WATCHINg the TV news the other night about the US premiere of the Scotland-set cartoon Brave, I was horrified by how ignorant our American cousins seemed to be about Scotland.

When the reporter asked people in the street what they thought about our country, most seemed to think it was part of Ireland. One even mentioned leprechauns!

Considering much of the US was pioneered and settled by ex-pat Scots, it seem bewilderding that the country can have forgotten its own founding history.

I know it's only a cartoon film but, hopefully, Brave will teach the Yanks a few facts about where many of them came from.

Bob Patterson Via e-mail

Soapy bubble

The Scottish Parliament is to host a major debate on River City. They are going to have a debate on a Scottish soap! Why?

Because former Tory leader Annabel Goldie is hooked on the show and doesn't want it axed.

Haven't they got more important issues to address?

George Drummond

Glasgow

Final curtain

YOU rightly commented on the loss of the red sandstone tenement in the East End that had to come down because of weak foundations.

Then I noticed with pleasure that the old whisky offices on West Nile Street are to be retained as part of the new Buchanan Street development.

Now you report that the lovely ornate building in the West End which was once home to the Scottish Ballet School is to be demolished; for what? Another square, glass block of student flats.

Surely the old facade could be be retained with a new building behind it?

HE

Glasgow

Down the tubes

WE laugh about Edinburgh's non-working trams, but our Subway still can't operate a decent Sunday service (June 18).

Compared to the rest of Europe, public transport in Scotland, and the rest of the UK, is still in the Dark Ages.

Lesley Walker Via e-mail