I know how doctors felt... well, almost
£25 STAR LETTER
Thank you for publishing Scotland’s Stories. I read it cover to cover and there were hours of good reading.
I had many favourite moments but James Simpson writing about experimenting with chloroform will stick in my mind. “The first night we took it Dr Duncan, Dr Keith and I tried it simultaneously and were all under the table in a minute or two.” Wonderful.
I have enjoyed some nights like that too but unfortunately did not have great scientific discoveries to show for it, only a sore head. Kenneth Young, by email
Estate questions
Further to your report about the proposed buyout of Killundine estate, Morvern. I have conducted my own straw poll and apart from those driving the application and their friends looking for grazing for their pet ponies, designing whacky houses and selling building plots, I have not met anyone who does not think the proposal is a total waste of public money, especially when the country has entered the worst financial crisis in living memory. Iain Thornber, Morvern
A truly great Scot
Part One of Scotland’s Stories was captivating and included Mary Somerville who is one of the less well-known “Great Scots”.
Today, I found evidence that her fame has been recognised for some time when I was browsing through my collection of old card games made by the firm of John Jaques & Son – a games business founded in 1795 and still thriving today.
In 1876, they published a quiz-type card game called The XIXTH Century with illustrations of the 50 most famous people of the century, with brief biographies. Most were of kings and queens, including Queen Victoria, and politicians or musicians. But, yes, they included a picture of Mary Somerville with a card describing her achievements and listing her acclaimed books. A truly great Scot. Michael Thomson, Perth
No love for hate bill
I was appalled to read the article regarding the bill trying to make hate speech illegal.
Freedom of speech is to be cherished. Didn’t Winston Churchill once say to a woman: “Madam I do not agree with a word that you say but I will defend to the end your right to say it.”
Some of the things thought of as hate speech are a result of ignorance, not hate. Education is what is needed, not fines or jail sentences. It is a generational thing and will die out with education.
I have heard young people reprimand a parent or a grandparent if they use a word they think is disrespectful but old habits die hard. If you deny anyone the right to say what you think is wrong, it will not be long before you will lose the right to say what you think is right.
P Shields, by email
Repairs for the soul
Is anyone else watching The Repair Shop on BBC? I’m addicted. Watching such skilled people restoring things that mean so much to people is lovely. It’s soothing and addictive. I just love it.
M Waddell, Arbroath