Scots myths
Sir: What canting nonsense is this (Letters, 7 February)? By all means let the Scotch call themselves Scots or Scottish if they want to. But why should English people be nagged into doing so too? Personally, if I ever am heard talking about a 'Scots' terrier or a 'Scots' mist, you may boil me alive in butter- scottish.
If this sort of thing goes on, I suppose we shall have the Francais explaining patiently that, with one dubious exception, 'French' may be used with leave, windows and polish, but otherwise not. And your Deutsch corres- pondents will meanwhile be protesting that 'German' is only permissible when preceded by Cousin or Edward.
Yes, yes, all right, I know, I know. Most unfair. But really, sir, it is high time that this recurrent silliness was scotched once and for all. The word Scotch, incidentally was good enough for Sir Walter Scott, What is so dreadful about it, anyway?
F.J. A. Cruso The Old Vicarage, Bury, Nr. Pulborough, Sussex
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