IT is interesting to read about the bullying issues being discussed in Parliament ("Bullying by SNP ministers is still not being tackled, inquiry is told", The Herald, September 2).
As it happens our granddaughter is involved in a bullying situation in her Edinburgh primary school. She is a very bright 10-year-old who used to love school, but this Primary 6 class has turned her into a fearful, tearful child. It turns out that she has become the victim of a vindictive bully who takes great pleasure in turning the rest of the class against her and "accidentally" bumps into her now and again – we think this is actually assault, but the teacher/headmaster response is "the bully and the whole class must be kinder and they must work together as a team". There would appear to be no other options for punishment these days. Unfortunately, the coronavirus precautions mean that even out in the playground, the class is in a "bubble" so there is no escape there from the constant harassment. Our granddaughter thought lockdown was wonderful and no wonder.
Unfortunately, the school's performance was pathetic, so apart from the bullying, who knows how much education was missed. It is very worrying to think that in a few years’ time this young bully could well be in the Scottish Parliament carrying on with her nasty victimisation behaviour – can nothing be done to stamp it out?
Carol MacDonald, Troon.
A MATTER OF PROPORTION
SHORTLY after reading of Paul Michael's unavailing efforts to find out about flu vaccinations (Letters, September 3), I have a text message from my GP surgery, advising that vaccinations will not be delivered by the practice this year, but in a local community setting. Details will follow in a letter from the health board.
The average numbers of deaths per day from Covid-19 being now in single figures, I also read that in 2018, the average numbers of deaths per day from some other causes were: cancer, 452; dementia and Alzheimer's disease 141; flu and pneumonia 48.
What on earth is going on? Have our rulers lost all sense of proportion?
David Miller, Milngavie.
ST ANDREWS FAIL
I READ and enjoy Rosemary Goring's articles and certainly agree with her favourable remarks about the success of the St Andrews University team in University Challenge ("Hurrah for St Andrews and its victory in University Challenge", The Herald, September 2).
However, as a Fifer and St Andrews graduate I don't believe she has the X-ray vision which would be needed to see any part of Leith from the pier at St Andrews, unless there is an undiscovered tunnel through Largo Law.
She rather shamefully admitted rarely reading newspapers whilst studying history and economics, which is surprising.
Married as I am to a St Andrews graduate in those subjects, I know that Professor Nisbet in political economy used to insist that his students were also well up in current events.
Finally, it's disappointing to see her trying to score cheap points on snobbery. Granted, individuals form different impressions but, from a comparable background, I came away from St Andrews with a better appreciation of the similarities amongst those of different classes and ways of speaking, not their differences.
Mel Burt, Bearsden.
STRICTLY LETDOWN
YOU really must be more careful with your headings. I read "Adams to make Strictly history" (The Herald, September 3) and was getting quietly excited until I realised it did not refer to Gerry Adams, the Irish politician.
Now that might have made me start watching again.
Tina Oakes, Stonehaven.
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