Thanks, Sir Fred

Over the past weeks, we have been concerned at the level of criticism, at times bordering on the vindictive, levelled at Sir Fred Goodwin, chief executive of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

We would like to point out that, irrespective of current issues in the global banking markets or indeed RBS's exposure to the "toxic debt( issue through its American businesses, we truly appreciate Sir Fred's role in retaining the global headquarters of RBS in Edinburgh. This has led to the retention of a significant number of jobs in the Edinburgh city region.

At a time when the global economy is experiencing enormous difficulties we would hope that a more measured view is taken in any further comment and that any actions are based on fact.

(CLLR) JENNY DAWE
Leader of the Council

(CLLR) TOM BUCHANAN
Convenor of the Economic Development Committee
City of Edinburgh Council
High Street, Edinburgh

Presumably, Sir Fred Goodwin received his knighthood for services to banking. Can we now expect him to take the honourable course and return the knighthood in light of his obvious and overwhelming disservices to banking and the British economy?

ALAN TURNER
Bridstow
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire