Letter: Shanghai'd Scots

Sir: Having a father and grandfather who both spent their 21st birthdays in Shanghai, I read Niall Ferguson's article "The last oik of the British Empire" (4 December) with some interest. In both cases, they were younger sons with few prospects at home, no fortune, but a good Scottish education. Seeking one's fortune used to be considered a laudable thing to do.

Mr Ferguson, from his name, is presumably a Scot who has sought his fortune in England, moving to where the opportunities offer. Does he consider himself an oik?

Yours etc,

Alastair Stewart

Little Baddow, Essex