I WOULD like to congratulate Dan Edgar for going in to bat on behalf of the silver circle (Letters, February 15). In today’s world it is far too easy to point the finger and unfairly criticise soft targets such as pensioners. The fact is many of today’s pensioners did not have a walk up start in life but made the most of any opportunity that came their way.

Make no mistake, life was hard in the 1950s and one learned early about the benefits of self-motivation - for example, a morning paper round or milk deliveries (in all sorts of weather) before walking to school, and then entering the workforce at 15 with or without qualifications. The key to success was determination to work towards a long term goal.

We were ready to work at any job, willingly faced up to our responsibilities and made the necessary financial arrangements for our retirement.

Sniping at pensioners amounts to nothing more than aiming a cheap shot at people who have done their time before the mast.

Ian F Mackay,

5 Smillie Place, Kilmarnock.