ANENT the latest round of special pleading in respect of the British Council (“Festival chiefs warn against damaging’ cuts to culture”, The Herald, August 21), who needs – or wants – this organisation?

Now that we up here in Scotland have our own arms’-length arts funder in Creative Scotland, what began life as an outpost of neo-colonialism is well past its sell by date. Arts and education are, and should remain, devolved functions.

Neil Robertson,

4 Glamis Terrace, Dundee.