IN these worrying times, we all need to look after our neighbours and be ready to help them out whenever the need arises; so, it gladdened the heart to hear of the relocation south of Hamish, the young polar bear ("Farewell to polar bear Hamish as hotdogs help tempt him for trip to England", The Herald, November 2). He is sure to be made to feel welcome and his presence in his new home is certain to lift the mood of the nation. This action, displaying the very essence of neighbourliness, was followed a day later by the generous transfer of a significant number of beavers ("One quarter of nation’s beavers could be on the move to England", The Herald, November 3). It was hardly news that our neighbours had a shortage of polar bears, but it was surprising to learn that the country had a beaver deficiency.

These, however, are rather piecemeal arrangements and clearly demonstrate that there is scope for a more structured aid programme, aimed at providing assistance in filling gaps in our neighbour’s ecosystem.

As an example, we in the north have a surplus of midges, while those in the south suffer from a deficit. As good neighbours, the least we could do is to institute a rolling programme of the transfer of substantial numbers of the insects.

This would have two effects: firstly, the midge population would be distributed more equitably throughout the island, and secondly, we in the north would scarcely miss them. Really, it is a win-win situation.

Ian Hutcheson, Glasgow G11.

AN ACT OF DISRESPECT

I WOULD be surprised if a majority could be found for the installation of town Christmas lighting before Remembrance Day is behind us. That this was being done in Largs on Remembrance Sunday is insensitive to the memory of all who serve and the families of those who have given their life in the service of a nation. As such, it appears to me to be both disrespectful and insensitive and should sit uncomfortably in the collective consciousness of all reasonable-minded people.

Gp Capt A Cowan RAF (Retd), Largs.

HAVING watched this weekend’s Armistice commemorations I am again amazed at the bravery of this United Kingdom’s women and men’s supreme sacrifices in defence of their homeland. I am left with one wish and it is this: if and when Scotland becomes independent let there be no hindrance to the continuation of this annual act of thanks to all our four countries working as one.

W Raymond Shaw, Glasgow G41.

CLEANING UP

IN accordance with the laws of capitalism and the market, the first signs have appeared that the Covid economy has peaked, if not burst.

On March 19, twin packs of Dettol soap, retailing at £1.30 for an aeon, became £4.30 – shops claiming it was due to “distributors costs”, despite being the same bars lying on shelves for months, untouched and unloved. This was but the beginning – at the peak, they cost an outrageous £8 for two.

Now in November, despite the impending “second wave”, Dettol soap twin packs have mysteriously returned to £1.30 for two again. They have regained one customer.

Mark Boyle, Johnstone.