Helpforoffenders

18 weeks since I got the letter and was told that I had been on the waiting list for 21 weeks and unfortunately the current waiting time is 38 weeks! Why on earth do they raise your hopes by saying up to 12 weeks or more?

This appointment, when I eventually get it, is to discuss the options of replacement knee surgery and will presumably mean going on another waiting list! wellbeing of the residents and tourists of the north and west of Skye are at risk.

DOUGLAS BRUCE Stonefield, Portree, Isle of Skye Despite the success of the community service scheme in keeping people out of prison and lowering the offending rate, we are still sending more people to prison than any other European country.

When prisoners leave prison in Scotland there seems no co-ordinated guidance and help available, which leads to a shocking 66 per cent return rate to prison within two years.

The SNP administration needs tourgentlyprovideadequate support to prisoners on release with help in housing and employment or they will simply arrive back at prison gates for another term. DENNIS FORBES GRATTAN

Bucksburn, Aberdeen