Leader comment: Maps can make us see Scotland and the world differently
In the eyes of some, this is a political snub; view the Gall-Peters projection, which better reflects size by making different compromises, and you will see the world in a different way.
Putting Shetland in a “box” off the north-east coast on maps of Scotland appears a practical thing to do. It is far enough away from the north coast that showing its true position would require making the mainland much smaller or the map considerably bigger.
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Hide AdBut some, like the island’s MSP, Tavish Scott, see this as a political snub, demonstrating the islands are an “afterthought” in the Scottish Government’s thinking.
If this view is held by many on the islands, it seems sensible to find a compromise, perhaps by using official maps showing the true position alongside more practical ones.
It might benefit everyone – and do no harm – to see how far Shetland is from the mainland and to see Scotland in a different way.