YOU will no doubt publish many well deserved tributes to Nelson Mandela, above all to his courage, fortitude and moral clarity.

There was, however, yet another side to his greatness, which was in evidence when he visited Glasgow to receive the Freedom of the City, and of eight others, in 1993.

As there were nine separate freedom ceremonies taking place in the various committee rooms, space was at premium, and it was agreed that each council should have a limited number of tickets only. In Glasgow, lots were drawn for the allocation of places, aside from Lord Provost Bob Innes (whose speech for the day I had the honour to draft) and Jean McFadden, who was leader of the council at that time, as she had been in 1981 when the freedom was awarded in absentia.

To my recollection, first out of the hat to attend was Pat Lally, which was appropriate as he had also done great things to support the anti-apartheid cause as Leader.

He was followed by Councillor Phil O'Rourke, who had been unwell and was not able to stand for any length of time. So when the day came, Councillor O'Rourke remained seated at the Glasgow freedom ceremony until Nelson Mandela approached him, at which point he reached for his sticks and began to rise. Mandela would have none of it: he insisted that Phil should remain seated, took a seat himself beside him and took the time to let him know how much he had appreciated Glasgow's support. It was a deeply touching moment for everyone.

Some will recall the inspirational speeches Nelson Mandela made that day in the City Chambers and in George Square, or how he led the dancing in the rain. Others of us recall that small and intimate moment, when he showed us that his humanity and empathy for others were as much part of his greatness as his other inspirational qualities.

Peter A Russell,

87 Munro Road,

Jordanhill, Glasgow.

TONIGHT I learn that one of my great heroes has passed into peace as he sought to bring peace among many divergent peoples. As might be expected the bandwagon rushes to be heard and it sickens me to hear the mealy-mouthed tributes of people like Tony Blair and David Cameron trying to jump aboard.

Fifty years ago, I was appalled to hear a Liberal friend describe Mandela as a terrorist thug and I cannot begin to imagine how he was described at Eton or Fettes. Those were the days of apartheid when the blacks could not be trusted to run their affairs in a fashion that suited the whites. Glasgow University's former Lord Rector, Albert Luthuli, was knocked down by a train while at home under house arrest and Steve Biko managed to squeeze through the bars of his cell to throw his life to the ground below, and all this while Nelson Mandela, the convicted terrorist, was incarcerated in Robben Island. When does terrorism become legitimate struggle and when does law cease to protect the individual's right to dissent?

Of course, the diplomatic decencies have to be observed and the hypocrisy of Mr Cameron's visit to China and Mr Blair's posturing among the Gulf States have, no doubt, some purpose, but can they not leave those of us who believe in what Mr Mandela tried to teach to mourn the passing of one who believed in the integrity of the human spirit and the equality of humankind?

Many politicians will posture during the international mourning for this giant among us. Few will have any stomach for the message of universal peace, equality and forgiveness that he personified.

KM Campbell,

Bank House, Doune.

PEOPLE throughout the world recognise without demur that Nelson Mandela's magnanimity was without peer.

His fight against the evils of apartheid throughout his life and the sacrifices made by him in that cause are, of course, the stuff of legend. The criticisms made by many commentators of apartheid in South Africa often exclusively target those of Afrikaner extraction. We should not forget that there were many who, having left Great Britain and settled in South Africa, were content to partake in the contaminated fruits of that oppressive regime while it lasted.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road,

Lenzie.

NELSON Mandela, when will we see your like again?

We have lost a politician who tackled issues with an honesty not often seen in politics.

His ability to achieve reconciliation and forgiveness, especially in view of the injustice meted out on him, marks him out as a colossus of our age.

Sandy Gemmill,

40 Warriston Gardens,

Edinburgh.

A GREAT malcontent, in the true sense of the word, has passed away. Initially a lawyer, then a freedom fighter against the brutality of a racist state, he eventually showered South Africa with reconciliation.

His example can be that to overthrow oppression and political hegemony, it is often essential to have a multi-factorial approach.

Yihla Moja, Rolihlahla.

The long walk is over.

Paul Cochrane,

10 Grants Way,

Paisley.