The police allowed tourists, shoppers and even families to unwittingly wander into areas of unrest and then not allow them to leave.

By being contained along with those who were obviously violent troublemakers, this tactic put the safety of these innocent people at risk.

We were eventually told to leave. As I tried to do so, an officer pushed me, a grandmother in her 50s, up against a shop window using his riot shield.

I think it is our responsibility, as elected representatives, to scrutinise such actions, just as we should scrutinise the actions of those inciting violence.

Regarding our call for people to make noise at Gleneagles on the Wednesday, we repeatedly stressed that protesters should remain peaceful and should stick to the route negotiated with the police and the council.

The noise was intended to ensure the G8 leaders heard those who oppose them.

I think it would be irresponsible if we did not speak up for those in Africa and elsewhere whose voices are not heard. — Shiona Baird, Green MSP for North East Scotland.

SOME of those who came to Scotland to protest at the G8 summit brought shame to my country.

Decent people were trying to get across an important message — Making Poverty History — and it was hijacked by the troublemakers.

I attended the rally in Edinburgh on July 2. It was a great day because of the carnival atmosphere. — R. G., Kirriemuir.

On top of that we are still paying for hi-tech equipment that falters and needs extensive repairs.

Sadly, this is not a one-off in the latest sorry state of defence procurements.

It is the pen pushers in Whitehall who create such badly-organised projects.

Funnily enough we never hear Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram or Defence Secretary John Reid saying the taxpayer must get value for money from these bean counters as there are more desk-based positions in the MoD than boots on the ground.

Perhaps if the chiefs at the top looked after their Indians (the soldiers of the Scottish regiments for example) and stopped wasting public money then the public might have a modicum of belief in their value-for-money statements often directed at the regiments.

Perhaps John Reid might want to buck the trend and restore our faith in the MoD and the Government by retention of the best value-for-money asset this country has — the six Scottish regiments.

They never break down. They cost comparatively next to nothing alongside Apaches and other hi-tech equipment. They last for decades and they don’t need replacing every few years. — Jeff Duncan, Campaign Organiser, Save the Scottish Regiments Campaign.

Special thanks go to RSB Macdonald who generously sponsored the Friday Night Extravaganza in the Marquee and the official End of Bonanza Party in the Social. We are grateful to Sandra and Davy Young for the use of the Marquee and to Mandy and Jules and Paul and Angus, from G1 Group, who organised the use of No. 25 for hosting the acts and for providing the venue in the Social.

Greetings also go to Keron Miller, from Diageo, and thanks to our other sponsors, City of Discovery Trust, European Union Fund, Bacardi and Cairn o’ Mohr.

Thanks also to Bert at Tayprint, Fairprint, Street Services, especially to Fitz, Ivor at Soundhire Scotland, Shuggie, Peter at Bandwagon and Barbara at Gig@bytes in Perth.

To Mike Woodcock and Graham Huband and to our Webmaster, Dek, who saved the day with his tireless efforts, we also say thank you. — Bob Telford, Chairman.

I find this behaviour disgusting and suggest when these people are caught they should be released to the public.

I would love to help the owner in any way possible and can make a small contribution, if needed, to help pay for veterinary attention. — Mrs A. Wright, Dundee.

I WAS sick to my stomach when I read about the poor little Yorkshire Terrier attacked by three thugs in Dundee’s Hilltown. I hope and pray she pulls through after her ordeal.

These thugs should have the same done to them. — Animal Lover.

But following the story about Betty Ogilvie, I write to say the woman standing waiting to be served is my granny and the woman, who was arrowed in your picture, is my mother. In the original photo I am about to enter the stall to meet them. After our buster we would go to Greenhill’s for a sarsaparilla drink. It was the highlight of my week.

I have copies and enlargements of the photo and have seen the original which was taken when I was about 11. — I. Reid, Menzieshill, Dundee.