I CAN’T say I recognised Neil Mackay’s depiction of the state of the nation (“Look around this nation and you will see hatred everywhere”, The Herald, December 11). “Nation” is of course an ambiguous term in these islands, but Mr Mackay is explicit that “the infection of hate runs rampant” as much in Scotland as in the UK. “We are a corpse on the ground being devoured by rats, and soon there will be nothing left but a stain of mutually destructive loathing.” Really?

Even if it were true, would it not be better to spend time describing an alternative to hatred? Remember St Paul’s advice in the Epistle to the Philippians, chapter 4 verse 8. Look it up.

It’s a wonderful time of year for catching up with people. Since the beginning of December I’ve been meeting old friends in Bearsden (great hilarity), St Andrews and Aberdeen (love and affection), Dunblane Cathedral (care and compassion), the Stirling Highland Hotel health club (joshing and ribaldry), and I’ve heard phenomenal musicians in the concert halls of Glasgow, Perth, and Edinburgh. I’ve been treated by friends and strangers alike with the utmost kindness and courtesy. Granted Westminster needs to be placed into special measures, but let’s keep a sense of proportion.

I think it was in the pages of The Herald that I read the best advice received by Cardiff Singer of the World Catriona Morison. No doubt it is literally useful to a mezzo-soprano, but surely metaphorically indispensable to us all:

Stick close to radiators and keep away from drains.

Dr Hamish Maclaren,

1 Grays Loan, Thornhill, Stirling.

NEIL Mackay asked us to “look around this nasty nation”, and we “would see hatred everywhere”. Certainly, at various levels one can only agree with this, particularly as one observes what is reported in our media. Our MPs rail against each other, displaying gross unkindness and often dishonesty as they verbally destroy the “opposition”, whether in their own party or not. Sadly, our own MSPs, including our First Minister, at times use destructive and yes, abusive, language as they attack others with whom they disagree. The person often is attacked, instead of having proper, courteous and vibrant debate on the difficult issues before us. Our so-called leaders, in their discourtesy and derogatory language, are surely very poor examples for us to follow. How sad.

Yet Mr Mackay's article is surely giving only one side of the picture, for there are countless thousands of ordinary people who are living their lives in kindness and thoughtfulness. And each day of the year people are being helped and encouraged by others, not least in our public services in the NHS, Education and Social Work departments. Our council workers look after our streets, our parks, and deal with our rubbish. Volunteers in our multitude of charities are sacrificially giving time, money and energy into serving others.

Mr Mackay, please look around and you will also see much love and care everywhere; and be thankful for what you see. MPs and MSPs ... please look around and start seeing each other as human beings who are of the greatest value, and should be treated as such. Shame upon you for setting a bad example.

Mr Mackay said we should change all this, particularly "At this time of year - a time meant to celebrate decency and the goodness in humanity". Yes, Mr Mackay, I agree with the fact we should change, but no political party or policies, no EU or non-EU grouping of nations can change what is in the human heart.

That first Christmas happened because, as Christians believe, God sent His Son into our broken world to redeem it, to deal with our inherent failures and flaws. Jesus Christ broke into our world precisely because of, among other things, hate and discord amongst people; and so it has ever been. One of the titles given to Jesus is, "Prince of Peace", and when we let him rule our hearts, then peace reigns, and breaks out to those around us. It would be great if our politicians could avail themselves of that peace."

Alasdair HB Fyfe,

59 Mearns Road, Clarkston, Glasgow.