I NOTE the Rev John MA Thomson's comparison of the current heads of state of the UK and the United States, in which he clearly comes down in favour of monarchy (Letters, April 7). I believe that, when comparing the effectiveness and acceptability of forms of institution, one should examine the position over a prolonged period of time before arriving at a considered conclusion.

President Trump may never be viewed as a great President, but his predecessors include the likes of, for example, Franklin D Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower. With regard to the monarchy here, it can be readily concluded that the Queen, throughout her long reign, has been an example to us all with her composure, discretion, and sense of service to our country. However, where might we be now if Edward VIII, with his visit to Germany in 1937 and meeting with Adolf Hitler, had not abdicated in 1936? Who knows into what uncharted territory the opinionated Prince Charles might take us when his time comes?

There is reason to believe, therefore, that we should not rely only upon a comparison of today's incumbents to assess the respective merits and disadvantages of the different methods adopted by the UK and the US to arrive at a head of state.

Ian W Thomson, Lenzie.

Gentleman Jimmy

ANENT the sad tidings of the recent death of James (Jimmy) Gordon, Lord Gordon of Strathblane (“Tributes to ‘quiet man of Scots radio’,” The Herald, April 4, and Letters, April 4 & 8), the one and only time I met him was many years ago when – then in my early teens – I was playing a practice round of golf on my own.

A much older player – he must have been at least in his twenties – also playing solo, caught up with me. It was Jimmy Gordon, whom I recognised from STV.

He declined my invitation to "play through" and instead suggested that we continue our round playing together, which we did.

All went well until at the far end of the course another of my wild drives saw the departure of my last available golf ball – so I thanked my playing partner for his company and made to take my leave back to the clubhouse.

Upon ascertaining what was precipitating my early retiral, Jimmy Gordon would have none of it, and insisted not only in supplying another golf ball so I could continue to play that hole but also gave me another handful of balls to "keep me going".

I have never forgotten that great kindness shown to a youngster whom he had never met before.

Norman MacLeod, Glasgow G11.

A fine example

I USED to think it strange that people were happy to listen to suggestions made by someone who had attained the dizzying height of school careers advisor.

However, I have received a letter from a guy who lives in London, hobnobs with jet setters and is currently in hospital recovering from the effects of a viral infection, telling me what I must do to avoid viral infection.

Puts the careers master’s presumption in perspective.

Robin Dow, Rothesay.

Driven to distraction

MY wife and I having had to have car batteries replaced during lockdown, I wondered whether a sneaky run round the block might suffice to keep the new batteries charged. Advice from our roadside assistance supplier is to take the cars for 30-minute runs once a week.

This being illegal, will the country be faced with panic buying of car batteries? Do readers have advice for those forced not to use their cars during lockdown?

David Miller, Milngavie.