I WAS appalled to watch Ken Loach's Sweet Sixteen on BBC Two Scotland on Saturday evening to find that "English" subtitles were being shown. I can only assume this was because BBC Scotland has once again succumbed to the influence of its political masters in London at the expense of regional cultural diversity. A Mancunian accent is obviously acceptable with the likes of Coronation Street without the need for subtitles but not working-class Greenock - the emphasis being on both Scots working class and Greenock.
I look forward to the next New Labour party political broadcast and Monday's episode of EastEnders being shown with Gaelic subtitles or, at very least, Scots!
Alistair J Grant, Ardenmohr, Perth Road, Crieff.
I WOULD like to complain in the strongest terms possible that the film, Sweet Sixteen, broadcast on BBC 2 on Saturday night, was subtitled. This film won huge critical acclaim when released, winning the Grand Jury prize in the international competition at the Santa Barbara film festival, as well as newcomer award for its actor, Martin Compston, and best British independent film prize at the British Independent Film Awards and winner of the best screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002. In addition, Ken Loach won the FIPRESCI Prize at the European Film Awards and Martin Compston won Best Actor at the Bafta Awards, Scotland. It also won Best European Union Film at the Cesar Awards in France in 2003.
It is greatly insulting that it is felt that UK viewers cannot understand the Scottish accent and the Scots dialect.
If it is felt by the BBC that many viewers may not understand what is being said, why is it that other films and TV programmes, which are made with strong so-called "regional" accents, are not subtitled? I personally may have great difficulties understanding the Liverpudlian, the "Brummie" or Birmingham, "Cockney" London, or even strong Welsh or Irish accents, but I would not expect to see such a programme with subtitles - I would make every effort to understand the accent and what is being said.
That this particular film has been subtitled gives the impression that it is a "foreign language" film. It also indicates that the BBC feels that its viewers cannot understand Scottish accents. As a licence payer I want to see the BBC apologise to the Scottish nation and give a reassurance that such a situation will not reoccur.
Elaine Wylie, 4 Hawarden Terrace, Perth.
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