Its recent growth in population underscores the ambitions of Highland Council in successfully attracting new jobs from Westminster and Holyrood and the manner in which it has successfully developed Inverness airport which, in the past year, has seen over half a million users.

The council’s plans for a university of the Highlands is well advanced.

How Perth could ever expect to match this, given Dundee’s proximity, is doubtful.

While Dundee remains the capital of Tayside it hasn’t experienced anything like the benefits bestowed on Inverness. Regardless of what is happening elsewhere, Dundee should be afforded recognition of its status as Scotland’s fourth city.

Whether that comes via the BBC weather report, a fair decentralising of Executive jobs, or financial assistance to Dundee City Council in the promotion of the region’s airport at Riverside, isn’t important.—Walter Burns, Liff Road, Dundee.

However, parents who buy their children these mini motorbikes should also act responsibly and ensure they are used in the correct fashion.

Allowing these children to become pests on the street is a parental issue and should not need to be a police one. These machines are illegal on the road/pavement but some parents seem happy for children to break the law.

Would they allow their children to joy ride in cars around housing estates, because it amounts to the same thing?

The council refuses to supply facilities on insurance grounds. So what makes a supplier of facilities inclined to offer them without the necessary indemnity in place?

Sorry for being cynical, but the folk who use these bikes illegally will not have the necessary insurance. But, rest assured, they will be at the front of the queue if they are injured in a field or warehouse and the “no win no fee” lawyers get their chance.

Retailers of these bikes also have a responsibility. — Dave Blair.

Take just two of the campaigners who make a stooshy about playing concerts for the impoverished, Bono and Elton John.

Between them, they could easily give away £100 million and still be very wealthy men, but they do not.

Why? Because they have the argument that they have worked hard and got the opportunity to earn this wealth.

If that absurd argument is true, it must also be true that people in the Third World, etc, deserve their predicament due to lack of opportunity and lack of hard work.

The real problem is the disproportionate wealth of a small percentage of people, that some pop stars court on one hand, with their glamorous lifestyles, and manipulate on the other, with their crocodile tears and swearing demands for money. Discuss. — The Bonnet.

There was mention of a lady being charged for a bag when she spent £80. I assume she could afford the 5p-a-bag charge then?

Also, she couldn’t have been that interested in DIY if she let a miniscule charge of 5p put her off.

What about bringing one of your own bags to carry purchases? — Think Twice.

The scheme allows anyone on income-related state benefits, who signs up to pay for their licence on the Cash Easy Entry Scheme, to opt to be reminded via text message when their initial payment is due.

Over 180 texts have already been sent to cash scheme payers in the Dundee area with 16% more customers making their initial payment on time. Anyone wanting more information can call 0845 600 1023. — Fergus Reid, TV Licensing Scotland.

I want to bring him to Scotland for treatment and to have prosthetic limbs fitted.

We have two events coming up.

There’s Ronnie Coburn’s Breath of Scotland Show in St Mary’s Church hall, on June 30 from 2-4 pm (phone 524354 for tickets).

Also, we have a Good As New shop at 219 Hilltown from June 20 to July 3, 9.30am to 4.30pm. — Audrey Drummond, Thurso Crescent, Dundee.