BBC: 'We did not presume guilt on part of Murray'
It is nonsense to suggest, as did Archie Macpherson (Herald Sport, Nov 27) that BBC Scotland has declared "open season" on Rangers or that the approach adopted in presenting the BBC Scotland documentaries on Rangers amounted to a "subtle and nuanced incrimination".
Both programmes were motivated by a desire to explain how a major Scottish institution, with a 140-year old history and with a support that spans the globe, was on the brink of financial collapse. This was done fairly and impartially and ample opportunity was given to Sir David Murray and others at Rangers FC to respond.
The HMRC tax case was at the heart of the financial difficulties that the club faced. We laid out the evidence that the tribunal would be considering to establish whether the tax avoidance scheme had been operated legally or not. Contrary to Mr Macpherson's contention, we did not presume guilt on the part of Sir David Murray. Indeed, we included contributions from him, offering support for, and belief in, the scheme.
The result of the tribunal appeal was reported widely across our news outlets once the decision was announced.
Ian Small, Head of Public Policy & Corporate Affairs
BBC Scotland, Glasgow
Schools the solution to Scotland's sporting ills
As a young head of department in a state school (and sports enthusiast), I would like to praise wholeheartedly the ideas expressed by David Henderson of Inverness (Herald Sport, Nov 29).
As Bill Clinton's advisor famously said: 'It's the economy, stupid'; in the case of Scotland's failing football and rugby teams the solution really is 'the schools, stupid'. Hundreds of teachers would jump at the chance to run a sports team, if they were given the sort of backing and support suggested by Mr Henderson.
M Bowen, Glasgow
To go forward, it might be worth thinking backwards
Scotland's football and rugby teams are without a manager. As the rugby players appear to have a problem passing the ball backward to a team-mate, and the footballers seem unaware you can pass the ball forward, then perhaps the post could be combined as an interchange of ideas which may help both sports. Worth a try . . . which is more than can be said of the rugby team.
Eric Gardner, Glasgow
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