IT’S never pleasant to watch someone in the grip of an unhealthy and all-consuming obsession, as is the case with Brian Wilson and the SNP.

However, Carolyn Leckie has done an excellent job of exposing Wilson for the rank hypocrite he is. Following his puerile description of Jeane Freeman as the “quango queen”, Ms Leckie lists the number of directorships and other patronage he raked in following a short and inglorious career as a Labour minister.

In the Scotsman article Carolyn Leckie refers to, Brian Wilson says Jeane Freeman “was a former Labour apparatchik who, when the wind changed, discovered she was a nationalist”. Brian Wilson was an SNP member who, when the wind changed, discovered he was a British nationalist, but self-perception is not Mr Wilson’s strong suit and irony appears to pass him by.

However, what we can see from this is that he’s an expert in the revision of history. He does this from time to time with regard to the downfall of the Callaghan government, but Jim Callaghan was in no doubt who was responsible for his failure to retain power and as the chair of the anti-devolution campaign, Brian Wilson played a prominent part and, though not an MP at that time, epitomised the truth of the old adage for the Labour Party that the “opposition are in front and the enemies are behind”.

Finally, I read with astonishment that some newspapers paid £5,000 for the tediously repetitive bile and drivel produced by Wilson. It only goes to show what an extraordinary lack of critical and commercial judgement some editors have.

Douglas Turner
Edinburgh

​READ MORE: Brian Wilson's diatribes against the SNP leave a bad taste​

I HAVEN’T read any of Brian Wilson’s bilious outpourings for at least a year or two – possibly more (Diatribes against the SNP leave a bad taste, October 22). I do, however, recall the shrill nastiness of columns pulsing with a hatred so visceral one could almost taste and smell it. The animus oozing out of the page like a noxious miasma from some putrid bog made even Alan Cochrane’s demented diatribes seem like light reading.

I remember thinking that, if even a tenth part of Wilson’s snarling, spittle-flecked rage was genuine, this was someone in urgent need of counselling. And an individual in even more pressing need of being avoided.

This is what I determined to do. I simply stopped reading that stuff. It’s not as if it was informative about anything other than the workings of a mind afflicted by virulent British nationalist fanaticism. One doesn’t go to the likes of Brian Wilson looking for insightful analysis or thoughtful commentary. The only reason for consuming such bitter fare is to replenish stocks of dumb prejudice and recharge the batteries of bigotry.

I am better off without it. Because that kind of obnoxiousness is pernicious. It contaminates all who come into contact with it. Wilson and his odious ilk write purposefully to provoke an extreme reaction. The mindless hate rubs off on you as you read. You may be tempted to respond in kind. But even if you simply turn away from the vitriol in disgust, you will be tainted by it. The stench of it will cling to to you. The poison will seep into your mind.

I have lately learned the benefits of ignoring British nationalist propaganda. Being aware of its methods arms one against its manipulative power. Disregarding it completely renders one immune to its effects.

I don’t read Brian Wilson’s column any more. I used to take some satisfaction from writing acerbic below-the-line ripostes to the likes of Wilson and Cochrane. Then I realised that this was clever in the same way that juggling jobbies is clever. The skill may be impressive. But the stink lingers.

Peter A Bell
via thenational.scot

SCOTLAND’S developing film industry is good news – as is the potential success of yet another historical film Outlaw King.

However, I hope that because of the problems encountered on Skye and in the Highlands with increased tourism as a result of the TV series Outlander we shall be better prepared next year, for not only an increase in the numbers of visitors but with better provision made for the increase in vehicles. Maybe notices for the unsuitability of mobile homes on some roads could be considered?

Hospitality is one of the key planks of Scottish society. The challenge is to make room for improvement to our infrastructure while preserving the beauty of our countryside.

Janet Cunningham
Stirling

READ MORE: Scots ready to 'storm castles' after premiere of Netflix's Outlaw King​

THE Greens intending to discipline any member for not respecting “all genders and their self-determination” means now I could never vote for them (Greens back plans to expel transphobes, October 22). While I respect the rights of those who transition, and would support them in doing so, I intrinsically do not accept all of the myriad genders now being promulgated. This means that despite all the good and essential environmental work the party does, I could never vote Green.

Jim Taylor
Edinburgh

READ MORE: Transphobes 'not welcome' in Scottish Green Party​