Letter: Columnist was offensively ageist

I AM a regular reader of Scotland on Sunday and I usually enjoy the short articles by your regular writers. However, I read Claire Black (Insight, 6 February) whining about male bigotry and, while agreeing there is a line that should not be crossed, she forgets that line is moveable according to the circumstances and people and it also gets crossed in both directions.

However, it was when I moved to Kayt Turner that I realised that women can apparently say or write what they like without expecting to be criticised. Her article was offensively ageist. I am 81 years old and I can work automatic machines, I am not incontinent and, although I wear glasses, I can see perfectly well and I drive 10,000 miles a year. I also associate with a group of people of a similar age who are equally competent in their functions.

The bit that offended me most was Mr Turner's shoulders shaking with laughter because they were waiting for the National Anthem. Perhaps Mr Turner should remember that some of these people fought in wars which ensured that the likes of them could go to the cinema.

R Johnston, Hawick