People should use free speech responsibly

Scotland’s Justice secretary makes emergency statement on hate crime

Clearly the opponents of this law are for the most part using it to attack the SNP and have lost sight of the real intentions of the law. Is it really much to expect people to behave in a manner that reduces dangerous “hate” propaganda and sows division and prejudice in our society?

Free speech should not be irresponsible speech but should be directed at improving society. Clearly people need to be aware that in a free society there needs to be a spirit of respect and tolerance of differences that confirm our humanity.

Charles McLaren

Ellie Gomersall: Why the FM was wrong when he said a Green vote will be wasted

The Scottish Greens are a separate party from the British Greens, following the British Greens throwing them out because of their outlandish views! There is no comparison between a Scottish Green and the Green of Caroline Lucas.

As for wanting Green policies at Westminster, I could not care less as Westminster will simply ignore Scotland’s wishes as usual. What I do want, however, is unity of purpose of all the independence-supporting parties to achieve independence. Nothing else matters in a Westminster General Election. Jim Anderson

It’s a UK General Election, a Green vote in Scotland would be wasted. Support for Greens in Scotland is growing, but at the expense of which party? Wilson Dunlop

Alba issue statement amid row over speakers at Believe in Scotland rally

It is funny that no matter who is involved in discussions, Alba always claim that it was the other side which was excluding them. I have personal experience of trying to build bridges locally and work together with Alba on many occasions but they simply can’t resist the temptation, at some point, to stir it up and start causing trouble.

They simply don’t play well together and seem to always have a huge chip on their shoulder. They seem utterly focused on attacking the SNP and Greens and show zero interest in actually finding a route to Scottish independence.

After a long time trying to build bridges with them I have now given up I am afraid. It is bad overall for our cause and it is sad but that’s my experience. I wish it were not so.

Peter Mechan

Speed cameras to go ‘dormant’ after improved driver behaviour

If the cameras are there, use them, and you’ll soon reap the cost of keeping them on. If you’re going to turn them off then keep schtum about it and see how long the improvement lasts – not long methinks.

B Gammie