Your picture of a young saxophone player with the caption “Scottish jazz is one of the niche musical genres the BBC covers” (Herald Letters, February 6) gives a totally misleading understanding of the BBC and jazz in Scotland.
Prior to March 2023, the BBC did have a commitment to jazz in Scotland, with a weekly edition of firstly The Jazz House with Stephen Duffy, and then Jazz Nights with Seonaid Aitken.
I was privileged to work on both programmes as a “Jazz Jargon-buster”, and saw at first hand how exposure to live broadcasting led to an invaluable experience for emerging artists of real class, from local youth big bands to students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Despite protests from significant figures in the profession, such as Nicola Benedetti, the late John Wallace, and many others, the programme was taken off air. A specialist, well-produced and resourced programme was gone for ever.
The BBC Young Musician of the Year is only for those who are 18 and over, taking no account of young people learning the skill of improvisation in schools and in local jazz groups like my own Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra.
“BBC’s commitment to music in Scotland is second to none.”
I beg to differ.
Richard Michael BEM, Hon Professor of Jazz, St Andrews University, Director Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra.
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Maternity inspections reports on schedule
I am writing to clarify a point in the article by Hannah Brown (“What’s going on with Scotland’s maternity inspection reports so far?”, The Herald, February 5).
The article acknowledges the importance of these inspections in assuring safe maternal healthcare.
The article refers to our maternity inspections programme and states “only five of the 18 promised reports have been published, although all were expected by March this year.”
I wish to clarify that we are on track to deliver these inspection reports within the agreed timescale, which is as follows: inspections of maternity units across Scotland began in January 2025.
It was agreed with the Scottish Government that Healthcare Improvement Scotland would undertake eight onsite inspections by the end of March 2026.
We are on schedule to achieve this.
The remaining ten inspections will take place by the end of March 2027,and we are on schedule to achieve this as well.
The inspections are unannounced – meaning that the unit will get no warning that inspectors are on their way – and the aim is for the inspection reports to be made publicly available around twelve weeks after each unit has been inspected.
The maternity inspections programme is of the utmost importance and priority, and we are fully committed to delivering this programme of work.
Robbie Pearson, Chief Executive Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
Neurodivergent deserve better
Your correspondent John G McMenemy (Herald Letters, February 4) welcomes the news that the Scottish Government has published a report in which MSPs have identified the urgent need for a national plan to provide support pathways for those with neurodiversity.
(Mr McMenemy describes those affected as “suffering” from neuro developmental conditions, while most neurodiverse people see it as their way of being. The ‘suffering’ arises from a lack of awareness and suitable support.)
In an incredible coincidence, barely a month ago Dr. Jim Crabb of the Royal College of Psychiatry reported in The Herald that his organisation has been working on the very same.
I wrote to you (Herald Letters, January 8) to report my strong sense of deja vu about Dr. Crabb’s plans, that would provide clarity and a roadmap for policymakers and professionals; was needs based, across lifespan; built of lived experience and expert consensus, with clarity, compassion and structure.
I pointed out that this was almost exactly what the Scottish Government 10 year Autism Strategy promised, when launched in 2011.
Beyond the production of glossy information packs, large expensive gatherings of experts, and lots of jargon, it failed. Proper support for neurodiversity will cost large sums of money.
Think in terms of what the Scottish Government is paying for a new boat, to get a sense of what we’re talking about.
I expressed concern that a few million pounds thrown at developing more strategy does nothing to address actual needs of people with neurodiversity.
It is good for politicians and professionals, it seems.
Imagine my surprise, a few days ago, when I read that the Scottish Government is providing £3.4 million “to improve access to neuro developmental support to children, young people and their families”.
If I’m still here, I expect I’ll see the same cycle in another decade. People living with neurodiversity deserve so much better.
Duncan F MacGillivray, Dunoon.
Celebrating Clyde industry
It was disappointed to discover West Dunbartonshire Council has no plans to restore and re-open the Titan Crane in Clydebank.
Another example of our poor history of looking after our heritage.
Visiting Belfast some years ago, I enjoyed the amazing Titanic Experience, which not only tells the story of the ill-fated ship, but celebrates the city’s shipbuilders.
Afterwards, I thought: “Why doesn’t Glasgow/Clydebank have something like this, incorporating the Titan Crane, and using the vast area of unused land surrounding it?”
Clearly a visitor attraction would be beyond the financial resources and experience of a local authority.
But I’d have thought a private company, and designers with vision, could create an experience to celebrate Clyde Built and make much needed revenue for the local authority.
Stuart Neville, Clydebank.
Statue of limitations
Following Mark Smiths's article, (“Where have George Square's statues gone - and what's happening to them?”, The Herald, February 7), could we agree a set of criteria before they’re returned?
May I suggest the following. The statues should be:
1. Of Scots or Glaswegians, by birth or reputation.
2. Significant in historical, artistic or scientific endeavours.
3. Untainted by atrocities against the common people during our Empire or political history.
John Jamieson, Ayr.
No laughing matter
Reading Alison Rowat’s column, I was surprised to discover ‘Dinosaur’ was a comedy (“It’s a sitcom with a very pleasing ‘sit’ but precious little in the way of ‘com’”, The Herald, February 6).
Being a Brandane, I watched series one, as watching one's home town on telly adds a comforting flavour to any viewing.
I was very surprised to discover its intent was to make me laugh.
It did not.
Tracey Guy, Rothesay, Bute.
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