United Kingdoms

Published in The Herald, 28 January 1993

January 18

Sir,- I would agree with James Cormack that most of the population of England suffers a similar cultural domination to that which afflicts our country (January 16).

It is only when the constitutional and legal avenues for redress are studied that the differences become apparent.

The best we can do for the down-trodden masses in South Britain is to put our own house in order.

By influencing our own people to take a constructive pride in their country we can perhaps be influential in promoting positive influences in foreign lands.

Arnold Kemp also deserves encouragement for daring to put in writing a definition of the “United Kingdom and Northern Ireland” (January 16). I cannot agree with some of his appraisal.

My United Kingdom is composed of two distinct monarchies. In the south lies a constitutional monarchy combining England and Wales. To the north the more ancient and stable partner is a conditional monarchy called Alba or Scotland.

I feel it is very important that we understand our constitutional position. There is an old story about houses built on sand.

Louis Mair

Glen Lethnott

Catalonia

The Herald

October 20 1989

Sir,- Tom Shields obviously has difficulty in distinguishing where Spain ends and Catalonia begins (October 14). Perhaps he sees the blurring of national distinctions as a natural part of Europeanisation. Who knows, he may be foolish enough to believe that an international culture is desirable, sustainable or even possible. However, he is correct in discerning similarities between Catalonia and Caledonia.

When the Spanish feel strong they tend to exploit the Catalans under the banner of integration and education. The Catalans see this process as an attempt at social and economic genocide. With skilful handling, mutual respect, and a stable economy these cultural frictions can be harnessed to constructive purposes.

Unfortunately the background to our own case is more akin to conditions that affected Catalonia in the 1930s.

Is the Catalan experience the only way to prevent the Act of Union being treated as the Act of Surrender?

Louis Pict

Duntarge, Kinneff