From our edition of 1st November

We need to talk

Sir, I welcome Russell Taylor’s contribution to the letters column (NT Oct 18 "Pig in a Poke").

Would that more letters concerning the referendum be forthcoming from the many readers of the Northern Times.

As we all seem to have our own agendas on the subject, the more insights and opinions that add to the brew help to make this unique debate not only entertaining but demonstrates our democratic values, which, given the degree of apathy in recent elections, many take for granted.

If a plebiscite of this significance to the future of Scotland does not excite the most reluctant of democrats into some response, then sad indeed is the state of the commonweal of Scotland.

The Scottish government’s white paper to be published on November 16th, which promises to be a weighty and comprehensive document, will hopefully answer some of the concerns mentioned.

Regarding the quote from Donald Rumsfeld on "unknowns", I’m curious about the context. It seems like a man obsessed with certainties.

The referendum is all about the SNP? It is certainly all about a political party instigating a legal process but that party exists because of opinion sympathetic to the idea of home rule that resides in the body politic of Scotland and has done so for a long time.

A Yes result would mean a nation regaining its sovereignty, choosing its own paths to follow – like dominion status with a link to the dynasty. Now, that’s an idea worth conjuring with! All you need is a little imagination.All this political excitement on behalf of the Scottish public does not amuse the three parties that run Westminster so spare a thought for their predicament – would you not cold-shoulder this new upstart of a political party?

When a political force becomes established it tends to become institutionalised, weighed down by tradition. All three parties deeply resent dealing with a fresh bunch of politicians on a single issue platform – nationalism – they have unhappy memories of the subject and they know they don’t have the answers to the complexities of the Scottish problem. How else can one explain the bitterness that colours their criticisms. Well, that’s my take on it.

There is much to think about and discuss so let the letters fly!

Charlie Byron,

Smithy Cottage, Rosehall

It’s all kicking off!

Sir, I had my suspicions that Brora Rangers were going to perform rather well this season… but not in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that the club would have had such an outstanding opening spell.

Although it was excellent that the victory over Nairn County in the North of Scotland Cup earned Brora its first cup triumph in 22 years, I am much more impressed by their performance in the Highland League and the Scottish Cup.

Nine Highland League victories on the trot means they have a 100 per cent record, and have a game in hand on Formartine United with whom they share top spot. And Brora’s 31 goals scored for with only three against is an incredible statistic.

In the Scottish Cup, they made life difficult for themselves by having to travel to Aberdeen for a replay against Cove Rangers, only to progress to the third round with a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.

Now they travel to meet Clyde at Broadway this Saturday, who, although leading League Two, should not unduly impress a Brora side which is on such a magnificent run.

It would be churlish not to mention our friends across the Ord, Wick Academy, who were narrowly pipped for the title last season and still remain unbeaten at home for more than two years.

They have lost only once this season in the league and have scored 43 goals for only eight against, an average of just under four goals a game.

Brora and Wick are very much the teams to fear in the Highland League and it would be tremendous if the title was won by either side this season.

Meantime, Inverness Caledonian Thistle are in third spot in the Scottish Premiership, with Ross County improving after a shaky start.

The standard of professional football in the north is at an all-time high. If you go back only 10 years, who would have believed that these four sides should be doing so consistently well?

As one who worked closely, in a journalistic capacity, with Sir Alex Ferguson in his ultra-successful period with Aberdeen, and relished his company away from the pressures at Pittodrie, I am most disappointed at the manner in which he has chosen to criticise some of the Manchester United players in his new book.

There are some things in the soccer world which are better not said, and his remarks can only lead to further revelations and recriminations.

That’s why I am hoping that either Brora or Wick will help to remove a bad taste in my mouth following the Ferguson indiscretions, and go on to gracefully to lift the Highland League title this season.

Hamish Mackay

64 Inverdon Court, Aberdeen.