26 MAY 1990, Page 27

Sir: Alan Massie's excellent article made me realise two things.

First, why nearly half a century ago, as a young Scot who came of age during the second world war, I wanted desperately to join the Indian Army, with which fine force I had the honour to serve for five years thereafter.

Secondly and presently, with the exit of Empire and the advent of Europe, West- minster's reluctant, tardy and ambivalent attitude to the whole great European concept is far more detrimental to Scotland than to England.

Russell Fairgrieve

Pankalan, Boleside, Galashiels