SO as the BBC faces its biggest threat yet to retain the licence and its ability to threaten people with prison to force them to pay the TV tax, its boss in Scotland, Donalda MacKinnon, is standing down.
The usual guff has come out from BBC bosses about what a great job she did, blah, blah, blah. These comments highlight the problem the BBC has in Scotland – no-one believes them. They can’t even tell the truth that she failed in her stated aim to get the people of Scotland to trust the BBC – if anything she has helped to actually reduce its reputation.
READ MORE: BBC Scotland: Orange Jacket Man summed up Mackinnon's reign
Biased misreporting has led to many questioning anything they hear from the BBC and many more simply refusing to pay the TV licence, so much so that Scotland now has the largest percentage of TV tax refuseniks across the UK.
If BBC bosses seriously consider Ms MacKinnon’s time in charge as a success then this only underlines just how bad this organisation really is.
Cllr Kenny MacLaren
Paisley
MUCH has been said in the praise of the BBC but if they were so good, and scrutinised the government so well, how could they possibly not uncover the McCrone report? For 30 years? Where is their expose on GERS? Their investigation into the true wealth of Scotland? What else are they blind to?
If Business for Scotland can provide such clear analysis, why are the good ole beeb not all over it? Examining its voracity? In depth, and on the main UK news bulletin?
We ken fine the worth of the BBC. It’s certainly not a £13 a month tax.
Brian Kelly
Dunfermline
READ MORE: 10 times Donalda MacKinnon didn't 'win back trust' at BBC Scotland
I REFER to the comments made about hillwalkers in winter (Letters, February 18), which seem to have emerged as a result of recent reporting on four walkers “in trainers” who required to be rescued in adverse conditions.
I would make it clear that I agree these individuals were ill-equipped and ill-advised to venture out onto the hills and no doubt that is what has led to the almost predictable annual call for the curtailment of such activities. I believe this to be a simplistic and judgemental over-reaction. There is no legislating for stupid and it is wrong to brand all hill-walking in winter irresponsible.
READ MORE: Why should rescuers risk their lives for those who ignore warnings?
Our mountains and high places are truly magical and wonderful and lift the human spirit to a different level. In winter conditions what might be regarded as just another hill can be transformed into a test and challenge for our sense of adventure and pursuit of excitement to satisfy the soul.
Our mountains are there to be enjoyed in all seasons and conditions. Hundreds and thousands go out onto the hills every weekend. The vast majority have sufficient experience, are adequately equipped and, above all, know their limitations. As a result they have a fantastic day and return safely to their cars, their spirits restored and content in their achievement.
As for the mountain rescue teams, I have the utmost admiration for these men and women, who are themselves true lovers of the outdoors and seekers of adventure. They are all volunteers, and are largely funded through donations.
I am absolutely certain they would be the last to support any call for restrictions.
I would urge all those who have never felt the call of the hills, or who criticise from the comfort of their armchairs, to show more tolerance to those of us who seek adventure, challenge and elevation of the spirit. Let us enjoy our simple pleasures in peace.
J F Davidson
Bonnyrigg
IN The National on Tuesday there was a very small report on the bottom of page nine which I believe is of great significance for Scotland’s future (Cash boots for precision medicine, February 18).
You report that John Swinney has announced funding of up to £9.5 million to go towards precision medicine development.
Scotland has been at the very apex of scientific medical care since the middle of the 18th century, and has performed an outstanding role in medical teaching and practice ever since.
There is no doubt that the future for medical care is precision medicine, and its development will be revolutionary for health care. It will mean, for example, that “off the shelf” medicines produced by big international drug companies at exorbitant prices will no longer be required since medicines which are made in batches and branded by companies will not be of any value, because drugs will need to be tailored to each individual patient.
Such a development would mean for Scotland that we would need to have drug labs attached to each hospital, creating drugs as directed for the doctors, and computers, from organic sources and not having them supplied by drug companies.
This of course will take time to develop, but will be of great benefit to patients and save the NHS a fortune in their drugs bill.
It is great that the SNP is supporting this and we need to put a lot more investment into it.
Andy Anderson
Saltcoats
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