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Scotland is too slow in Covid vaccinations

We all cheered when vaccinations against coronavirus were approved for use, envisaging a spring liberation from house arrest.

Yet the rollout of vaccinations is going agonisingly slowly in Scotland.

In England, GPs are front and centre in this operation, and vaccination rates are higher - with 36 per cent of over 80s vaccinated in England compared with seven per cent in Scotland

The knock-on effects for younger age groups is obvious.

In Scotland, as usual, the process is organised on a centralised basis, which is just what suits the SNP administration.

Part of the problem appears to be that the distribution of vaccines is erratic.

It is also the case that retired medics who volunteer to act as vaccinators have to negotiate a mountain of bureaucracy before being accepted, and some give up the unequal struggle.

Surely those whose career has involved administering injections, such as medical doctors and dentists, do not need to fill in stacks of forms before being accepted as vaccinators - let alone having to undergo equality and diversity training.

It is almost as if Scotland is in a Candid Camera sketch with absurdities only too evident.

Jill Stephenson, Glenlockhart Valley, Edinburgh.

SNP backing a loser with devotion to EU

When it comes to backing economic losers, the SNP and much of the independence movement, are in a league of their own in wanting to drag Scotland back into the failing European Union, with its declining share of world trade.

In a list of the top 100 European companies by value, none, not a single one, of those companies was formed in the last 40 years.

Also, consider that the EU, in its entire history, has never created an Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Huawei, Microsoft, Tesla or Twitter.

The independence movement is crippled by a poverty of ambition for Scotland, a lack of confidence and a huge dose of the debilitating Scottish Cringe.

Jim Stewart, Market Street, Musselburgh.

Animals need extra care during winter

With the UK receiving snow and freezing temperatures, it’s important that people know how to take care of their animals during adverse weather conditions.

Although dogs, cats, and other animals have fur coats, they can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, which is why it’s critical to keep animals – especially puppies and kittens – indoors. Short-haired animals will also benefit from wearing a warm jumper or coat on walks.

Cats shouldn’t be allowed to roam outdoors because in winter they sometimes climb under the bonnets of cars to be near warm engines and are injured or killed when the vehicle is started. To help prevent this, bang on the bonnet before starting the engine.

Keep an eye out for strays and take unidentified animals inside until you can find their guardians or get them to an animal shelter.

If strays are skittish or unapproachable, provide food and water and call the Scottish SPCA for assistance trapping them and getting them indoors.

If snow is on the ground, be sure to wipe off your dogs’ or cats’ legs, paws and stomach after they come inside, as salt and other chemicals can make animals sick if they ingest them.

For more information on keeping animals safe during the winter visit PETA.org.uk.

Jennifer White, Senior Media Officer, All Saints Street, London N1.