Letters: Nice to see attention being paid to efforts of our forces

The dedication and dignity displayed by the soldiers in attendance at the event was a sharp reminder if we needed one that these men are prepared to put their lives on the line for Queen and country and deserve support and respect.

It was pleasing to see that Tom Kitchin, who last year represented Scotland in the Great British Chef programme (to make a meal to remember for our returning soldiers), took time out from his busy kitchen to do just that.

Margaret Mackenzie, Firrhill Drive, Edinburgh

Tell us the details over waste dispute

IS IT not time either Jenny Dawe or Robert Aldridge had enough decency to explain to the public just what the current situation is regarding the cleansing department "work to rule" and what the ever-increasing cost is?

This ridiculous situation has been ongoing for around eight months now with no end in sight.

We are always being told that all levels of government should be open and transparent with the public. Why is this not the case with this council? So, councillors Dawe and Aldridge, why not raise your heads above the parapets, be open and transparent, and tell us what the situation is and how much it has cost the public to date.

David Black, Kenmure Avenue, Edinburgh

Cut leaves garden untrimmed for us

THE decision by the city council to charge pensioners and disabled people 75 to have their gardens done is not going to go down well with many.

We have been getting "garden aid" for years. My wife has MS and I have osteoarthritis in my leg. We receive benefits and pension credit.

According to garden aid there are no exceptions, so what are people like ourselves going to do if they cannot afford 75 for these services?

James McLennan, Marmion Crescent, Edinburgh

Bed sales staying in comfort zone

I WENT shopping for a guest bed and after a good few shops found the ideal bed. I asked the salesman for the quickest delivery date which was a fortnight away and would cost an extra 35.

I asked the salesman if I could just get the display bed from the salesroom and was told the shop did not sell display beds.

This basically means that every bed in this shop was actually 35 dearer than priced as there was no way that anyone can actually purchase any of the items at the shown price.

The salesman was quite happy for me to walk away empty-handed and lost a 99 sale.

I ended up going to one of the shop's competitors and picked up a much better deal. No wonder shops are closing down.

Mr Grant Hateley, Mountcastle Loan, Edinburgh

Democratic deficit is alive and well

WHILE there may be a Londoncentric argument against having the SNP on a leaders national TV leaders during a Westminster general election, it is outrageous for the supine Scottish broadcasters to allow the Scottish branches of the UK parties to have a fourth bite at the cherry when the logical and fairest move would be to have a programme on each channel featuring Alex Salmond answering questions from the public.

Failure to do is redolent of election broadcasting in Iran or Russia and is surely open to challenge as the Scottish democratic deficit is alive and well when it comes to fair treatment of the largest indigenous Scottish political party.

Janice Thompson, Walter Scott Avenue, Edinburgh

Shame on delayed emergency service

IT'S appalling pensioner Betty Henry was left lying in sub-zero conditions after tripping on a pothole and injuring herself (News, 26 February). Shame on the emergency services for taking 61 minutes to get to her.

Mrs June Fleming, Hercus Loan, Musselburgh

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