Why is it, then, that Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes rejects her bosses’ concerns and says hoodies are just trying to keep warm and should not be branded sinister or threatening?

Ms Hughes beautifully illustrates Labour’s total refusal to accept blame.

They are to blame for creating such a mess for law and order in this country and yet ignore the crisis with such flippant and inane comments.

Of course, when your boss has refused to accept any blame for the deaths of hundred of thousands of Iraqi citizens and the deaths of many British service personnel, is it any wonder his Cabinet takes a lead from his own lack of responsibility? — Jeff Duncan, PO Box 10083, Dundee, DD3 9WW.

They should stop paying people like Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton £millions yearly.

Many people like me, turn shows off as soon as they come on air.

As the public pays, isn’t it about time a questionnaire was sent to everyone by the BBC, asking people what type of programmes, music and presenters they would prefer? — Annoyed.

He or she always offers a logical and commonsense approach.

I have been smoking since I was eight and, on my recent 84th birthday, my doctor described me as being fit as a fiddle.

However, according to the doom mongers, I should have been dragging myself and my iron lung to the grave years ago.

It is time for less misinformed hysteria and a more commonsense approach.

The Scottish Executive would do well in employing Puff Daddy as a consultant. — Roahl Yirown.

This meant that bins put out a day early were scattered by seagulls or cats. I for one expect to see DCC staff ready to deal with this mess.

I have been advised there was a notice printed in the “local” paper. However, why not advise people by leaflet in the affected areas when hand delivering one of the three calendars? — Postman Pat.

Vans, lorries and popular large German saloon cars all have similar emissions. We already more than pay our way in road and fuel tax.

As the for the Government penalising us with higher road taxes with the pretence of improving public services, has anyone ever seen an improvement brought about by increased fuel or road tax?

I have read that if Britain stopped emissions tomorrow it would make no significant difference to global warming. Pollution tax on 4x4s is no more than another con trick from an over-taxing government. — Jeepster.

Also, over the Christmas holiday, Arbroath Infirmary's accident and emergency unit was not in use, no doubt putting extra strain on Ninewells Hospital.

Even when Arbroath is in use, many cases are transferred to Ninewells. — Hospital Conscious.

This meant our democratic rights have been removed for 300 years.

We can start the process in ending this at the Scottish elections in May, otherwise nothing will really change. — R. G., Kirriemuir.

The young man may well have problems about which he felt at the time he couldn’t cope.

The pressures placed on people should not be judged. We should help them.

I think a sheriff, who has been trained in law, is not qualified to offer personal opinions on the situation.

Sheriff Davidson calling the man a “melodramatic idiot”, surely shows a lack of respect for a fellow human being, and a lack of understanding.

What may have been a personal feeling from the sheriff can only reflect badly on the Scottish judicial system. — John Kay.

This song is often requested when we perform, and we would like to learn the lyrics properly.

Dean and Dawn were a great encouragement to us when we were starting in 1979. They always took the time to show us any new chords.

The lyrics can be handed into the Campbelltown Bar in the Hawkhill, Dundee. — Stewart Irving and Sid Brand (aka The Specky Boys).