Years ago the city used to empty for the last week in July and it became almost a ghost town. This year I hardly noticed any reduction in the amount of traffic.

However, the start of the autumn holidays saw traffic so light I was able to have an extra ten minutes in bed.

Not only that but family and friends I keep in touch with on a regular basis were all away, as were several of my neighbours, leaving me free in the evening to get on with tidying up my garden in preparation for the long dark nights.

And what a far travelled bunch they are with destinations ranging from Pitlochry, into continental Europe from Finland to Spain with one couple off to the Rocky Mountains and another to Australia.

If 40 years ago you suggested to someone exiting a jute mill to begin his or her summer holidays that they could be going to the Rocky Mountains in October 2007 you would have been laughed at. Yet that is what happened. — Home Alone.

But it was short lived. My company said that we already get 29 days holiday including public holidays.

I was under the impression that annual leave was different from public holidays and we are entitled to the extra three days.

Could someone please clarify? — Unhappy Worker.

[A spokesperson from Acas, the employment information service, said, “If you work five days a week the company is correct, as the new leave entitlement does include public and bank holidays.

“Statutory annual leave entitlement rose from 4 to 4.8 weeks a year from October 1. For someone working a five-day week that means a rise from 20 to 24 days. On April 1, 2009 there will be a further increase to 5.6 weeks or 28 days.

“You should still have a smile on your face though — your company continues to give you more leave than they are required to under law.

“Acas guidance on annual leave entitlement and other employment relations matters can be found at www.acas.org.uk”]

Could you tell me the significance of these buildings, which I believe had been stables? — J. Scott, Tweed Crescent, Dundee.

[John Doig, Planning Officer at Dundee City Council, offered the following information to explain the significance of these buildings.

“The buildings at the back are a row of two-storey mews buildings. These pertain to the east side of South Tay Street, laid out in 1792 and built 1819-29.

“Although altered, the buildings are important for their relation to South Tay Street. Numbers nine to 13 were demolished in 1994. The date of listing was March 30, 1995.]

I’ve smoked for over 30 years and I’m aware of the damage I’ve caused to myself.

But I’m addicted and it’s legal to buy and use.

The Government sits back as the cash flows in in taxes. — E. Mphysema.

I think the North Fife councillors should ask the people of Gauldry how the service has improved.

As for the bus going around the back of Newport, I suggest putting up some stops as drivers are halting every 50 yards or so to pick up passengers. — Driver.

This may not have been his intention, but he did state he would announce this move in the Commons.

Did he stop to consider the feelings of the families of our troops who are risking their lives every hour of every day, fighting insurgents in a conflict that can never be won?

American presidents are present on occasions to share the families’ grief when their casualties of war return in wooden boxes.

Perhaps Gordon Brown should follow their example by being present at RAF Brize Norton, with the families when the transport planes bring back our war dead.

There is no record of Tony Blair ever attending such an occasion. — R. F., Broughty Ferry.

I have nothing against community radio and think it has an important part to play, but surely learning from mistakes and not letting just anyone on air would make sense.

I am not saying people have to be professional broadcasters but better training would help.

Ofcom set rules for a reason and one of these clearly states output must be recorded and presented to them on request.

Some stations have been heavily fined for breaching these rules. If Hilltown FM was fined, who would pay?

I think that the powers-that-be should consider pulling funding from this project. It could be better spent elsewhere. — R. K.

There will be a child involved in some car accident there in the near future as it is too close to such a busy road. — Guaranteed Fountainbleau, Dundee.

The law of the land regards both genders equally. — George Aimer, Kinghorne Road, Dundee.

[The 1954 film is the story of an old car on the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. It was a surprise hit which made stars of its four principal actors and has become an enduring classic. The four were Kenneth More, Dinah Sheridan, Kay Kendall and John Gregson.

More (1914-1982) starred in many British films, including The Battle of Britain and The Admirable Crichton. On TV, he was one of the stars of BBC’s classic adaptation of The Forsyte Saga.

Dinah Sheridan (born in 1920) retired from acting after the film, not returning to the screen until her children were grown up, when she played the mother in the hugely successful The Railway Children.

Kay Kendall (1927-1959) also starred with Rex Harrison in The Constant Husband, before marrying Harrison in real life.

John Gregson (1919-1975) starred in many British films, including Whisky Galore! and The Battle Of The River Plate.

Genevieve picked up a US Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film, and the Bafta for Best British Film.]