Christmas is cancelled? At last some good news
£25 STAR LETTER
I’m probably a terrible person but was I the only one who did a little dance when they heard Covid might cancel Christmas?
I’ve had 30 years of cooking dinners and running about for aunts and uncles and cousins, never mind the in-laws, who I never see from one year to the next, until they pitch up on Christmas Day to sit about my house, eat my food and shout about politics.
Maybe I’ll miss it when it’s just me and my husband sharing a roast potato and listening to the clock tick... but I’ll take my chances.
Name and address supplied Review this case
I read your main story on Sunday with disbelief. It seemed impossible that a series of relatively minor incidents could lead to such a terrible situation.
How is it possible that someone can end up in Carstairs because there are no beds for him in a more suitable unit but then be kept there for three years, getting worse?
I can’t even begin to imagine how his mother must feel. Like everyone, I just hope there can be a proper review of his case and, with proper treatment, he can get back to the people who love him.
Mrs E Blackford, Dunfermline An unnecessary law
I had read a lot of criticism of the Scottish Government’s hate speech proposals and listened to the debate to hear their side of things.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf seems sincere in his desire to protect vulnerable people from abuse but, after watching every word, I am not convinced this law is needed or that any potential benefits can possibly outweigh the risks to free speech.
On top of that, I also do not believe this is worth so much of Mr Yousaf’s time when our courts and prisons face such huge challenges to deal with the pandemic. It is a serious issue but there are many serious, and more pressing, issues to deal with now.
James Purves, by email
Two of a kind
I enjoyed the first part of Scotland’s Stories but thought the second was even better.
To read Hugh McIlvanney writing about Celtic in Lisbon was a joy. It wasn’t really that long ago but seems like a different age altogether. They were a football side and a football writer at the very top of their game. It will be a long time before we see their likes again.
Malcolm Sutter, by email Shout for blood
I liked the bit about Lulu in your supplement when she went to sort out the boy who was bullying her brother. I wouldn’t have messed with her then. But I probably wouldn’t mess with her now either.
Stephen McGowan, Paisley
Another Repair fan
Like M Waddell (Letters, September 6), I too love BBC’s The Repair Shop and really admire the skill of the restorers. I’m so addicted, I don’t want the show to end and could watch it all night!
Patricia A Sinclair, by email