Editor – There has been renewed pressure on Scottish councils and public bodies to endorse the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) campaign. I believe this is a mistake.
Local government in Scotland has enough on its plate without importing international political campaigns into council chambers. From stretched budgets and struggling high streets to potholes, schools,
and social care, councillors are elected to focus on the everyday concerns of the communities they serve — not to act as amateur foreign ministries.
Foreign policy is a matter for Westminster and Holyrood, not town halls. Symbolic boycotts passed by councils in Fife, Glasgow, or the Borders will not bring peace to the Middle East, but they can cause real division at home.
Scotland has a strong tradition of fairness, dialogue, and international engagement based on understanding rather than exclusion. Our councils would do better to reflect those values by focusing on local needs and bringing people together, instead of endorsing campaigns that risk setting neighbour against neighbour.
Angela Stott
