Sir, I would like to place on official record my heartfelt gratitude to the teams at Burnfield Medical Practice and Raigmore Hospital whose speedy reaction to a crisis situation on 29th April undoubtedly saved my life and enabled me to celebrate my 4th wedding anniversary on 1st May.

Sir, Lorna Paterson's article "Police jobs will be axed to fund bobbies on beat" (Courier 29.4.08) has all the spin of a public relations surge trying to justify the cutting of admin posts in order to save money.

Sir, I refer to your recent front page article "Mystery white knights set to save Clach" (Courier 11.04.08).

Sir, I note that some local members of the Scottish Humanist Society think that Highland councillors will be better served with a copy of Richard Dawkins' book "The God Delusion" than with a copy of the Bible. (Courier 29.4.08).

Sir, Answering God on Judgement Day, "Not enough evidence, God, not enough evidence." Keith Fernie, in his letter, (Courier 11.4.08) attributes this statement to Richard Dawkins.

Sir, I wonder how many believe Provost Bob Wynd's assertion that he was seeking to stimulate debate when he called for the Kirking of the Council to be curtailed.

Sir, I refer to the letter from Nicholas J. O'Nion, entitled "Learn lessons from Kent air crash" (Courier 15.04.08). In it he refers to the proposed new town of Tornagrain and its proximity to Dalcross Airport.

Sir, Whilst driving back home to Drumnadrochit recently on the A82 out of Inverness I saw that the matrix sign near the golf course read: "A82 Closed South of Inverness".So where exactly, thinks I, is south of Inverness. Is it Dochfour, Invermoriston or maybe even Crianlarich?

Sir, I am writing on behalf of all the trade union delegates, visitors and exhibitors who attended the Scottish Trade Union Congress in the Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. This was our 111th Congress, looking at how best to represent working people and their families in an ever-changing world.We heard of many different experiences in every sector, voluntary, public and private, from manufacturing industry to tourism. Trade unions give a voice to those who are often not heard — and we were pleased to meet some local catering workers who came in to Eden Court to find out more about trade union membership. Local school students participated in events at congress too, and we look forward to continuing that link.

Sir, The story "Nairn provost rejects offer of bibles" (Courier 22.4.08) raises interesting points which some local members of the Scottish Humanist Society would like to address.

Sir, Your leader "Meddlesome Ministers" (Courier 11.4.08) claims that the Scottish Government's enterprise network reforms are "simply adding complication to the system and introducing new hurdles to be overcome". This, of course, is far from the reality.

Sir, Our city is becoming one big rubbish tip and we need a multi-faceted approach to tackle the problem.Firstly, we need to build awareness of the issue, starting in primary schools and continuing as part of social responsibility education. Young people need to understand that dropping litter "is not cool". These lessons need to be reinforced throughout our lives by public service adverts in papers, in cinemas, on bus shelters, etc.

Sir, So much has been said about the A9 for decades and nothing has been done apart from patchwork.The A9 has now been branded Scotland's deadliest roadway with 69 fatalities between 2002 and 2006 according to government figures. Hundreds of others have sustained horrific injuries with many maimed for life.

Sir, With regards to the subject of anti-social behaviour among young males, I would like to point out that talks are currently taking place between Ed Balls, the children's secretary, Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence on ways to expand the military cadet corps into English secondary schools.

Sir, I am as much against litter as anybody, but fines instigated by parking wardens and camera observation is just going to far.

Sir, I was quite surprised at the leader column in The Courier (15.4.08) which strongly suggested that the Inverness Chamber of Commerce refrains from extending its membership across the Highlands.I would suggest that not doing this would be a very backward step for what is a very progressive organisation.

Sir, I get increasingly frustrated by the amount of litter we see strewn along our highways. I drove north from Glasgow to Nairn yesterday only to find every layby having bins overflowing and an abundance of litter along the grass verges.

Sir, In relation to the letter "Cyclists need to be re-educated" (Courier 8.4.08), I would welcome debate around the issues raised. Generally I think it should be acknowledged that on this subject, everyone needs to be re-educated.

Sir, Since I last wrote to you in January regarding the proposed new town at Tornagrain, we have had yet another situation, regarding airports, this time involving a business jet crashing soon after departing from Biggin Hill airport in Kent on a flight to France.Whilst it would appear to be trying to return to the airport after suffering engine problems, it never made it. Sadly, all five passengers and crew died – very luckily, nobody on the ground was killed.

Sir, At a time when our troops are fighting for the fundamental freedom of democracy in various parts of the world, one would think that such freedoms would be paramount in our own country. Not so in Scotland's national parks.

Sir, It was of course excellent to see £15.4million of European funding being distributed among 45 projects in the Highlands and Islands (Courier, 11.4.08).

Sir, I read with interest the article on high-profile policing on trunk roads around Inverness.This must happen in daylight hours as, on recent trips in the hours of darkness, I have encountered 41 vehicles with faulty lights between the Longman and Maryburgh roundabouts, 17 between Dingwall and Alness (including a police car) and, between Inverness and Perth, I stopped counting at 200.

Sir, It has been something of a surreal week in "the town". We were treated to both ends of the religious spectrum with first Professor Richard Dawkins giving a lecture at Eden Court and then the Orange "men" marching through our streets; never a dull moment.

Sir, In response to the article printed in the Courier on 4th April, I want to commend Alisdair and Rhona Stewart, as well as Roddy's sister Eilidh, for all they have done and are doing to ensure Roddy's death is not in vain.

Sir, Jenny Mahew is quite correct when she writes in her letter (Courier 25.3.08) that the statues known as "Faith, Hope and Charity" are often misnamed.

Sir, Your front page article and editorial on "sofa accommodation" (Courier 28.3.08), highlighting the Inverness housing shortage, prompts me to draw attention to the lack of provision for emergency housing.Legislation stipulates that no-one should be without a roof over their head, however it is not always available when one needs it.

Sir, "Call for drivers to be more bicycle friendly", shouts bicycle-mounted, cycle-helmeted SNP councillor Donnie Kerr, from (apparently) a stationary position in the middle of a park (Courier 1.4.08).

Sir, To the anonymous writer (Courier 26.3.08) regarding Clach FC's non-payment of rent to the Inverness Common Good Fund, all I can say to this tosh is get real!

Sir, I could not help but gasp at the breathtaking hypocrisy of Rev George Hutton (Courier 28.3.08) who complains that local councillors are showing an apparent lack of tolerance in their widely shared and overwhelmingly popular opposition to the Apprentice Boys' march which is once again about to pollute our city.

Sir, As a past president of the City of Westminster Apprentice Boys of Derry, I was appalled to read the intemperate remarks attributed to SNP councillor John Finnie, but was not in the least surprised at Councillor John Holden's opposition to the parade, bearing in mind his obvious Irish nationalist sympathies.

Sir, It appears that the Calman Review, at the instance of the Labour, Tory, and Liberal parties, is going to be another Westminster unionist whitewash.Before Mr Calman even starts, he stated that 77 per cent of the Scottish people think that independence is not the right way forward and would be excluded from his remit.

Sir, The attempt by Eurocrats to ban traditional Scottish mince could sound the death knell for many local butchers.

Sir, The article published in your paper "Apprentice Boys to march again" (Courier 18.3.08) which contained quotations from three members of Highland Council, showed that these gentlemen have a serious disregard for the principles of civil and religious liberty and reject the European Convention on Human Rights, enshrined in UK domestic law within the Human Rights Act 2000.

Sir, I read with dismay "Apprentice Boys to hold march through city" (Courier 18.3.08). While making no comment on the justification or otherwise for such a parade in Inverness, what particularly disturbed me was the reported attitude of certain city councillors.

Sir, Wow!! What a turn around. One week we read that BID is the greatest thing, next week we read that the fellow at the top is asked to resign, and why? Because he opened his mouth and "our leader" didn't like it. How dare the down-side of Inverness be shown after such a "spectacular" January fireworks fiasco.Is it possible that we have a perfect city and have no crime, grafitti, drugs, under-aged drinking or stabbings? Aren't we the lucky perfect city? We wish!

Sir, I read with interest about the proposed possible closure of St Columba High Church (Courier 11.3.08) and felt I would like to voice an opinion.

Sir, Is it just coincidence that there are significantly more letters to the editors of local newspapers bemoaning either the inadequacy of the planning system in the Highlands ("A need for planning consistency", Courier 14.3.08) or the lack of credibility of Highland councillors on the planning committee, or is it that finally the local Scottish public has had enough, will no longer roll over quietly and will not rest until they are properly consulted.

Sir, It has been pointed out in your correspondence columns before, that the statues of Faith, Hope and Charity are not the "Three Graces".

Sir, I refer to the current discussions surrounding the long-awaited return of the "Three Graces" to their rightful place in Inverness.

Sir, I refer to D. Morrison's letter (Courier 18.3.08) criticising Clach fans for having the audacity to criticise David Dowling's wonderful handling of the £49,000-plus rent owed to the Inverness Common Good Fund.

Sir, I am angered again at the claim made by much of the media that the extra £50 awarded in the budget for winter fuel allowance is a good deal. It is nothing more than an insult.

Sir, I think the attempt by Danny Alexander in last week's Inverness Courier to whitewash the actions of his party leader were pathetic.

Sir, I was a little disappointed to find no mention in the Highland media of the centenary of the last execution to be held in Inverness.

Sir, You reported recently, in relation to Clachnacuddin's financial crisis, that on a particular Saturday in February there were just 100 spectators at a Clach match while more than 4000 were watching Caley Thistle.

Sir, I refer to recent correspondence from Messrs Corbett and Macdonald concerning the decision of Clach chairman David Dowling to stand down at the season's end. As to why this should be a matter for a celebration is not clear.

Sir, With regards to stores and supermarkets issuing plastic bags to customers, I feel that an important question is being overlooked.

Sir , So, £250,000 for a pile of paving stones in Church Street! I walked past this site 10 days ago and assumed that it was simple roadworks in progress. Please do not misunderstand me, I do not begrudge any money spent on revitalising Old Town but really — £250,000 for this and similar projects?

Sir, Many of the comments and letters concerning the newly-built Three Virtues at the top of Church Street are depressingly negative.

Sir, “I don’t believe it!” The total insensitivity of our planners, councillors and other bureaucrats involved in allowing a “whelk stall” so near to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Scotland, and Inverness’s pride and joy, Eden Court.

Sir, May I yet use your Letters column to criticise Highland councillors for yet another waste of public money. Inverness has an unrivalled asset in its riverside.

Sir, Unbelievable can be the only word to describe your front page report "Council admits suburban sprawl blunders" (Courier 22.2.08). It has been painfully obvious for years that housing development in the Inner Moray Firth area has raced ahead with scant regard to any infrastructure improvement.

Sir, Businesses have only until Friday to return their ballot papers and express their opinion on the proposed Business Improvement District (BID) for central Inverness.

Sir, This is a letter in praise of NHS Highland and Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, in particular.I had the misfortune to be taken ill on 12th January with acute pains in the lower abdomen on the second day of a short winter break with my wife visiting the beautiful, snow covered Cairngorms.

Sir, With regard to the letter from Nathan Matthews "Solution to congestion — leave earlier" (Courier 29.2.08).I am replying because of the complete lack of factual accuracy. For the record, my letter printed on 15th February contained details of my experiences getting to work in Inverness as a bus user.

Sir, According to one Inverness councillor "Having no play development officer will have a 'detrimental effect' on youngsters".

Sir, Regarding the announcement of Clach chairman David Dowling's resignation (Courier 26.2.08), please excuse my bleary eyes in writing this, as we have been partying every night in Merkinch since.

Sir, Amid widespread concerns about binge-drinking and alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder, I'm immensely heartened to read that the Tesco organisation feels it has a role to play in addressing the problem of antisocial drinking and has arrived at a point where it wants the government to introduce a law banning the sale of cut-price alcohol.

Sir, I am writing concerning your opinion piece "Communities are not just about housing" (Courier 25.2.08).On behalf of Asda I would like to set the record straight regarding some of the comments made.

Sir, As the individual who set the ball rolling to save Clach in 1990, I feel I can contribute to the debate over the future of the football club.

Sir, It is spectacularly culturally insensitive of our Anglocentric Westminster Government that it is to introduce English tests for foreigners who plan to marry British citizens and settle in the UK.

Sir, There has been a lot of press coverage relating to the extended hours issue in recent days. Unfortunately, most of what has been written has missed many essential points.Why are we here, at this junction, at this time?

Sir, I was surprised at David McGrath's amazement at Charles Leakey's common sense criticism of councillors for voting for yet another supermarket in Inverness. It's not so many decades ago when Inverness had no supermarkets at all, and nobody gave a damn because the town had plenty of good shops supplying everything required.

Sir, We object to the idea of spending money on a shelter for smokers at Midmills College when other areas of education are short of funds.

Sir, On Tuesday 12th February I read details of more disruption around the centre of Inverness for both pedestrians and drivers, with Baron Taylor Street getting a "make-over".

Sir, Earlier this year we saw the outpouring of local rage in your newspaper as our Common Good Fund was raided for hundreds of thousands of pounds for the Kessock Bridge fireworks, which then turned out to be a damp squib.

Sir, The reason in the information leaflet for the proposed closure of Kingsmills Post Office is well understood.

Sir, I would like to appeal to former pupils of Christleton High School in Chester, Cheshire, now living in this area for memories and memorabilia to help celebrate the school's 50th anniversary later this year.

Sir, As a former rugby player and physical education teacher and currently a rugby and athletics coach with nearly 45 years of experience in organising and teaching physical activities, I am really concerned about the future of green space in Inverness.

Sir, As one of the original 1990 board of directors involved in the rescue of Clach Football Club from the receivers, and having some knowledge of the reality of the situation as it was then, I would make the following comment on the chairmanship.

Sir, The Clach chairman's letter, and his personal attack on Councillor Peter Corbett, would be laughable if the club's predicament — thanks mainly to David Dowling — was not so serious (Courier 12.2.08).

Sir, There have been many letters in your newspaper about the legacy of Highland 2007 and the controversy on the cost of the firework display on the Kessock Bridge.

Sir, Extra council expenditure is being targeted at a number of areas, including litter picking (Courier 8.2.08).

Sir, I have been reading with interest the numerous suggestions and justifiable disdain at the ever worsening traffic congestion in Inverness.

Sir, I have just read Highland Council administration's budget proposal documents. As well as noting £364,000 of extra staffing costs as a result of area reorganisation, I was particularly interested in the areas councillors will cut back on.

Sir, While trawling through old files recently I came across an Inverness Area Committee memo dated 6th July, 1998.

Sir, Is it strange or just hypocritical that opposers of renewable energy anywhere openly attack renewable energy applications, even those that are not near them, but do not like to see the reverse, supporters of any kind, local or outside the area supporting an application?

Sir, We would like to take issue with the verbal attack against the Clach board by some of our councillors, and in particular Councillor Peter Corbett.

Sir, Your front page article will I am sure sadden many about the possible repossession of Grant Street Park (Courier 1.2.06). The very thought of this happening is most disturbing.

Sir, I have enormous respect for the Scout Association and was much saddened to read that it is being taken to the Equality and Human Rights Commission by groups who regard the Scout Promise as discriminatory.

Sir, Like most motorists in the area, I too would like to see petrol prices reduced at Tesco.

Sir, Recent reports now indicate that any improvement to the A96 between Inverness and Nairn are unlikely to take place before 2012 (Courier 1.2.08).

Sir, I wonder if one of my fellow regular readers, more numerate than I, could work out the equivalent effect of £250,000 for 14 minutes of fireworks, if transferred to the Highland roads budget for gritting purposes.

Sir, Despite still awaiting their share of the mythical 1000 extra police officers, Edinburgh and Glasgow boast of reducing city-centre crime by increasing the number of officers on the streets whilst Inverness will have to make do with "street pastors".

Sir, I read with interest your article regarding developers backing 24-hour flights at the airport despite residents concerns (Courier 25.1.08).

Sir, I am amazed at Charles Leakey and his ilk having the cheek to criticise the councillors and his potential clients, the electorate, for voting for another supermarket in Inverness.

Sir, The announcement that Highland Council rents are to increase above the rate of inflation shows that the SNP control of both council and Scottish government has brought little good news to tenants.

Sir, Over the years Harry Benyon has been one of the regulars on the Letters Page of The Inverness Courier, and how well I agree with his latest.

Sir, I was subjected to the horrors of the Inshes roundabout yet again this morning, and having at least 20 minutes of just sitting in my car, getting nowhere, stuck in the non-moving traffic jam in the small road at Tesco's filling station.

Sir, Harry Benyon and Keith Fernie (Courier 22.1.08) are right to call for a quieter, safer Inverness that residents can be proud of.

Sir, In response to your banner headlines about the land deal between the Highland Housing Alliance and Tullochs over the Highland Housing Fair site, I would like to point out that the land acquired included not only that purchased by Tulloch from the Munros, but also access to the site from the adopted road and the servitude rights to connect into all services.

Sir, It is a measure of the collapse of our morale as well as of our ability to reason that many of us now apparently believe that there are essential differences between one out-of-town big box supermarket and another.

Sir, I was delighted to read the article about the rise in humanist wedding ceremonies in Scotland and your interview with Sylvia Cameron.

Sir, Just where do our wildlife people find the well-paid "numpties" they get advice from?

Sir, I am writing to express my concern about the blinkered views of our councillors regarding the spending of £1.5 million on traffic lights on a roundabout that works perfectly well apart from an hour in the morning and an hour at night.

Sir, The proposed Asda supermarket at Slackbuie (Courier 18.1.08) throws into sharp focus the question of the road infrastructure at the Inshes roundabout.

Sir, Before the chairman of Inverness City Centre Management starts flag-waving for communications expert Moray MacDonald — who said "Well executed communications will make the right visitors, skills and businesses