Nice one Nicola

I’d like to congratulate Nico - la Sturgeon for ram ming through the minimum alco - hol pricing legislation, only the second positive game- changer by Holy rood since devolution, the other being the smoking ban. For Nicola Sturgeon, who has spent most of her career promoting an agenda of blame, entitlement and austerity to persevere with a policy which, by all accounts, will affect the poorest in society shows just how serious the problem of alcohol is in this country. It’ s true this policy alone will not solve the problem, but judging by the reaction on social media, the fact Ms Sturgeon is prepared to put thousands of votes on the line will create more aware - ness than any amount of billboards.

I just hope she continues in this mode and tackles the other scourges that seriously diminish Scotland’s potential. They are obesity and the problem of poor parenting and pupil behaviour which often makes discipline and good teaching impossible in schools. ALLAN SUTHERLAND Willow Row, Stonehaven So it is settled then. Scots will now pay a lot more for their alcohol. Just when we thought that booze cruises were a thing of the past, we can now expect a massive run on the off-licence sand super markets of Carlisle and Berwickupon-Tweed. Coach companies from Thurso toTroonw ill already be planning a booze bonanza. And businessmen will be opening new outlets in English border towns. DAI WOOSNAM

Woodrow Park Scartho, Grimsby What a wonderful Government we have in Scotland; it attempts to dictate how much we can smoke, eat and drink and even better, hopes to appoint outside people to make sure we bring up our children properly. No wonder it has no time to sort out such fripperies as the economy, police, NHS and education.

ERIC CARTWRIGHT Stirling Road, Edinburgh It is not surprising to see voter support waning for the SNP when they persist in introduc- ing killjoy legislation such as the minimum pricing of alcohol, which will achieve very little as regards tackling the alcohol problem but will penalise everyone in Scotland who enjoys a drink.

The legislation is basically unworkable and will be circumnavigated by the alcohol industry using clever mer - cha ndi sing techniques. We will see the new “booze run” of vans loading up in England for Scottish consumpton.

If the legislation had been introduced as a tax there was a golden opportunity to raise money to support alcohol rehabilitation programmes, but minimum pricing of alcohol just fills the pockets of offlicences and supermarkets. DENNIS FORBES GRATTAN

Mugiemoss Road Bucksburn, Aberdeen