SIR, – In all the talk about a referendum on independence, there is one option that is never mentioned, which is to return Scotland to the way it was run before devolution.

SIR, – Your piece (May 9) on Scottish independence contained interesting points: “how much the SNP could spend trying to influence a referendum outcome”, followed by “But who is losing under the SNP?” and concluding with reference to “honeymoons” and “all the polls say that more people favour devolution than independence”. Isn't it wonderful how academic specialists in politics can contribute to democratic thinking and state that there are “theoretical and philosophical arguments to work through”, while at the same time slipping in a rather obvious agenda.

SIR, – I am writing to tell you about my experience with Oakbank School. I went there when I was 13. I was a very unruly child. I didn’t listen and didn’t behave. I very rarely went to school.

SIR, – Isn't it amazing in this day and age that our leaders should be so unable to convince us, the voters, of their credibility.

SIR, – Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander, who throughout the last year said that she would strongly oppose the SNP’s plans to hold a referendum on “independence" in 2010, made a dramatic U-turn and wanted such a referendum to be held immediately.

SIR, – Despite recent drives to control the sale of cigarettes and alcohol to children there is still ample evidence of the abuse of the law by off-licence premises.

SIR, – I am sure that residents of the Western Isles will be delighted to learn that their MP, Angus MacNeil, has contacted the Office of Fair Trading with a view to getting a reduction in the extortionate fuel prices that locals are forced to pay for heating, the fishing industry and road transportation.

SIR, – Hearing Kevin Stewart, as depute leader of the SNP/Liberal coalition, saying that it has been a bad week at Aberdeen City Council will rest uneasily with many SNP supporters who were astonished to see such a coalition formed.

SIR, – I was dismayed and shocked at the recent slating of Gardenstown by ex-Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren.

SIR, – It looks unlikely that the suggestion of P. Macari (Letters, May 1) that Aberdeen City Council’s administration should “fall on their collective sword" will be heeded.

SIR, – I refer to recent reports that Aberdeen City Council has been selling off property at less than market value.

SIR, – Mark Ruskell, of Scottish Renewables stated in his letter (the Press and Journal, April 25) that “the renewables industry, by law, has to assess the environmental impact of any windfarm application and design the scheme appropriately to minimise environmental damage, including by restoring habitats".

SIR, – I write with reference to people complaining about Aberdeen City Council (as regards council cuts) and Aberdeenshire Council (for the Donald Trump fiasco). I believe that the voting public should shoulder most of the responsibility.

SIR, – Regarding the current fuel situation, I don’t think I can ever recall such unhelpful and conflicting messages being given out about anything. Differing and contradictory statements have been made.

SIR, – I read in the Press and Journal (April 21) that Nepalese soldiers and police are authorised to shoot any protesters trying to climb Everest or get in the way of the torch on its way to the Olympics in China.