Letters: City should be flying flag to mark sacrifice of our forces

They have returned with horrendous memories and minus 30 of their comrades who gave their lives for this country.

To say I was so proud to be British and proud of each and every one of these young men and women is an understatement but I was thoroughly ashamed and embarrassed at this city where I have lived since I was born 60 years ago.

From where I was standing (St John's Land) I could see right up the High Street and down to almost the bottom of the Royal Mile and there was not one single Union Flag in sight except for those which were carried by patriots like myself.

Young people fought and died under this flag and their comrades bodies were returned to their homeland in coffins draped with this flag and this city which is currently home for these regiments could not make the effort to fly the flag in their honour.

I have written to my newly elected MP as well as my councillor and city chiefs to request an explanation and an apology to these young people, their regiment and their families.

Helyne MacLean, James Street, Edinburgh

Demented version of democracy

WHAT sort of demented version of democracy do we live in when two parties comprehensively rejected by the electorate might still end up governing us? If the election result has any meaning at all it is surely that we do not want either the Lib Dems or Labour in office.

The Tories won a handsome majority of both seats and votes and are therefore the people's choice of government, and if they don't accept the office immediately they had no right standing for it in the first place.

Once installed, they could then solidify that position by offering places to the Lib Dems from a position of obvious strength. Otherwise, they should govern as a minority and if the others continually react destructively to their policies they should call a fresh election.

That would expose as false opposition claims to put the country's interests before those of their parties.

Robert Dow, Ormiston Road, Tranent

What does the roadwork tsar do?

IS THERE a gold seam under Western Corner? There must be something interesting because as soon as one contractor has finished digging it up and causing months of mayhem another immediately follows and does exactly the same. Utter mismanagement at a very busy junction. Can someone remind me what the roadwork tsar does for his money?

Graeme Robertson, Belgrave Terrace, Edinburgh

Hair specialists can be great help

I APPLAUD the opening of a hair and beauty salon in Corstorphine by Dian Ward (News, 16 April). However, I would like to mention and thank other hair specialists who supported me during my period of chemotherapy and radiotherapy from 2007 to 2009.

I received great care and respect from the staff at Turvey's who brought in a wide selection of wigs to match skin colour, eye colour and age. Head shaving, advice on care of wigs and follow up were available.

At the Maggie's Centre, at the Western General Hospital, I attended sessions with other patients on "Talking Heads" and "Look Good, Feel Better".

My local hairdresser, Susan John of Winchburgh, gave me, and still does, support and advice on the care of my head and hair. Even when I had no hair, I visited every few weeks when she checked the condition of my scalp and eventually, as my hair began to grow in, used shampoos and conditioners suitable for scalp recovery and treatment of damaged hair.

Even now, she checks the condition of my hair which is certainly different from the hair which I'd had before the mastectomy and subsequent treatment!

I thank all those who supported me, at no cost to myself, during those difficult two years.

Pauline Crombie, Kirkliston