WHATEVER the legality underlying individual cases, monies advanced under EBTs (Employee Benefit Trusts) are in reality loans.
In view of the desperate plight of Rangers FC plc, wouldn't it be helpful in assembling funds with which to pay the club's 270-odd creditors if the doomed sporting giant's numerous EBT holders were to repay their loans, totalling nearly £48m – none of which appears yet to have been repaid?
Amongst 63 Rangers' players and 24 staff and directors reportedly in receipt of EBTs over the past decade or so are former chairman Sir David Murray (£6.3m), former player Barry Ferguson (£2.49m) with former Rangers general secretary and current SFA president Campbell Ogilvie owing £95,000.
It remains to be seen whether or not these high-profile individuals and the others will decide voluntarily to repay their EBT loans; no doubt the liquidators and possibly also the tax authorities will know where to direct their attention in pursuit of outstanding debts in the days and weeks ahead.
Ron Sutherland,
4 Millwell Park, Innerleithen.
THE decision of the residents of Middlesborough near Boston, Massachussetts, to vote to fine the foul-mouthed could find currency here ("Town votes to fine swearers", The Herald, June 13). The profusion of expletives heard on the streets and in the football stadia of Scotland could provide a rich seam of income.
I have often thought that if all the hot air expended on football could be harnessed it could heat a small town. Adopting this new initiative could have funded the purchase of Rangers.
David Will,
24 Cauldstream Place,
Glasgow.
IF Rangers are relegated to the third division of the Scottish Football League , the costs of policing Old Firm games and their aftermath will not be necessary for at least three years. In addition domestic violence would hopefully be reduced .
I hope these considerations are part of the SPL team's deliberations when deciding on Rangers' fate.
Michael Watson,
74 Wardlaw Avenue,
Rutherglen, Glasgow.
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