MEP Alyn Smith is absolutely right to reject Theresa May’s assertion that “The United Kingdom has never totally felt at home being in the European Union” (Scots anger after May says people in UK never truly felt European, The National, September 23). Perhaps that is the case for a large section of England, but it cannot be said for the majority of Scots.

Scotland traded with Europe for centuries before the union of the parliaments. When the great hall at Stirling Castle was refurbished some 20 years ago and a few of the old oak roof timbers had to be replaced, analysis showed that these originals had been sourced well over 500 years before from the lands of the Baltic nations. Similarly the old barn on the farm where I grew up was roofed with orange pantiles which had been imported from the Netherlands many hundreds of years before. Huge trade was carried on between what was then an independent Scotland and Europe, at a time when cargo vessels could navigate from the Hanseatic ports on the Baltic right up the River Forth to the centre of Stirling to unload.

Decisions regarding our trade with Europe are far too important to be left in the hands of Westminster politicians and bureaucrats who will always give priority to English perceived needs.

George M Mitchell

Sheriffmuir, Dunblane

I WOULD like to add my anger to that already expressed by the “many Remainers” mentioned in Andrew Learmonth’s article.

Apart from the fact that the people of Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, we have had a treaty of alliance with France that pre-dates the Treaty of Union with England by some 400 to 500 years. It’s known as the “Auld Alliance”. It is still recognised not just by those Scots who know about it but also by the people of France. When General De Gaulle opened the French Consulate in Edinburgh he referred to the “Auld Alliance” by saying that the “alliance of friendship between the people of Scotland and the people of France is the longest lasting and most valued treaty of friendship in the whole world.”

The Treaty was first put in writing between John Balliol and Philip IV of France in 1295, although it seems to have been previously in existence in verbal form before that. It was ratified in 1326 by Robert the Bruce (Treaty of Corbeil) and was re-ratified by several Scottish monarchs prior to the signing of the Treaty of Union in 1707.

If you want further proof that Scotland’s friendship with Europe has historically been more long lasting and more important than our Treaty with England, take a trip to Aberdeen and visit St Machar’s Cathedral. It has a magnificent heraldic ceiling consisting of 48 coats of arms that were placed there in 1520 by Bishop Gavin Dunbar. Those in the left hand row as you face the pulpit represent coats of arms of European countries in the order of their significance to Scotland. In first place is the Holy Roman Emperor (understandable as this was a catholic cathedral at that time). In second place is the coat of arms of Spain. Spain comes second because the king of Spain at that time was also the Holy Roman Emperor. The fleur de Lys of France comes third. England comes next, making it less important to Scotland than France at that time.

The “Scots” are reputed to have travelled from somewhere in the Middle East via North Africa, Portugal, north-west Spain, Brittany in France, Cornwall, Wales, and Ireland. They settled in Argylle, (north of Lochgilphead), and from there spread right across Scotland. Our Highland and Island clans are descended from Manx and Viking kings, and many of our lowland clans are descended from French nobles who came here after the Norman conquest and settled in the Borders. What a fine mix we have!

Can you get any more “continental” than that? Sorry, Mrs May but I certainly feel more continental than English. You are obviously speaking on behalf of people on your side of the Border.

Charlie Kerr

Glenrothes

I LISTENED to every word of Theresa May’s speech on September 22, determined to hear all of it before forming an opinion.

Frankly I doubt if any Prime Minister of the UK has, since 1938, made such a cringing apology for our country’s position. It seems that she will be judged as the reincarnation of another Tory who sold out to pressure at Munich.

All the strident talk of “Brexit means Brexit” and “no deal is better than a bad deal” has been exposed for what it was. She has betrayed, despite earlier protestations of respect for the democratic June 2016 decision, every single one of the 17.4 million leavers, and, I hasten to say it, without recourse to any discussion with our devolved governments or assemblies. This is inexcusable. It really does underline the necessity and urgency of our obtaining independence from the Westminster clique .

After 15 months of deliberation the best on offer is apparently a continuation of all that was rejected in reaching the “out “ decision. Is that a good deal or is it no deal?

John Hamilton

Bearsden

-------------

I AGREE completely with George Mitchell’s letter on Saturday. The National is always a good read and a vital resource for everyone in the independence movement. Whatever price is required to ensure it continues to appear is worth paying.

The only puzzle is that more copies aren’t sold – are there independence supporters still buying the old Brit Nat papers?

Martyn Henderson

Address supplied