THERE is now substantial agreement that one of the serious errors made in the management of this pandemic in the UK was the failure to proceed several weeks ago with an extensive testing programme as strongly advised by the World Health Organisation. I have heard no convincing excuse for this from official spokespersons either political or medical. Just waffle.

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But, although it pains me to say this, we have a devolved health system, and the Scottish Government did not just have to follow the policy decisions made in London. It should have been looking outwards at what was happening elsewhere and at a wider range of voices in Scotland. We have had too much of an echo chamber.

Let us make sure that when it comes to the economic recovery phase, we are innovative and do our own thinking. The main economic powers do lie at Westminster, but not all of them. Let’s start thinking radically.

Isobel Lindsay
Biggar

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