We are being force-fed third-rate claptrap by the professional manipulators of emotion and irrationality.

It would serve the SSP better to start sorting out themselves rather than moralising and preaching to us as to how to lead our lives and save the world in the process.

The Scottish Parliament may or may not be a glorified version of local government, with the majority of its members still learning their trade, but its arrival was symbolic of the nation’s desire to execute an increased level of self-responsibility in its affairs. Therefore it should be treated with the dignity it deserves.

We all know the proverb about empty barrels making the most noise. The country deserves a better return on its investment and the maintenance of effective sanctions/protections against serial disputers wallowing in their over-inflated sense of self-importance. — Victoria Streeter.

l SSP MSPs Frances Curran, Rosie Kane, Colin Fox and Carolyn Leckie demonstrated at the Scottish Parliament over the right to demonstrate at the G8 summit. They are appealing in the courts against their suspension from sitting at Holyrood during September, which was imposed by fellow MSPs for their actions.

It would be interesting to see the breakdown of sentences for these crimes. I fear few would have been the maximum two years for possession of an offensive weapon.

Sheriffs should be prepared to back up politicians’ tough talk by equally tough sentences. — Inverg.

It was obviously not the families and feeder primaries of the high school in the north-east of the city.

I was appalled and shocked to learn of this during my recent visit to the school’s prize-giving ceremony. The school is ideally situated in the heart of this community.

Dundee councillors talk of regeneration strategies which aim to attract and encourage economic growth, and tackle ongoing problems of the declining population within local communities.

By agreeing to close the school, councillors have clearly opted to discard one of the main ingredients from their regeneration recipe.

They should think long and hard about their decision and consider the long-term affects this would have, not only for existing and future families, but for the community itself. — Family Planner.

Given the way soldiers are treated these days, and watching people disrupt the tranquil life of Perthshire during the G8 conference, I thought it was worth pondering over.

It is the soldier not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of press,

It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech,

It is the soldier, not the activist, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate,

It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves the flag.

And it is the soldier, whose coffin is draped with the flag,

Who permits the protester to burn the flag.

—       John J. Smith MBE.

Also, not having proper changing facilities encourages bathers to use the toilets causing wet floors. It might be better to have someone to supervise the toilets and provide a bathing shelter.

Why not alter the derelict property next to toilets for changing? It is an eyesore. — Disgusted.

Tenants there are paying the same Council Tax as the rest of Coldside and are entitled to the same service. — Sheltered Housing.

It might deter others from causing similar damage elsewhere. — Cemetery Visitor.

The City Fathers should do something about getting Dundee shown on the map. We are Scotland’s fourth city. — J. M. R., Douglas.