Perhaps Taxpayer might also consider taking the same ‘reality pill’ mentioned.

A 22-and-a-half hour working week for teachers is completely unheard of.

This figure may refer to class contact time, but when does the writer think teachers prepare lessons and materials, assess/mark/give feedback on pupils’ work, write reports, speak to parents, monitor and track pupils’ progress, write Guidance reports, prepare and mark assessments, implement Curriculum for Excellence and the thousand other duties expected of us?

A pupil’s day may indeed begin and end at the times mentioned, but certainly not the teacher’s — for most, 40-50 hours might be nearer the mark.

Furthermore, in comparison with other so-called professions, teachers lag way behind in terms of remuneration.

But, should this fail to convince anyone (including Taxpayer) who doubts the demands of the job, they are welcome to take a few years out to train, take on a five-figure student loan and join us in this most ‘cushy’ of professions. — Dedicated Teacher.

Taxpayer has painted an entirely inaccurate picture of a teacher’s job.

Although class contact time is 22 and a half hours, working in the classroom forms only part of a teacher’s role and preparation, consultation, correction and many other necessary professional duties are all included in a teacher’s working week.

Many teachers I know are in school from 8am and don’t return home until after 5pm.

In addition, most find it necessary to spend time in the evenings and at weekends preparing, correcting and researching. Recent studies have shown that while teachers have a notional 35-hour week, the norm is around 42 hours.

As regards the threat of strike action, people have the choice of accepting the erosion of their pension rights or fighting to protect them. Teachers are far from being the only workers who are considering this course of action.

Perhaps Taxpayer should attempt to spend some time in a school classroom to truly gauge how ‘cushy’ a teaching job really is. — Also A Taxpayer.

Congratulations to Dundee City Council for finally taking forward the building of a connection between the Perth Road and the waterfront.

It has long been bemusing to see such a grand staircase leading from the university area to well, a rather frustrating view o-f Tesco and the waterfront beyond the impassable rail track.

What puzzles me is why it has taken so long?

After all, there have been two awful bridges built over the busy roads in the city centre which we have only recently got round to tearing down.

And must it cost over a million pounds? Is it being plated in gold?

One can only hope that the increased foot traffic will encourage new places to open where we can enjoy the fine view. — Alistair Wilson, Dundee.

I am writing to ask the owner of the boa constrictor in town last weekend to please consider others like myself who have a huge phobia of snakes.

I met this gentleman with his pet and have not been quite right since.

I had a huge panic attack and have since been unable to go into a shop, or do very much other than go to work. The lady with you and yourself were very kind to me asking how you could help.

I appreciate this is your pet, but please would you consider taking it to less public places, so I can leave my house again. — Phobia Of Snakes.