect for the Union, then not making Nicola Sturgeon the first call on his anticipated visit to Scotland would be a mistake.

Ignoring the formal role of the democratically elected FM of Scotland in an attempt to lessen the importance of the Scottish Government would yet again demonstrate his misguided, domineering mindset.

If Glasgow is indeed pencilled in for an early visit, and given that Remain-voting Glasgow is not known for its secluded huts in forests, and fish (without batter) are not big here, it is intriguing to anticipate where Johnson might go.

Myriad worthy suggestions made in Saturday’s National by politicians are likely to go unheeded. It is probable that his visit will be just another tedious, vacuous stunt. As futile as those undertaken by his predecessors and as insensitive as his rebranded position.

However, just in case I should run in to him during his visit, and anticipating vernacular difficulties, I have been googling my welcome for him in his beloved Greek.

Gamisou, Boris Johnson!

I hope it’s not lost in translation.

Iona Easton
Glasgow

WE live in interesting times, as the saying goes, although I fear it may seem like terrifying times, particularly to people on low incomes.

The political comet that is Boris Johnson is off on his trajectory making promises to the north of England about speeding up a small area of train track between Manchester and Leeds. Will this be enough to win back those who might vote for the Brexit Party of Nigel Farage in the next election?

Mr Johnson is poised to do a Scottish trip amid mutterings among the Scottish Conservatives about creating a separate Scottish party.

Nary a word of any of this on BBC news, with its highlighting of pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong and anxious reports about the international talks on Iran.

Nothing at all about the sea of blue saltires on the pro-indy march in Campbeltown on Saturday or the dragon flags and colourful imagery in the pro-indy Welsh demonstration.

I suspect none of this will faze our new Prime Minister, who allegedly doesn’t lose sleep over the minutiae of politics.

He delegates well, it is said, and there is always someone else to take the flak, as we saw with the new Northern Ireland minister on his first visit, being greeted with banners about Bloody Sunday!

Those who have been calling on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to set a date for an independence referendum have been champing at the bit to get into campaigning mode. I suspect they will not have to wait much longer. The Scottish Government will be watching the progress of the Brexit negotiations from which they will be excluded once again.

The Yes campaigners should settle down and wait for the critical point when we are poised to be dragged out against our will. Not long now!!

Maggie Chetty
Glasgow

I SEE that the new Supreme Ruler of these isles has begun an imperial tour of what he perceives as his “precious” domain or Union. I understand he is scheduled to visit North Britain (as he would like to perceive it) today, doubtless accompanied by Viceroy Jack and sundry nonentities whose sole knowledge of Scotland is doubtless garnered from Historia Britannica, Chapter XXI (Caledonia) by Jacob Rees-Mogg Esq (1789).

Policies being imposed by those with little or no knowledge of their territory spell danger for the inhabitants of Scotland.

Having apparently discovered his predecessor’s hidden money tree, on the first stage of his Grand Tour in Northern Englandshire he vowed to spend around £39 billion. Promise the earth and perhaps the “mugs” might buy it. If elections are won or advantages gained, it doesn’t matter whether the promises – or “vows” – are delivered. Doubtless when in Scotland, similar generous vows on spending and sharing will be made in the hope of winning over the “natives”. However, most Scots remember a Unionist Vow from 2014 and the failure to deliver most of its elements in a meaningful way and certainly not in the spirit of the Vow.

Given that the Prime Minister is widely recognised as being someone who has a flexible approach to la verite, I fear that any vows made by him will prove as meaningless as that of 2014.

I trust the people of Scotland will not be taken in again by waffle and empty promises.

Colin Mowat
Laurencekirk

IN the Sunday National it is suggested that Ruth Davidson is “livid” with Boris Johnson, after he appointed Alister Jack as the new Scottish Secretary and English MP Robin Walker as his depute (First Minister prepares for Johnson visit with Tories set to hold talks, July 28).

READ MORE: Scottish Secretary branded ‘a hypocrite’ over EU funding

I am quite surprised to hear this. After all, having Tories that you didn’t vote for foisted upon you is precisely the situation Scotland finds itself in, more often than not, and Ruth has no issues with that.

Some might say her party is Scotland in microcosm: London say, Scotland do.

I’d like to think it may give her some pause for thought, but I doubt she has the awareness.

Kevin Cordell
Broughty Ferry, Dundee