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And as we know, many politicians love their football.
SNP Leader in the House of Commons, Stephen Flynn, has already changed his Twitter bio to read “GOING TO THE WORLD CUP” and posted numerous tweets about football over a 15-hour period.
At a time when it’s been announced that Stephen Flynn has the second lowest voting record among Scottish MPs since the general election, maybe he should concentrate more on the job he was elected to do, and less on his hobby.
Who can forget when John Swinney announced in June 2024 that “football has a marvellous way of bringing people together”, and that he would be attending the opening match of the Euro 2024 tournament.
Of course, it was not enough that he attended on behalf of the Scottish parliament. The Sports Minister and the Culture Secretary both had to get in on the act.
Stephen Flynn also attended in a personal capacity.
The World Cup is to be held from June 11 to July 19 next year.
The Scottish Parliamentary recess has yet to be agreed, as it will not be announced until after the Scottish election in May.
This year, the summer recess in Holyrood was from June 28 until the end of August.
In Westminster the summer recess starts on July 16 2026.
I wonder how empty the benches in both parliaments will be once the tournament begins?
Politicians are constantly discussing the cost of living crisis in the UK.
If they want to go to the World Cup, they should do it in their own time and not expect the taxpayer to fund it under the pretence that they’re engaging in “culture and sports diplomacy and Scottish-(enter name of host country) relations”, as was done by many during Euro 2024.
We don’t believe it and we know they’re only there for the football.
Jane Lax, Aberlour.
More letters…
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Letters: Sport should not be exploited as a propaganda tool
Scottish champs? Maybe…
“What a night, eh?” declared Scotland manager Steve Clarke.
It was stomach churning, gut wrenching, nerve shredding agony when we thought it was all over… and ecstasy when we found out that we’re just getting started.
Discussing the game, I agree with many of Herald letters correspondent Allan Sutherland’s comments (now, that’s something I thought I’d never write).
But I must disagree with him when he writes: “I doubt we will win the World Cup” (Letters, November 20).
Given the performance the other night, given the passion and commitment from the remarkable Steve Clarke and his outstanding team, given the incredible goals the likes of which we’ve never seen before, given the pure dead brilliant support from the Tartan Army cheering them on… I don’t see any reason why Scotland can’t win the World Cup.
The ball is at our feet and there is everything to play for.
Ruth Marr, Stirling.
Picture perfect
I am not a follower of football at any level, though as a Scot I was delighted to see Scotland qualify for the World Cup.
The BBC, so often accused in Scotland of being too ‘English biased’, really excelled itself with the coverage of the game, to the extent that Radio 4’s Today programme even relayed part of the Gaelic commentary.
Congratulations should also be given to the photographer whose shot provided the front cover of Wednesday’s Herald.
Isobel Hunter, Lenzie.
Beeb’s recycled reporting
I echo Derek B Petrie’s comments regarding the “regurgitation” of many articles on BBC Scotland’s 6.30pm Scottish news that have already been featured on the main 6pm news. (Letters, November 19).
While I enjoy the convivial presentation of BBC Scotland news at 6.30pm, I too agree that many of the items featured have often already been covered amply by the main news.
From this perspective, it could be argued that it comes at the expense of perhaps more locally themed news stories that could be featured.
The legitimate justification for this would no doubt be that BBC Scotland are trying to present national issues from a Scottish perspective.
However, I find that apropos the provision of more localised news, STV’s flagship news programme wins hands down.
John G McMenemy, Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire.
Going postal
Further to my recent commentary (Letters, October 15) berating Royal Mail for being justifiably fined for their poor performance, I think I have now discovered what is the issue.
A large letter posted from Bishopbriggs on Monday afternoon, paying extra for signed-for 24 hour delivery (their aim) arrived on Wednesday, just after midday, some forty eight hours after posting.
I can only assume that the Royal Mail’s definition of an ‘hour’ and ‘aim’ is different from mine, especially when the package was tracked to Croydon, a few miles from the delivery address, on Tuesday.
The Royal Mail really needs to get its house in order and improve its aim.
Douglas Jardine, Bishopbriggs.
Food for thought
The critique of the play Strangers in the Night at Oran Mor reminded me of an old chestnut which still makes me smile (“A Play, A Pie and A Pint serves up bittersweet laughs in tale of twilight years”, The Herald, November 19).
A toper, just arrived in the area and looking for a new home from home, decides to try out a local hostelry for his customary liquid lunch.
On making his way to the bar to order, encouraged by a prominent notice recommending ‘a pie, a pint and a kind word’, he asks the glamorous barmaid if he can have that please.
A few minutes later she reappears with a steaming pie and pours him a pint before moving away to serve another customer.
Hoping to establish a friendly relationship with the serving lady, he calls her back and, pointing at the notice, asks her with what he believes to be a winning smile: “And what about the kind word?”
To which she whispers in his ear: “Don’t eat the pie.”
Alan Fitzpatrick, Dunlop, Ayrshire.
