ALF Young has once more done us a service by raising pertinent questions on Scotland's position in the globalised economy (March 28). The most grievous loss from a Scottish point of view is that Scottish Amicable will become part of the branch economy. It also seems likely that the branch will not in the long term even have an investment twig.
There is a wider issue here. it is one of the aims of Scottish Enterprise to seek to encourage a number of global players domiciled in Scotland. One has to ask how realistic this is when Scotland is already somewhere that thinks of itself as a branch.
If there are any Scotsmen currently capable of building a global business, it is extremely unlikely that they would start here. The psychology is all wrong to have to explain at some length where you come from and why your country does not figure on the political map.
It is appropriate that the need for self-assertion should raise itself as an issue immediately before a General Election. Economic success begins with the right frame of mind. It does not work the other way round.
James Nelson,
17 Watermill Avenue,
Lenzie.
March 28.
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