Sir, – While 170 migrant workers and their families celebrated the achievement of learning English, by being invited to a get-together in Elgin Community Centre on August 9, former policeman 56-year-old Keir Hardie, from Forres, who also served this country as a Royal Marine and worked for the NHS, is branded an illegal immigrant, although he has lived in the UK since the age of three.

Sir, – It is saddening to see the destruction of the Post Office services up and down Britain of which 'The Northern Scot' has highlighted over the past months.

Sir, – Although the closure of the Elgin East End post office will have no direct effect on me or mine, I, as a resident of this area and have been for nearly 40 years, must register my disgust at this bizarre option by whoever?

Sir, – We were very interested to read the article (July 25) about the comments of the rural community in Darklands, near Lhanbryde, concerning the blight of inconsiderate motorists who use the local rural roads.

Sir, – As a regular reader of the local newspaper, I am rather perturbed by the contribution each week of either Richard Lochhead or Angus Robertson, who spend time, not as used to be in the "Week in Parliament", but as a mouthpiece for the SNP.

Sir, – To industrialise an area of great and fragile beauty (with wind farms) for a near negligible gain is entirely against the spirit of any environmental policy rooted in common sense and practical solutions.

Sir, – I am writing to all the Moray councillors, pointing out that in April, 2007, the council proposed some changes to the current policy guidelines on house building in the open countryside.

Sir, – I would like to respond to the feckless person who put a copy of a cutting of Lossiemouth news from last week's 'Northern Scot' into my business premises, quoting the Highway Code re street parking and Mr Tom Bothwell's ideas of putting double yellow lines around street corners in Lossiemouth.

Sir, – A few years ago, there was an article in your newspaper regarding the future of Grant Lodge, the once stately looking mansion house in Elgin's Cooper Park.

Sir, – As traffic volumes reach peak levels for the year, with increased road freight, tourists and agricultural vehicles, again BEAR (Scotland) are compromising road safety by cost-cutting.

Sir, – The plot thickens... confidential information from a landowner is that a compulsory purchase order has been issued for one of the sites earmarked for possible use by travellers.

Sir, – I am very concerned about the pending closure of tax offices in Buckie and Elgin and the scheduled closure of the Jobcentre in Forres.

Sir, – With reference to the letter from Mr Aitchison concerning seagulls in last week's 'Northern Scot', I could be wrong, but has Mr Aitchison ever been attacked by these birds? I, my wife, neighbours and many members of this community have.

Sir, – I appreciate that the letter from the 'Anonymous Grandfather' may have seemed like an "exaggerated tirade" to Mr Aitchison (Letters, July 11), but as a resident of the Ashgrove area I can understand the level of frustration felt by this grandfather.

Sir, – It with great interest that I follow press coverage of the concerns of alcohol abuse within our society; the interest stemming from the fact that this is not a new problem but one which has been inherent within our society, and whether alcoholism is a genetic preposition, learned behaviour or addictive behaviour, the abuse of alcohol has been with us a long time.

Sir, – I was rather disappointed that as a veteran of 23 years service in the British Army, and having served in the UK, Germany, Egypt, Aden, Gibraltar, Singapore, Borneo and Northern Ireland, I wasn't given the opportunity to attend the veterans' badge presentation.

Sir, – I was saddened to read in your columns the criticism of the Veterans' Day.

Sir, – I refer to the recent articles and correspondence re the Commercial Bank stones in Elgin, and I am surprised that no credit has been given to the finder of the stones, namely John Paton Jnr.

Sir, – It was a disappointment to me not to have been asked to contribute to a book on Herd and Mackenzie Ltd, having served over 19 years from apprentice draughtsman to joint general manager.

Sir, – I am tempted to over-comment on the exaggerated tirade made by 'Anonymous Grandfather' (Letters, July 4) regarding the over-zealous seagulls that are giving him such high blood pressure in the defence of himself, his granddaughter, his granddaughter's toys, his car, the other residents of the Ashgrove area of Elgin and presumably the residents of Lossiemouth, Buckie and many other coastal towns that are host to seagulls.

Sir, – In reply to the letter of July 4 "What can be done to tackle gulls menace?", I write as the proprietor of a local professional pest control company, in the hope that I can shed some light on herring gull facts and legal control methods.

Sir, – Elizabeth Beaton ('Dorenell proposal will only encourage global warming') and Bob Graham ('Wind farm will not help Cabrach'), both writing in your June 27 edition, have good reason to be critical of the Dorenell wind farm proposed in the Cabrach.

Sir, – Reference "What do Cabrach residents think of wind farm subsidy?" (Letters, July 4), may I attempt to clarify that a subsidy is usually a form of financial assistance paid, often by the Government, to individuals or businesses who benefit from a cash receipt?

Sir, – I congratulate your reader John Robertson for having an interest in the movement of retail goods by train, saving on carbon emissions produced by transporting goods via road.

Sir, – My wife and I recently spent a pleasant long weekend in Elgin. The place is clean, the people are friendly, especially museum staff, and the restaurants we visited were of good standard.

Sir, – With the end of the consultation period on proposals for Post Office (PO) closures within the North-east, Tayside and Fife Area Plan, many communities will undoubtedly be reflecting on the overall process of the consultation and may well be asking as to just how genuine a consultation PO Ltd has presided over.

Sir, – With regard to the letter titled 'Council cash spent on event for a few' published in the 'The Northern Scot' of July 4, may I say to the contributor that I, like many of our veterans, have been left quite shocked by it.

Sir, – It was with interest that I read your report on the big cat sighted by the local anglers near Lossiemouth recently. It seemed to me that your reporter was rather sceptical, to say the least.

Sir, – I write to ask if anyone out there is familiar with cricket having been played by teams from the Glenlivet and Tomintoul areas; and hopefully this letter will interest anyone out there with an interest in local cricketing history.

Sir, – Two disabled drivers' parking bays are sited at Auchernack, a satellite premises of Moray Council, directly opposite the West End Post Office in High Street, Forres.

Sir, – I noted the statement in 'The Northern Scot' on Friday, June 16, to the effect that Scottish Water is not to fund essential work as part of Elgin's £83 million Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Sir, – I refer to a letter from a Mr Maltman, of Fleurs Place, Elgin, published in 'The Northern Scot' on June 27.

Sir, – May I, through your columns, reassure Mr Peter Mackenzie (Letters, June 20) that the effects, if indeed there are any, from aircraft downdraughts on the sand dunes at Lossiemouth are negligible compared to the natural forces at work?

Sir, – Our near-one-man opposition to wind farms, Bob Graham (June 27), claims that it is "insulting" for the developers of Dorenell wind farm to offer to subsidise the depopulated Cabrach – has he asked the inhabitants if they see it like this?

Sir, – The saga rumbles on (previous reports and letter last week). Whatever the possible solutions, there is no mention of pedestrians.

Sir, – A new service by rail has recently started operating by E.W.S. and McPherson's Transport, Aberlour. Every Friday morning a freight train runs from Inverness into the yard at Elgin Station.

Sir, – May I, through your pages, express my sincere thanks to Angus Robertson MP; George McIntyre, convener of Moray Council; Kinloss Brass Band; pipers; serving members and cadets of the armed forces; catering staff and all who made the Veterans Badge presentation ceremony in Elgin Town Hall last Saturday such a magnificent day.

Sir, – I read last Friday's front-page article in 'The Northern Scot' on Elgin gridlock fears with interest, and would agree that chaos is inevitable if the volume of traffic continues to increase unchecked.

Sir, – Just how well do we know our kids? Do we know when they are the victims of bullies at school?

Sir, – I read with some sadness Chris Saunderson's article about the regeneration of the Cabrach and the hopes of a very small number of people that a giant wind farm at Dorenell will help.

Sir, – Re: your report (June 20) that there is a good level of support for the proposed Dorenell Wind Farm on the Cabrach, for which Infinergy have applied for planning permission.

Sir, – I was slightly dismayed to see that the dolphin picture you used in the article about the Friends of the Moray Firth Dolphins and Peter Macdonald was of common dolphins and not our very own Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins.

Sir, – In light of your article, 'Council to seek talks on flood works shortfall', ('The Northern Scot', June 20), I would like to clarify some points.

Sir, – The report of the performance of the Elgin team in last week's "Northern Scot" may have been better received if it was less purely critical and more balanced.

Sir, – I am delighted to hear that Moray Council has decided to move towards harmonising primary school home times; common sense at last.

Sir, – I don't have much interest in golf, but I suppose, like others, I have been following closely the media reports regarding the location of a controversial proposed golf complex in Aberdeenshire.

Sir, – A friend who is resident in Elgin recently sent me an attractive postcard with a view of Lossiemouth. It shows the East beach, the bottom of Clifton Road and part of the Seatown.

Sir, – I refer to the latest debacle of a journey on the No 10 bus from Inverness to Aberdeen Airport. Now the commuters have to disembark at the metropolis of Blackburn, and await a connection to the airport.

Sir, – The plan to close the East End Post Office in Forres is ludicrous and so unjust.

Sir, – Stagecoach's decision, brought to everyone's attention in 'The Northern Scot' last week, to stop Service 10 calling at Aberdeen Airport is beyond belief.

Sir, – I would like to correct the statement in the letter from Jon Cortis ('RAF has track record of throwing away money') in 'The Northern Scot' last week, regarding the cancellation of the TSR2 aircraft.

Sir, – With reference to the article in 'The Northern Scot' last Friday, headed 'Sub hunters score success in contest", may I congratulate Flight Lieutenant Kane and his crew of 201 Squadron, Royal Air Force Kinloss, in their magnificent achievement in winning the famous Fincastle Trophy.

Sir, – Could readers of 'The Northern Scot' readers help me out please?

Sir, – It is well known that 'The Northern Scot' often creates a buzz. But where is the buzz from my garden?

Sir, – I do hope the person who took the envelope from the shelf at my flat door on Tuesday, June 3, between 8am and 1.30pm, is ashamed of themselves.

Sir, – It is important for your readers to know that there are steps which can be taken to ease the fuel crisis, if anyone in authority will assist in implementing them.

Sir, – Re the article in 'The Northern Scot' last week, 'Ground the Nimrods call is rejected'. Without me getting technical and writing a book on the subject, we shall keep it simple.

Sir, – I have no contact with anything to do with the armed forces, and I have every sympathy with the relatives of those crew who died in Afganistan in the Nimrod disaster, but isn't it typical of the MoD that eight Chinooks can languish in air-conditioned splendour, costing untold millions, but it needed a complete loss of a Nimrod to highlight its design weaknesses?

Sir, – I was disappointed to read, in last week's 'Scot', the comments of Moray Forum chairman Eddie Brewster.

Sir, – The British Wind Energy Association has been bragging about the benefits of wind power for years and has spent millions of pounds "green washing" the public, even resorting to infiltrating the school system with their propaganda.

Sir, – On Monday, June 2, along with a group from Fochabers 50-plus walking group, we parked at Inchberry Hall as usual to walk on a path which is a right of way.

Sir, – Instead of using expensive weedkiller on gravel paths and paving stones, I use cooking salt as it's harmless to children and pets. It works on moss as well. – Yours etc,

Sir, - We hear and read so much in the media these days about the actions of "unruly" teenagers. But some of your readers may be cheered by the action of some, and one in particular my grandson, Stuart Henderson of 18 Forteath Street, Elgin.

Sir, - I refer to Terry Campbell's letter, published in 'The Northern Scot' last Friday with the heading 'Is viewing platform actually needed?', and would firstly like to address his comments regarding the viewing platform at RAF Kinloss.

Sir, - Perhaps Terry Campbell is a little too dismissive of our efforts in his letter in your May 23 edition.

Sir, – What does it take to persuade a company to come clean and display its intentions? We are still in a predicament at Silver Sands Leisure Park, and we are still getting the "mushroom treatment".

Sir, – In the May 9 edition of 'The Northern Scot', you had a story on the difficulties emergency services have in finding rural addresses.

Sir, – A number of friends of the River Findhorn have expressed serious misgivings regarding the Berry Burn Wind Farm Environmental Statement on view until May 30 in Elgin Town Hall and Forres Library.

Sir, – The main stumbling block to Lossiemouth Business Association's plans to site an aircraft viewing platform at RAF Lossiemouth seems to be finding a suitable site ('The Northern Scot', May 16).

Sir, – Following the abolition of the Graduate Endowment Contribution, no one mentioned that the contribution actually funded bursaries for students from lower income families.

Sir, – It would appear that some dog owners who visit Lossiemouth Cemetery can not read, or if they can read they pay no attention to the notice on the gate-entrance which states "it is an offence not to have your dog on a lead".

Sir, – Yet again we hear that Moray Council is to close a mental health user-led service.

Sir, – Two years ago, with my husband, I managed to go to every Status Quo concert on the UK winter tour, a total of 31 concerts in six weeks.

Sir, – I write regarding the problem of the deluge of litter and anti-social behaviour which is threatening the East Beach in Lossiemouth.

Sir, – Once again we realise how privileged we are to live in Dallas.

Sir, – I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Roma Hossack.

Sir, – No one will insure against wind turbine vibration consequential harm such as landslip, flooding, water pollution, wiped-out fish stocks, damage to whisky/bottled water industries, tourism and other potentially serious problems outlined in my petition to the Scottish Parliament.

Sir, – Is it not about time to re-introduce dog licences at a cost that allows the community to employ someone to clear up after the mess left by dogs that are allowed to roam free and by selfish owners too idle or uncaring to clear up after their animals?

Sir, – As Portsmouth FC are in this year's English FA Cup final, I am reminded of a football match that took place at Doocot Park, New Elgin, in the middle to late 1950s.

Sir, – As one interested in the old crafts, and passing by the Old Mills buildings in Elgin, I got talking to the owner, at the time the water-wheel was working to drive the mill machinery.

Sir, – There is so much adverse commentary made about the National Health Service that I thought I would just pop in with a commentary of my own.

Sir, – Dixie Dean, writing about the development of wind farms on the peatlands of the Dava Moor ('Tests for approval of wind farms", in 'The Northern Scot' of May 2) warns of increased flooding and water pollution along with damage to tourism and whisky interests.

Sir, – As a supporter of the National Autistic Society (NAS), I am very worried about the lack of help available to adults with autism.

Sir, – It was with delight that I read two contributions to the April 25 edition of 'The Northern Scot'.

Sir, – At a time when we read of the planned closure of telephone exchanges and kiosks in rural areas, I came across a story about one opening in a newspaper of May 17, 1928. The report was as follows:

Sir, – Congratulations to Cove Rangers and to Keith, Buckie and Deveronvale for keeping the title race open until nearly the last Saturday of this season.

Sir, – I was glad to see several of your readers taking the trouble to respond to my letter on Elgin Cathedral. Their comments are all interesting and deserve a reply.

Sir, – I hope the driver who ploughed into a flock of birds on Sunday at 2.15pm on the High Street/A96 roundabout by the old Elgin Post Office is proud of himself.

Sir, – As a long standing volunteer at The Oaks, I have some sympathy for the opinions of your unnamed correspondents.

Sir, – James Stuart rightly says local authorities pay little attention to tests for approval of wind farm plans ('Letters', April 25), but then neither does the Government or Executive.

Sir, – My partner recently received a £70 Parking Charge Notice from a company called Parking Eye, after spending 34 minutes too long in Aldi's Elgin car park. This notice is misleading in both its appearance and the statements made.

Sir, – I was interested to read in "The Northern Scot" issue of April 24 about the landslide at Ordiequish.

Sir, – Some years ago, in connection with a reunion of former pupils of Enzie Public School, Clochan, I compiled a booklet largely from information taken from the log books kept by the head teachers of the school over the years, from its opening until its closure.

Sir, – Please, please can anybody help? We are desperately looking for one of our cats, who went missing on Tuesday, April 15.

Sir, – You may have noticed that the president of Opec, Chakib Khelil, has stated that we are on course for $200 per barrel for oil. This has been brought about by the dollar losing ground, making other assets, including oil, more attractive for foreign investors.

Sir, – I apologise for having to write to you again on the subject of the Keith bypass, but following Nanette Milne's misleading letter last week I wish to take the opportunity to correct her on the history of the Keith bypass. I would also like to clear up a number of facts.

Sir, – I was astonished to read the article in last week's 'Northern Scot' headlined "Arlene family live in hope of finding truth", by Chris Saunderson.

Sir, – A key objective of the Scottish Government's recent report, 'The economic impacts of wind farms on Scottish tourism', to which Robert McHugh's recent letter ('Visitor survey's accuracy is called into question', 'The Northern Scot', April 11) refers, was "to make recommendations for the planning authorities which could help minimise any negative effects of wind farms on the tourism industry", according to the Government's research findings.

Sir, – I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed new community planning plan which Moray Council appear to be rushing through the chambers without consulting the community the new plan is supposed to help.

Sir, – Councillor Wright's plan ('Northern Scot,' April 18) gives some detail about the second aim of the community planning ("Helping organisations to work together in providing better public services") but is rather sketchy on the first ("Making sure people and communities are alerted to or engaged in decisions which affect them").

Sir, – Income tax was originally foisted upon UK subjects and residents to help finance the Napoleonic Wars. Since the 1800s many, and worse, wars have ensued but politicians continued the rise in more peaceful times because it is a good revenue source.

Sir, – I read with interest the letter from Howie Firth about Elgin Cathedral ("Northern Scot", April 18). While he made a lot of salient points, I was saddened that he did not mention the most important one.

Sir, – This is intended as an open letter to the father of the little boy who just happened to be substituted at the seven-a-side football league at Elgin's Cooper Park on Tuesday night.

Sir, – Along with many people, I enjoyed a visit to Elgin Cathedral this past weekend, and noticed two aspects in particular.

Sir, – I write in reply to the letter in 'The Northern Scot' describing The Oaks Palliative Care Day Centre as a white elephant.

Sir, – What on earth is happening to Elgin, the Cathedral city where I was born and grew up?

Sir, – Since you published my letter on April 4, 'Pensioners seem to have been forgotten', I have been contacted by several pensioner groups and individuals.

Sir, – I have just returned from a trip to both England and Wales, and I would like to share with your readership one particular experience. Trust me, it is worth a public mention.

Sir, – I read with interest in last week's edition of 'The Northern Scot' of the call from Conservative MSP Nanette Milne to have the plan for a Keith bypass reinstated.

Sir, – Can I briefly follow up the report headed "Poles given learning help" in last week's edition of 'The Northern Scot'?

Sir, – The recent approval of the giant windfarm at Gordon Bush in Sutherland by the SNP administration is the fourth that they have rubber-stamped since coming to power.

Sir, – As a director of the company refused permission to develop a small number of homes at the Tombain site in Aberlour, I was interested to read A. Taylor's letter ('Disbelief at Housing Plan Refusal', April 11).

Sir, – On Sunday, April 13, my partner and I were privileged to catch sight of a Scottish wildcat crossing a track in the Aultmore Forest between Buckie and Keith.

Sir, – I write in response to Mr Gillanders' Farming Focus column in 'The Northern Scot' of April 4.

Sir, – I was very concerned to read the ill-informed article 'Time for debate on GM' by Eddie Gillanders in 'The Northern Scot' last Friday.

Sir, – Further to the article in last week's 'Northern Scot' claiming that wind farms do not deter tourists, I feel that before folk think "so that's okay then, wind farms will not affect our tourist industry", they should be aware of a few facts about this great survey being put forward by the Executive and "delighted" wind farm developers.

Sir, – It is a mistaken view that parents need local authority approval in order to educate their child at home ('Northern Scot', April 4).

Sir, – As we are all aware, families throughout the country are now feeling the pinch of ever-rising utility and fuel costs. What is the root cause of these extreme hikes in bill charges?

Sir, – Speyside is important to me, and the regeneration and sustainability of Speyside is of prime importance to me.

Sir, – On a recent visit to Moray Recycling Centre at Moycroft, Elgin, I noticed, in the metal skip, four bicycles in good condition. It set me wond