Letters, September 1 2023

Scotland's fiscal woes

 

In his letter to the Courier (August 25), Alex Orr adopts the usual Scottish Nationalist party-line of blaming everything that is failing in Scotland on Westminster, while also rubbishing any reports that show Scotland in a bad light.

 

This time it is the GERS figures, whereas not so long ago, it was the PISA rating of Scotland's education that we were told was unreliable and thus of no consequence.

 

If indeed the economic levers required to stimulate growth in Scotland are controlled by Westminster, isn't it odd that the British Government chooses to allow economic growth to stagnate in Scotland while not doing the same in Wales or Northern Ireland?

 

In fact, these levers were devolved to the government in Holyrood long ago, but it appears to lack the ability to utilise them.

 

It is, of course, handicapped by the constant threat of independence, which does little to encourage businesses to invest in Scotland. The reality is that many organisations in Scotland are poised to move south if independence became a reality, with the consequent fiscal disaster.

 

Most financial organisations in Scotland are also aware the vast majority of their business is conducted south of the border, so there would be little point in remaining here.

 

Brian Gee, Carradale.

 

Join fun run relay in aid of MND

 

We are asking walkers, runners and wheelchair users in Argyll and Bute to challenge themselves to a virtual fun run relay in aid of motor neuron disease (MND).

 

MND Scotland is bringing back its popular fun run relay as a virtual event on the weekend of Friday September 22 to Monday September 25 and it is free to sign up.

 

Participants choose the distance they will challenge themselves to over the weekend, either solo or as part of a fundraising team.

 

Whether it is taking the dog on a long walk, challenging a group of friends to run 5k each, or using your wheelchair to do laps in your back garden, everyone is welcome to join the fun run relay between Friday September 22 and Monday September 25.

 

The money raised will provide vital support to people living with MND in Scotland and fund much needed research.

 

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness which stops the signals from the brain reaching the muscles.

 

This can cause people to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat and drink, and eventually breathe unaided. Average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis. There is currently no cure or effective treatment.

 

MND Scotland provides practical, emotional and wellbeing support to people living with MND and funds ground-breaking MND research and world-class clinical trials.

 

MND Scotland is funded entirely by donations so every penny people in Argyll and Bute raise will bring us closer to our vision of a world without motor neuron disease.

 

Runners, walkers and wheelchair users can sign up to join the fun run relay on the MND Scotland website mndscotland.org.uk/events/fun-run/

 

Julie Macdonald, head of fundraising for MND Scotland.

 

Football fans – get active to help feed hungry children

 

Footballer Stephen O’Donnell, who has been capped by the Scotland national team 26 times, is calling on football fans to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries by signing up to Mary’s Meals’ active fundraising challenge, Move For Meals.

 

Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Ethiopia, Haiti and Zimbabwe. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.

 

From walking and running, to swimming and playing football – participants can take part in Move For Meals in any way they choose.

 

Signing up for Move For Meals couldn’t be easier. Find out more, including about accessing a free Mary’s Meals T-shirt at: marysmeals.org.uk/move-for-meals

 

Mary’s Meals.