Brexit is proving a tragedy for Scotland - your views

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Brexit is proving a tragedy for Scotland

It is becoming increasingly clear that Brexit is a tragedy for Scotland.

Many of our fishing boats are already tied up; seafood and other valuable perishable exports are rotting in delayed delivery trucks on their way to mainland Europe; and the country is facing the inevitable fall in export revenue resulting from increased border friction and lower trade.

These are not just ‘teething problems’, as claimed by UK government ministers, but the inev-itable, long-term, stark post-Brexit reality for Scotland’s exporters, small businesses and family livelihoods that depend on these.

There is no sign of the ‘benefits’ of the UK’s decision to shut itself out of its nearest (and the world’s largest) market, that were much claimed by Brexiteers and their unionist accomplices.

That is because the only ‘Brexit benefit’ will be invisible to the vast majority of us, ie the millions made by wealthy traders (including the likes of Messrs Rees-Mogg, Sunak etc.) from ‘gaming’ the increased disruption in the markets and currency.

The rest of us will just have to put up with the collateral damage - a shrinking economy, job losses, reduced opportunities for study and work, loss of our European citizenship, and even the ability to freely travel across our continent, without health insurance worries.

The Brexit project is an immense lie and enormous tragedy foisted on Scotland to isolate and impoverish ordinary folks. Can anyone think of a quick way out of this disastrous outcome for Scotland?

Diarmid Jamieson, Newington, Edinburgh.

Some have no option but to travel by car

Our Scottish government claims there is increased car usage, which is not in fact the case, yet advises us not to use public transport.

ScotRail is reducing service both in train numbers and number of carriages, so the few longer distance commuters either must travel by car or use a more infrequent and as a result “busier” service.

Not all have the luxury of working from home or working within the walk or cycle distance, car travel being much safer than public transport in a pandemic.

Does our FM cycle from Glasgow to Holyrood, use the train or bus? Even if staying at Bute House, does she walk or cycle to Holyrood?

A few years ago her predecessor insisted on an official car from our parliament building to the palace for a meeting with the Queen, yet her Majesty walked from the Palace to the Parliament building.

Our MSPs must consider the reality of life for many! How many have ever worked outwith the public sector.

Ian Vandepeear, Pentland Grove, Edinburgh.

Virus should postpone Scottish elections

An interesting poll tells us that 50 per cent of the population wants the May Scottish election postponed because of the pandemic.

If this is the main worry, how can issues like education, health (outside the pandemic ), the economy (outside the virus) and the environment, be discussed? How can the current government be held to account?

Also, as electioneering is due to start in early April and some sort of restrictions are likely to be in place, how can you campaign locally, how can you go to a polling station – mass postal voting has been suggested, but some are wary of this. How can you organise a proper count with hundreds milling around?

William Ballantine, Dean Road, Bo'ness.