Letters: Scots have stuck to roots of panto . . oh yes they have!

Here it is the custom for theatres to have local artists perform. Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott may not be international stars, but they are very well known to audiences in Edinburgh who remain very loyal to them.

It’s the same with theatres around the country; they have the same stars performing every year with audiences turning up faithfully to see what they are up to.

Panto in Scotland has stayed loyal to its roots while in England the cult of the big-name celebrity means that it becomes a one-man show and has lost its original meaning.

John Blyth, Magdalene Avenue, Edinburgh

Salmond does not represent us all

How proud I was when listening to Scots Hannah Miley and David Carry speaking after they had swum their events in the Olympic pool. Missing out on medals has not discouraged them. They thanked their training team and their families for their support, and their delight in taking part in the competition was obvious to all who listened.

What a contrast to the bitter and divisive comments previously from our great leader, Alex Salmond, urging only support for the “Scotolympians”. He who claims to  represent all Scots was an embarrassment to our nation.

He certainly does not represent me and, I suspect, many Scots.

George Cormack, McLauchlan Rise, Aberdour

Labour can help Indy long run

News that a grassroots  Labour for Independence movement has been formed will be welcomed by many ordinary Labour voters.

The Labour leadership needs to realise that the referendum is not all about Alex Salmond or the SNP, but self determination for the people of Scotland to take the major decisions that affect their everyday lives, and it would be good to hear Labour’s policies for an independent Scotland.

Also the “No” campaigners need to explain what additional powers they propose and when this might happen if, as expected, the proposed boundary changes in England lead to another Tory government in 2015.

Mary Thomas, Watson Crescent, Edinburgh

Beach is cheaper option than city

I WRITE to you concerning the proposed car parking charge at East Lothian  beaches.

Whilst in an ideal world everything would be free, the current economic climate dictates that all sources of income must be explored.

I think a modest charge of £2 per day to park at the beach is perfectly reasonable and I’m sure the majority of county residents would agree.

For Edinburgh residents complaining, how do they think we feel when we’re charged on average £2 per HOUR to park on their streets, whether it be for work or tourism? If visitors grudge £2 to park for a day then I doubt they will be spending much at any of our other attractions.

Scott Gillies, Hillview Road, Ormiston

Palestinians also have their rights

I’ve just read your article “Romney says US must stop nuclear Iran” in which the presidential candidate says the US has a “moral imperative” to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons (News, July 30).

What it doesn’t say is that Israel already, illegally, has nuclear capability and stocks nuclear weapons.

Mr Romney also stated that the United States recognises Israel’s right to defend itself.

What about Israel’s neighbours the Palestinians? Don’t they also have a right to defend themselves against Israel stealing their land, building houses for Israelis only on stolen land, building an illegal apartheid wall to keep Palestinians from accessing their own land, homes, hospitals and educational facilities?

Why is the US not recognising the plight of the  Palestinians?

Not a vote-puller for a prospective president, I would imagine.

Gail Kirkland, Springfield, Edinburgh