19 AUGUST 1989, Page 21

Rusty blasphemy

Sir: Being unfamiliar with the law relating to blasphemy, I consulted the current modern textbook, Gordon on the Criminal Law of Scotland. After pointing out that the last prosecutions for this crime were in 1843, the learned author goes on, It is exceedingly unlikely that any prosecution will now be brought for blasphemy, and it may be said that blasphemy is no longer a crime.' It is therefore with some surprise that I read of our English demand for the reactivation and the enlargement of this rusty old engine.

Kilbrandon

Kilbrandon House, Balvicar, Oban, Argyll