My lovely Auld Reekie
From Martin Hogg Sir: As a resident of Edinburgh. I must apologise to Lloyd Evans (Arts, 23 August) for his dreadful experience during his recent visit to my parochial and grey town. As a reader of the national press, I am of course aware how much more pleasant it is to live in London, with its polite population, accessible amenities and pleasing underground railway system. We Edinburghers look on enviously and wish that we too could aspire to the lifestyle of London luvvies who exist only to bemoan the dreary provinces.
If only Mr Evans would be kind enough forcibly to expatriate some of his nonwhite neighbours, I feel sure we could resolve the grave sin of not achieving the racial mixture of London. But I cannot quite bring myself to apologise for our 'grey' city, built, as it is, of sandstone, not granite (perhaps Mr Evans is thinking of Aberdeen). Nor for the horrid black castiron railings which Mr Evans witnessed obfuscating the Royal Scottish Academy building. When I checked this morning, they were painted a splendid green, as all cast-iron railings were until they were painted black in mourning for the death of the Prince Regent.
Perhaps on his next visit, Mr Evans might consider leaving his congenital misery at King's Cross station and attempt to have fun in one of the most exciting and beautiful cities in these islands.
Martin Hogg
Edinburgh
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