Sir, I am compelled to write to you to say I am appalled at the vitriolic attack on Councillor Roddy Balfour by Angus McKillop (Courier 15.8.08).

Sir, While sympathetic to the emotive subject of attacks on the police, I had to laugh at the suggestion the police should be able to see the medical records of someone who assaulted a police officer.

Sir, I have just left The Dell, Kingussie, where I had paid £5 to watch a Cup Final between Fort William and Kilmallie. I stayed for half of the first half and left for the simple reason there was no way you could watch the game.

Sir, I must congratulate Andy Dixon on his very balanced and informative article on the dangers police officers face but must respond to the fears raised within your otherwise fair editorial on the same subject (Courier 8.8.08).

Sir, It looks as if Highland Hospice is about to embark on a gigantic fund-raising exercise either to finance an expansion or to plan complete removal to a new site.

Sir, I was delighted to read Ron Wynton’s letter regarding driving standards on the A9 (Courier 12.8.08). To a great extent it mirrors comments made by myself a couple of years ago in the letters column.

Sir, I refer to the letter from the MS sufferer (Courier 8.8.08). I agree that this is a dreadful illness and strongly feel that more could be done to help those affected by it.

Sir, What a relief that Jimmy Gray has become the Provost of Inverness. A man I'm sure is more than up to the job. The loser in this two-horse race, Councillor Roderick Balfour, put himself up for the job and, despite all his campaigning, failed even to get a seconder. You think this would give him the message.

Sir, In the centre of Culloden there are 10 retail food outlets. You can purchase takeaway food and drink from nine of them. Yes, nine! For the disbelievers they are: pub, mini-market, filling station, bakery, cafe, chippie, Indian, Chinese and pizza place. Is it any wonder the place is litter strewn.

Sir, I enjoyed your article regarding Forces veterans seeking backing for a pensions campaign (Courier 1.8.08). However, I consider there were two very important aspects of this situation that require further explanation.

Sir, I am writing in reply to the letter entitled "Not enough being done for MS sufferers" which appeared in your publication of Friday 8th August, and feel I have to address the comments made.

Sir, Our city centre hass a tatty appearance — weeds on buildings, broken pavements, disgraceful roundabouts.

Sir, I read with interest your interview with the Alex Salmond, and specifically his comments on the A9 and the Edinburgh trams project (Courier 5.8.08).

Sir, Your correspondent Lorraine Mann has called for dualling of the A9. (Courier 1.8.08). Dualling is not the complete answer, however, but could it be that the friend she highlighted in her column gets too close to the slower vehicle in front; this considerably reduces her visibility and gives her no room to accelerate until she has moved out alongside.

Sir, It is an interesting concept that Deveron Homes, having failed dismally to win over the local Sandown residents for their planned gross overdevelopment of the Sandown Farm area, which is totally contrary to the Local Plan 2003, has now embarked on a flanking move to spin their version of their plans by inviting both local and national press to a "behind closed doors" briefing which also included Highland councillors, but deliberately excluded our equally and legally elected community councillors.

Sir, Yet again it has been seen and heard of tragic accidents on the A9, yet again we hear the same tune — get the road upgraded.

Sir, It is with interest that I read that Robertsons are willing and able to rescue the badly fire damaged Craig Dunain building (Courier 1.8.08). The question now is why are the developers of Viewhill House not able or willing to do the same.

Sir, Further to previous letters about the Asda planning application for Slackbuie, can I please remind some people that planning officials have to make recommendations based on Planning Law and take into account the Adopted Local Plan for the area, not get involved in retail battles.

Sir, Alex Salmond is at it again. His claims that most people are satisfied with what they have seen from the SNP's executive. That, of course, would be true if all you speak to are SNP members or avid supporters.

Sir, So, at last, the government is being held to account for selling our personal details but the true situation is far, far worse.

Sir, The Government in Edinburgh is planning to make all the single carriageway road from Perth to Inverness (on the A9) into "2+1" lanes, stating that they have then made improvements; this must not be accepted.

Sir, My heart sank when I read that Councillor Roddy Balfour is considering standing as Provost of Inverness. Here is the man who launched a bitter attack against the fantastic Eden Court renovation project claiming that it was all a waste of money.

Sir, I refer to the rare cavalry sword which was auctioned at Bonham's last week for £5000.

Sir, Can there really be any other candidate for the prestigious appointment of Provost than Roddy Balfour?

Sir, I was interested in your article on the Onion Johnnies.

Sir, A combination of things, namely the streetworks in the Old Town, the many tourists who take photographs of the buildings in the city and the repainting of bollards in the High Street, has prompted me to ponder...

Sir, Your editorial (Courier 22.7.08) sets out various reasons why Tesco has brought down the fuel prices in Inverness to match its Elgin store.

Sir, I have to challenge the assertion by Action for Planning Transparency (APT) (Courier 18.7.08) that the proposed development of the A96 corridor should be put on hold because of the economic downturn.

Sir, There they were on the front page (Courier, 11.7.08), with the caption starting with "power brokers", Foxley, Park, and Gray forming their own little government, looking all the world like Blair, Brown and Clegg.

Sir, It is certainly good news for Inverness motorists to learn that eventually supermarket giant Tesco has succumbed to public pressure and reduced their fuel prices to match those in Elgin.

Sir, I am currently working on an undergraduate research project that involves the intersection between Scotland's National Health Service and Scottish Gaelic.

Sir, I was deeply saddened by the articles in recent weeks pertaining to Joshua Mitchell, the boy whose life was so cruelly taken. My heart goes out to his family who are going through what no-one should have to suffer.

Sir, Mrs Greenlaw (Courier 15.7.08), accuses Highland Theological College of "lacking intellectual rigour" Wow! If she were to contact any of the recent graduates she would find that the last thing HTC could be accused of, was lack of "intellectual rigour".

Sir, I have just returned from a walk by the west side of the River Ness — the only thing Inverness has going for it as far as tourism is concerned.

Sir, Raigmore Hospital has come a long way since I gave birth to my children in the hutted complex of the 1970s. The modern hospital, a city within a city, daily works miracles of surgery with constant praise of the surgeons from its recipients.

Sir, I follow with interest, news of the appointment of Alasdair Morrison, former Labour MSP for the Western Isles, as chairman of M. G. Alba (formerly Gaelic Media Service).

Sir, I couldn't disagree more with the comments made by Joan Stewart, (Courier, 8.7.08), blaming the SNP for all the bickering that went on in the council. Exactly the opposite is the case. For the first time in the history of Highland Council, the SNP group brought 100 per cent agreement to all their policies.

Sir, Only a year ago, Gordon Brown promised that three million new homes would be built by 2020.

Sir, Your editorial on 8th July highlighting the fact that the Tories' proposed fuel tax regulator policy omits an important point and shows that they still cannot be trusted to do the right thing for Scotland.

Sir, Like Graeme Mochrie (Courier 4.7.08) I became an increasingly concerned member of the audience at the recent Eden Court Lecture by Rev Prof Andrew McGowan, Principal of Highland Theological College.

Sir, The comments made by Angela Norton (Courier 27.6.08) are grossly offensive to every decent parent. It is typical of the blame culture that exists today that instead of shouldering some of the responsibility herself she should try to blame doctors and social workers for her son being a killer.

Sir, Colm Black who, it would seem, represents Hilton Church of Scotland, has I believe a very strange view of marriage judging by his letter "Marriage should mean investing in one and other" (Courier 4.7.08).

Sir, Last Thursday it was my sad duty once again to pronounce someone dead after a motor vehicle collision on one of our local roads.

Sir, I was interested in your sport writer's article about Inverness City (Courier 27.6.08) and was pleased to read that they had been admitted into the Scottish Junior Football Association, which is an excellent association to be a member of.

Sir, I doubt if the majority of Inverness residents, as Hugh A. Nichol suggests (Courier, 1.7.08), see the Northern Meeting Park only as an area glimpsed through closed gates, behind a high wall.

Sir, Okay, let's do the sums. Rings £100,000 + Wedding Dress £150,000 + Entertainment (WestLife) £400,000 + Security £25,000 + Wayne's party in Ibiza for friends £250,000 + 60 guests by private jet to Italy + whatever else = a very tidy total indeed. No hint of the credit crunch for Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin.

Sir, Rev Prof Andrew McGowan, the principal of the Highland Theological College of the UHI, gave a public lecture at Eden Court in which he argued the case for having a theological college as part of the UHI.

Sir, Of the two objectors to Asda's bid to build a superstore in Inverness, it is easy to understand the opposition of the development consortium including Tulloch Homes. Tulloch, after all, wants to concrete over the whole Highlands.

Sir, There are people in our land who still have vivid memories of the last war. Some of them lost friends who died in horrific circumstances while trying to defend our democracy from the Nazi dictatorship.

Sir, The present discussion and debate about the possible sites for the situation of the new Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is extremely healthy and to be encouraged.

Sir, Reduced alcohol consumption will not benefit the young or anyone else, despite the assertion by John Eoin Douglas (Courier 24.6.08), if it is to be achieved by higher prices. Raising the price of alcohol will only open the door to illicit sales.

Sir, I am writing about a serious potential hazard which occurs daily in our Tesco stores in Inverness. On my numerous visits to Tesco over the years I always see individuals leave their trolleys in the most ridiculous places without returning them to designated bays. The result can be severe damage to cars parked near by.

Sir, I am writing to ask how people can live with themselves after knowing they have damaged somebody else's property and not had the decency to acknowledge their careless actions.

Sir, The confirmed reduction in Scotland's number of MEPs from seven to six by the UK Justice Department is shortsighted and based solely on a statistical exercise, with no account taken of needs of Scotland as a geographically large nation with its own legislature.

Sir, Re your editorial on the approval for a new Sainsbury's to be built in Nairn, as a local businessman I look forward to the development.

Sir, I am writing in response to The Inverness Courier's recent coverage (6.6.08) that highlighted the impact that public pressure has had on Highland Council to accept demands for a new store in Nairn.

Sir, I refer to the letter from Mr R. Williamson of Southampton printed in the Inverness Courier (17.6.08), where he takes exception to eight police "speed trap wagons" operating on the A9 on 6th June.

Sir, I read with interest Hugh Nicol's well constructed and well balanced view on the proposed flood prevention scheme for Inverness as well as your leader article which gave resounding support to his thoughts and suggestions.

Sir, May I say how much my wife and I enjoyed our recent visit to Inverness. We found the tourist facilities to be first class and were particularly impressed by the friendliness of the locals.Thanks to the people of Inverness for a memorable visit. We'll be back.

Sir, I refer to the further consultation process regarding the proposed Highland Museum and Gallery which was introduced by the notice inserted by the Highland Council in last Friday's edition of your newspaper.

Sir, Thank heavens, a night of peaceful country sounds — such a relief after nearly three days being bombarded by the dreadful noise known as "RockNess". What an insult to the peace and tranquillity the area is renowned for!

Sir, We drove up from Southampton on Friday, 6th June, for a wedding in Inverness. Our trip coincided with that of the thousands of welcome (?) RockNess visitors.

Sir, I write to you with regards to the article on the retained fire crews row (Courier 10.06.08). I am absolutely disgusted that a service, which is vital to a rural community such as Drumnadrochit, is questioned in this manner.

Sir, Highland councillors were carrying out the wishes of the people who voted them in when they approved the application for a Sainsbury's supermarket in Nairn.

Sir, Just how can planning officials recommend rejection of a new Sainsbury's in Nairn (Courier 06.06.08) because it would be contrary to the local plan, when they frequently recommend approval of other applications that fill the same criteria.

Sir, The rhythmically named "Strictly Come Shopping" campaign (Courier 03.06.08), needs something more commercially substantial to attract shoppers to the Old Town than a dance routine. It needs rejuvenation.

Sir, Like Harry Benyon, I too would have thought that it might be impossible to mistake Loch Ness — except that I know differently.

Sir, I have seen many headlines about the A9 (most dangerous road in Scotland etc.) and have often wondered why. I usually travel to Inverness by train or plane but on the odd occasion that I have used the A9 I have been horrified by the drivers rather than the road.

Sir, Your angling correspondent Bruce Sandison ("Closing the stable door...", Courier 30.5.08) argues against the use of the Rotenone poison, should the deadly salmon-killing parasite Gyrodactylus salaris (Gs) reach any of Scotland's rivers.

Sir, Fans must pull together! Over the last few months, there have been numerous letters regarding the future of Clach and where it should go.

Sir, Your headline to Barrie Haycock's article on the A9/Distributor Road Interchange is so right ("Growth being led by developers, says campaigner" Courier 30.5.08).

Sir, We fully agree with the views of Archie and Bridget Black (Courier 30.5.08).

Sir, I refer to the letter from Dolly Patterson (Courier 23.5.08) in which she writes that it would be helpful if the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland were to merge, enabling visitors/members to get a more reasonably priced ticket.

Sir, Having now completed eight years on the board of Eden Court, I wish to place on record my absolute appreciation and thanks to the staff and everyone involved with the theatre for their support and hard work during that time, particularly during my last six years as chairman.

Sir, With reference to Destination Loch Ness and World Heritage Site. We are so fortunate to have such an area of outstanding beauty and of scientific interest, it would be an absolute catastrophe for the Highlands to allow this to become a tasteless tourist destination.

Sir, I would like people everywhere to know that the Scotland we live in is disgusting.

Sir, Having now resided in the Inverness area for some 38 years, and currently travelling around 800 miles weekly on the infamous A9 trunk route between Inverness and Perth, I feel compelled to contact you, concerning the bad press which this route generates.

Sir, Letter-writer Stephen Connah "Battle against litter is everyone's responsibility" (Courier 25.4.08) is on the money regarding litter in the beautiful city of Inverness.

Sir, I am pleased to see my photograph in the paper ("Should a four-year-old be taught to shoot?" Courier 15.5.08) not for the fame factor but for the fact that The Inverness Courier is prepared to show a balanced opinion of our sport.

Sir, Following the abolition of the Graduate Endowment Contribution, no one mentioned that the Contribution actually funded bursaries for students from lower income families. Nor was any indication given as to how the books would be balanced following this reduction in income.

Sir, Regarding your article "Dowling to stay on for another 12 months", (Courier 13.5.08), has anyone asked why?

Sir, I was admitted to Raigmore Hospital on a recent Sunday where I found myself surrounded by a dedicated army of Sabbath day workers.

Sir, I refer to the correspondence from Alex Orr "Taking a cavalier attitude with our past" (Courier 9.5.08).

Sir, My wife and myself, along with one of our grandsons, were up in Inverness to get tickets for Barry Wilson's benefit match against Liverpool.

Sir, I was pleased to read of the initiative by "Destination Loch Ness" to improve the signage around the loch.

Sir, I would like to comment on two recent tourism related articles. Firstly the decline in business in April. As a B&B owner I don't think you can extrapolate anything meaningful from occupancy levels in April (or March) in isolation.

Sir, Jimmy Chisholm, an ex pat of Kearney Drive, Missouri, USA, wrote to express his delight (Courier 29.4.08) about an recent article in respect of The Clootie Well at Munlochy. He further requests more news about The Culloden Clootie Well.

Sir, Having in the last day or so had to call an ambulance for an emergency in the early morning, it fills me with horror to think that it might have turned out single crewed.

Sir, Yesterday afternoon I requested a book entitled "Inverness Remembered Volume III" from your office. In the course of my telephone conversation, I spoke to two helpful and polite young ladies.

Sir, So the chancellor has announced a compensation package to make good the prime minister's "mistake" in abolishing the 10p tax rate. But how are we going to pay for this, as pay for it we will?

Sir, Prime minister Gordon Brown explained that he had made mistakes and, when asked what they were, mentioned the abolition of the 10 per cent tax band without protecting certain impoverished groups and his delay in deciding whether or not to hold an autumn election in 2007.

Sir, Friday's front page story listing of the agencies and organisations who contributed to the overall cost of Eden Court's refurbishment was long overdue. This places the Highland Council's contribution into perspective; the area now has a £23.5 million facility for their £4.1 million investment, an excellent return in anyone's language.

Sir, Your report "Need for clear infrastructure provisions" (Courier 9.5.08) reflects what the majority of Nairn residents (and others who have reason to negotiate the appalling Lochloy Road/A96 junction) consider something long overdue. It is just unfortunate that the imagination of our councillors stretches no further than a foot/cycle bridge over the railway.

Sir, So Wee Fraggie thinks that South Kessock should be flattened to the ground and the land use for a much needed Highland university. (Courier 29.4.08)

Sir, Given the existing level of traffic on the Kessock Bridge, and the heavy delays reputedly experienced by commuters to Inverness during the rush-hours, I was rather surprised by your report that Tulloch Homes is planning to build over 200 houses at North Kessock and Fortrose.

Sir, Well, it's now official. Statistics just released show that over the last five years (2002-2007) there were more fatal crashes on the A9 than on any other road in the country. The statistics prove what the regular users have known for years: the A9 is a death trap.The main reasons for accidents are:

Sir, Can I congratulate the Provost on his firm stand against the litter problem which is blighting our city (Courier 22.4.08).

Sir, Though they took place in England and Wales, the local council election results should be giving our Highland Council members some concern for it is obvious that the Labour wipe-out was due to voters' disgust at tax and spending agendas with little or no improvement on services.

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.