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 wondering and remembering.

Sir, – I watched in amazement at the amount of people buying olives at last week's Continental Market at the Plainstones, Elgin.

Sir, – May I comment in response to the letter from Ms Sierakowsk, headed "Children are socialised at every possible occasion" ('The Northern Scot', March 28), which has caused me much amusement?

Sir, – When the Nimrod 2000 aircraft was originally proposed as a re-work of the existing fleet of Nimrod MR2s, back in 1992, the main contractor, British Aerospace (as it was then – now BAE Systems) was pressing sub-contractors and suppliers that they wanted to keep costs in hand by working through the requirements on a COTS (Commercial, Off The Shelf) basis, ie supply of components.

Sir, – I am writing to express concern at the discovery that under four-year-olds will now be charged for entrance to the swimming pool.

Sir, – We have just spent the afternoon playing around on 40 different styles of bicycle at a playground in Forres. What a laugh!

Sir, – In response to last Friday's 'Northern Scot' Letter of the Week (Council's 'legal vandalism') from Mr Sandy Shand, who accuses this authority of abandoning our recycling principles following the demolition of the Chanonry site, I would like to put the record straight.

Sir, – As an Elgin loon who has lived south of the Grampians for many years, I have always tried to keep abreast of Moray affairs through your columns.

Sir, – Newspapers create an awareness, therefore I would appreciate your help in supporting the pensioners, who seemed to have been forgotten, especially by Alistair Darling.

Sir, – I write anonymously, in anger about a ridiculous situation that I was presented with today, and in the hope that it may cause others in similar circumstances to think carefully.

Sir, – In reply to Sheila Davidson's letter, "Education should be social as well as academic" ("Northern Scot", March 21), I am outraged by her comments. She has never met me, nor my children, and I wonder if she has ever been to the Cabrach.

Sir, – Following my letter about The Cabrach and its school ("Northern Scot", March 14), I have been sent anonymously papers relating to the school.

Sir, – Last Friday's 'Northern Scot' contained several articles which both saddened and angered me. Although they appeared at first glance to be unconnected, deeper consideration might have shown otherwise.

Sir, – With reference to the demolition of Chanonry travelling site, I am appalled by the council's act of demolition (legal vandalism), when the people of Moray are always being advised to recycle timber etc to save landfill space.

Sir, – The readers' letters page of the 'The Northern Scot' of March 7 featured a letter from an anonymous old age pensioner complaining about the raw deal given to the elderly in our society.

Sir, – My curiosity has finally overwhelmed me!

Sir, – I have been following recent weeks' correspondence regarding the reprieve of Cabrach Primary School, and note much emphasis on the need to keep a local community viable, yet little about the needs of children.

Sir, – I was very pleased to see that Moray Council "will support local food economies by supporting local procurement policies where feasible" ('Council takes responsibility for good food' in 'The Northern Scot', March 14).

Sir, – I am writing to you with reference to the supposed "plague of flies" that has infested Portgordon.

Sir, – During the past week, Moray Council, without warning, has removed our capacious bus shelter in Duffus, leaving the school children and local residents open to inclement weather while waiting for transport.

Sir, – One hears so many negative stories about the NHS that I felt I had to note my experience.

Sir, – I am writing in response to the piece in "The Northern Scot" on February 23: "Close the door on these cold callers".

Sir, – Since the recent article on my expulsion from the SNP, I have discovered (from Duncan Ross, the national secretary of the party) that our very own MSP, Richard Lochhead, played a major role in getting me expelled.

Sir, – It was disconcerting, but not unexpected, to read in last Friday's 'Scot,' Kenny Gilbert, Elgin City's No 2, saying there is no point in Messrs Williamson and Gilbert having one ambition and the board another.

Sir, – On March 6, I, along with many other people, journeyed to Dr Gray's Hospital with the intention of visiting our loved ones in hospital.

Sir, – Amelia Dunbar has been very clear in expressing the concerns and anxieties of those people living downstream of the River Lossie ("Letters", March 7).

Sir, – To look at your correspondence columns one would usually never guess that the Cabrach School needs to be kept open for two children of one family only because other people in the area already prefer to send their children to Mortlach School nearby (and could doubtless give these a lift as well if they wanted it).

Sir, – The leader of the Labour Group in Holyrood, Wendy Alexander, outlined her vision for Scotland to an audience at Edinburgh University on St Andrew's Day.

Sir, – Issues of access for pedestrians and other users can be thorny in coastal towns and villages, so we would like to update those interested in Hopeman affairs on two such matters.

Sir, – A lot of the letters in last week's 'Northern Scot' were complaining about the waste of money keeping the Cabrach School open.

Sir, – As a society, and backed by Government legislation, we have a policy of Care in the Community.

Sir, – Elgin Academy has received a lot of negative press coverage in your columns over the past few months, and I wonder now if it would be possible to comment on some of the good things, and the excellent initiatives, which are being overshadowed by the actions of a very small minority of pupils.

Sir, – Further to the reports regarding the projected flood alleviation works in Elgin, as a downstream resident I wish to make some points in reply to Mr D. Gowans' comments about us.

Sir, – My wife and I received your calendar 'Moods of Moray 2008' posted on October 11, 2007, and received today, February 11. Such is progress!

Sir, – In response to Mr Graham and his claims of lack of democracy in the Scottish National Party ('The Northern Scot', February 29), let me assure him that all members have ample opportunity at many forums and assemblies both local and national to have their say on policies both new and old.

Sir, – The relief felt by the decision made by the Scottish Ministers not to give their consent to close Cabrach School has been badly overshadowed by the negativity of the media.

Sir, – The biscuit has been taken, the tin hat has been put on it, the cow has jumped over the moon and the lunatics have definitely taken over the asylum. What a message the SNP ministers have put out with the decision to keep the Cabrach School open at such a financial burden to the people of Moray, at least those of us paying tax.

Sir, – I understand why so many people feel aggrieved by the decision to keep the Cabrach School open, and I note that most of the complaints are based on the future costs of doing so (even if financial figures in the public domain keep changing).

Sir, – Can I share with your readers telling moments from a meeting of some Moray councillors with John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, in Elgin on Monday?

Sir, – The Cabrach Primary decision is a difficult one. Given that Moray Council proposed to close the school and then attempt to rebuild the community rather than the other way about, then perhaps the Government have a point.

Sir, – The costs of the education of junior scholars are being expressed in the media at the present time. In making a similarity I find that a year's non-boarding education at Gordonstoun School is around £18,000 per pupil, compared with £50,000 per pupil in Cabrach Primary.

Sir, – I was very disappointed to read in 'The Northern Scot' last week that the Government has over-ruled the wishes of Moray Council and that Cabrach School is to remain open.

Sir, – The Scottish Government's decision to reverse the mothballing of Cabrach Primary has undoubtedly surprised many.

Sir, – I write with reference to the letter from Eva Stuart in your edition of February 22 ("Dancers in a spin over town hall supper room proposal").

Sir, – May I share with your readers a letter I have written to Richard Lochhead, local MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, expressing concern about plans for exploration of the Moray Firth by oil and gas companies?

Sir, – While I commend you on the generality of your editorial of February 22, "Poor turn-out for by-election", urging greater engagement with the political system, I must venture one correction: the Scottish Parliament elections in May, 2007, were not held using the Single Transferable Vote system.

Sir, – As I am sure your own mail box will prove, many extremely worthy charities are forced to rely for funds on letters to the citizen making a case for donation.

Sir, – May I reply to the fine article written by Chris Saunderson in last week's 'Northern Scot' regarding the matter of the proposed drilling for oil in the Moray Firth and expressing the views of Mr More fae Hopeman.

Sir, – We would like to thank the caravan park owner who, in your February 8 edition, added his voice to the concerns expressed through your paper over the last few months. Would there were more park owners like him!

Sir, – I am writing on behalf of the Senior Citizens Dance Group, who meet every Monday afternoon in the town hall supper room. We were very surprised to read the report by the educational and social services committee on the proposal to use the supper room for training purposes by the town council.

Sir, – We wish to publicly thank the Lands and Parks Department and Environmental Services, Elgin, for the very prompt response to our letter of end January, when we requested a clean-up of the public footpaths, woodland and small lochs behind Forres Academy.

Sir, – There has been a welcome visit to Moray by MSPs to view the scene of so much flooding over recent years.

Sir, – Recently, a reader's letter decried the Annual Christmas Bonus (for OAPs and other State Benefits recipients). It's remained at £10 since 1972, was the complaint. One more reason for joining the Scottish Senior Citizens' Unity Party? I think so.

Sir, – Last month I complained to Moray Council's Building Standards Department about a building contractor forcing pedestrians to walk into traffic when passing its construction site on Nairn Road, Forres.

Sir, – You asked if anyone else had a memory of The Beatles playing the Two Red Shoes. Their drummer certainly did.

Sir, – The Protect Our Dolphins campaign is currently pushing hard to get as much public response during the public enquiry period about the plan to drill for oil and gas in the Moray Firth, in the Special Area of Conservation designated under European law to protect the dolphins.

Sir, – One of the advantages of the drawn-out wait for something to happen to the redundant Safeway store situated on South College Street, Elgin (what is happening to this peculiar sell-out to Aldi, by the way?) has been that the car park has been available to the public, either officially or unofficially.

Sir, – It is very rarely that I intervene directly in matters relating to an individual school.

Sir, – By the time this letter is read the Elgin South by-election, in which I was a candidate, will have been decided.

Sir, – Coming from south of the Border, I have just celebrated my first Burns Supper at Spey Bay Community Hall.

Sir, – Further to the article in 'The Northern Scot' of February 8, re increased water rates for the Moray area, am I correct in thinking the rate is capped at 3.74%?

Sir, – Elgin Academy staff are right to feel "very unhappy" at the antics of the head teacher who, after barely a year in tenure, is off to California for a "jolly".

Sir, – In respect of the much hailed SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) flood warning system, may I point out that prior to the introduction of this hi-tech, supposedly infallible system, residents in the Lower Spey catchment area (those that were in particular danger of being inundated) were advised by Grampian Police of the height of the Spey at a certain time. Using a knock-on effect, the first person advised would phone the next, and so on.

Sir, – I was out for a walk around Morriston Park/playing fields one particularly lovely afternoon and making my way home from the back entrance of Elgin Academy to the car park of Bishopmill Primary School, when I came across the most appalling sight.

Sir, – May I respond to readers' recent opinions? Tasmin Smith ('Scot on the Web', January 25) opined that an infirm widow should sell her cottage – her home for about 40 years – and buy a newly constructed two-apartment flat in Forres.

Sir, – I sent a copy of my letter which was published in 'The Northern Scot' recently, on the Christmas bonus and how it hasn't risen in line with inflation, to our MP. He forwarded it to the Treasury for their comments and, as he says, "the response is brief and to the point".

Sir, – I note that six of the 10 candidates in the forthcoming Elgin South by-election do not reside in the ward or in Elgin itself. Do the people of Elgin really wish to elect an individual who does not live within the community of Elgin South?

Sir, – Further to Peter MacDonald's letter in 'The Northern Scot' on January 18, I would congratulate him on achieving in a single letter what many of us in the offshore industry have been trying to do for years.

Sir, – I should like to reply to Mr Brian Milne's letter in 'The Northern Scot' of January 25.

Sir, – I have reviewed recent correspondence relating to the surface dressing carried our by BEAR (Scotland) over a protracted period last summer, some five months from the start to the repositioning of cats' eyes, and causing untold misery to commuters on a six-mile section of the A96 between Alves and Elgin.

Sir, – The author of the rant about the frozen pipes at 11 Manitoba Avenue really let rip about blunder this, blunder that, knuckles rapping, hanging and flogging of those responsible. How could housing staff be so incompetent, waste of money .... blah, blah, blah.

Sir, – I would like to congratulate all the persons who clean up after their four-legged friends, although there are still some who fail to do so.