Getting the job done: women now grabbing the top roles

Share And so the ladies have secured another Number 1 position, with the appointment of Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas as principal and vice-chancellor of Heriot-Watt University ('First female principal begins role at Heriot-Watt University in 'milestone'', The Herald, September 4). This can be placed alongside five women serving in the Cabinet of the Scottish Government compared to four men; Sarah Mullally becoming the first woman Archbishop of Canterbury; and Sharon Nesmyth becoming the first woman four star general in the British army. One can sense that there are not many senior positions in life's rich tapestry that women are not ready to fill. One wonders what there is about the leadership of the British Labour Party and the Presidency of the United States which has kept them out of the reach of women. It can only be a matter of time, I believe, before these two very different jobs fall into the female line which has been extending repeatedly over the years. Ian W Thomson, Lenzie. More letters... Trade war shows the folly of leaving the biggest trading group in the world Trump's win should be a reality check for our leaders Truss was right: Sturgeon is an attention seeker Terminal illness measures fall short Marie Curie welcomes the Scottish Government's commitments to provide financial support for people with a terminal illness facing high energy costs, and to deliver pay parity for hospice staff, as set out in the Programme for Government ('Energy bills support for Scotland's terminally ill', The Herald, August 31). However, these measures fall far short of the transformation in palliative care that people across Scotland were promised ahead of the election. Millions rely on high-quality end of life care, yet too often access depends on where someone lives. Most palliative care is provided in local communities by GPs, community nurses and care home staff. And almost one in three people are currently missing out. Scotland urgently needs national minimum standards for palliative care, backed by clear accountability, so that everyone knows what care and support they can expect, regardless of their diagnosis, postcode or circumstances. Reforms to the NHS and social care must be relentlessly focused on delivering equity, and ensuring everyone can access the care they need at the end of life. The commitments made earlier this year cannot be allowed to fade. Scotland's new NHS must deliver equitable, high-quality palliative care for all. Amy Dalrymple, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Marie Curie Scotland, Edinburgh. Privatise universities You quote the Principal of Edinburgh University ("'A radical approach must be applied to the future of Scotland's university sector'", The Herald, September 4). Well, libertarians like me would say privatise the whole bang-shoot. End of. George Morton, Rosyth. Edinburgh Uni: time to offload I spent my business career working in Edinburgh University's vast property portfolio. It is spread throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. If the university really has a funding issue, then sell some of it. Robert Findlay, East Kilbride. Dogs in cafés: it's a risky business I refer to your article ("What's really going on in the Hebridean café row dividing a small island', The Herald, September 3). People with severe allergic reactions to animal proteins are put at significant risk by others taking their dogs into venues such as cafes. (And cinemas, hotel rooms, libraries, class rooms, lecture theatres etc…) Those with such allergies are barred from many public spaces because of the presence of animals. They are being disabled, put at risk and excluded by the choices others make. Brian Dempsey, Dundee. Church woman's heroism Your report ('Auschwitz honours Scot who chose Jewish children over her own safety', The Herald, September 4) describes Jane Haining's pre-war and wartime activities in Budapest, and the recent recognition of her contribution by the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum. It's worth noting that immediately after the war Ms Haining's heroism was acknowledged by her church in Glasgow's south side. She was a member of Queen's Park West Church (now Queen's Park Govanhill) where she was a teacher and secretary of the Sunday School. In June 1948 the congregation commissioned a stained-glass artist, Douglas Hamilton, to make and instal two commemorative windows in the church vestibule. Both windows feature striking images, along with a few lines of text describing Ms Haining's service. Photographs of them can be seen on the website www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk. David Galloway, Glasgow. BBC ignores Scottish gems Scotland has enjoyed an excellent summer of sporting and cultural events. To name a few: The Boston Beer Party; The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race visiting Oban; the World Pipe Band Championships. The crowning glory was the Commonwealth Games hosted by Glasgow, with the opening ceremony being a wonderful cultural and sporting occasion, putting the World Cup closing ceremony to shame. However, the BBC ignored it, saving its powder for the culturally limited but important sporting event of the European Games. This merited mainstream BBC1 and BBC2 coverage all week. The BBC also removed several Scottish favourites such as Iain Anderson and Shereen Nanjiani's regular broadcasts, plus soap opera River City and sitcom Only Child. The corporation claimed low viewing numbers. I thought we paid our licence fee for quality, not worrying about sponsorship and commercial interests. How ignorant I am. Though we do have a BBC Scotland channel, which could host these 'minority interest' broadcasts if the English audience finds our cultural gems so offensive. Iain McNicol, Port Appin. Short changed: These humble old Scottish coins would be much improved with the image of Captain James T Kirk on at least one side. Now such a thing is going to happen... (Image: Church of Scotland) Star Trek: stamp of greatness Trekkies, I think we're still labelled, remain devout followers of the original 1960s series of Star Trek and the adventures of Captain James T. Kirk. There was Mr Spock and the redoubtable Scotty, who would "boldly go where no man had gone before". Followers of one of television's greatest programmes will be delighted to have their heroes recognised and remembered on new coinage being launched ('Royal Mint marks Star Trek's 60th', The Herald, September 3). The Royal Mint has rightly decided to honour the crew of the Starship Enterprise on a series of 50p coins. It was entirely fitting that the original Scotty (actually played by a Canadian actor) had his ashes launched into space after he passed on. I understand we now have the first genuine Scot, Paisley born actor Martin Quinn, in the star-travelling engineer's role in the latest series. No need to force an accent, there! Maybe the ship's latest crew will also be remembered. Perhaps on a stamp? May all you aging Trekkies: 'Live long and prosper.' N.J. Hunter, Ardrossan.Share Get involved with the news