University challenge

More than 60 eminent scientists make a distinct intervention in the Scottish Parliamentary elections campaign in a letter published in The Herald today. They do not endorse any particular party but their views are not helpful to the SNP. That is because they believe Scottish independence (they prefer the emotive noun "separation") would disrupt the UK research funding model, with harmful consequences for Scottish science and this country's wellbeing. Therefore, they back the Union. It will especially hearten Labour, trailing the Nationalists in the polls before next Thursday's elections, to have heavy- hitters from the gown end of society in the Unionist corner.