I DO not recognise the paternalistic state described by the Rev Dr John Cameron (Letters, November 17), but I do recognise an adherent to the Unionist cause.

Virtually everything he complains about happened in his words “the last decade”, sparked off by the minimum pricing policy, praised all over the UK and throughout the civilised world. He calls Scotland the most intrusive nanny state and writes “limitations on what the little people do at home”, a most patronising and unchristian statement.

Scotland has made greater strides towards freedom and equality in the last 10 years than in the previous 73 years of my life, but there is still more to do. I see no mention in his letter of food banks nor the Bedroom Tax, but he condemns “perverse drug laws” filling our prisons and calls alcohol minimum pricing “Prohibition for the poor”.

In the days of “fake news” one wonders what he has been reading?

Jim Lynch,

42 Corstorphine Hill Crescent, Edinburgh.

I FOUND the Rev Dr John Cameron's letter, as usual berating the Scottish Government, somewhat ironic.

He talks of "paternalism under the guise of protecting us from ourselves"; "destruction of liberty and responsibility"; "pervasive authoritarianism" and "a moral Gestapo controlling the minutiae of our lives"

Is that not exactly how the reverend gentleman earns his living?

David Hay,

12 Victoria Park, Minard, Argyll.