Today?s Scotsman newspaper has a lengthy article on growing links from a tourist, commercial and cultural standpoint between Russia and Scotland.It points to the fact that the Russian news agency Sputnik recently established its base it Edinburgh prompting an almost hysterical reaction from UK Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, who said Scots should be wary of:?Russian propaganda… and blatant untruths?.However Fallon?s intervention was provoked more by the London-Centric UK government?s jealousy of a burgeoning Scottish political self confidence. He never explained why no such hysteria had greeted the basing of Russian journalists and a TV station in London for many years.Perhaps Russia Today Television (RT) should move its studio in London to Scotland and give the UK government something to really whinge about.The article cites the educational links the University of Edinburgh which established the Princess Dashkova Russian Centre in 2010 to build on:?A long history of academic contacts and exchange of ideas between Scotland and Russia?.A more balanced view than Michael Fallon?s histrionics comes at the conclusion of the Scotsman item from Dr Luke March, a senior lecturer in Soviet and post-Soviet politics. Dr March who said Sputnik?s decision to open in Edinburgh reflected Russia?s view of Scotland:?As an emerging area of influence within the UK?.He added:?We must not view Russia as a monolith – there are very good reasons to be concerned about what Putin is doing within Russia and near its borders, but it?s still perfectly possible to still have educational exchanges, which helps break down mutual suspicions.?Full article at this link: (voir le site) Russian Consulate-General in EdinburghBERNARD MOFFATTPublic Relations Officer Mannin BranchIssued by: The Mannin branch of the Celtic League.18/11/16