THOSE arguing for the benefits of single-sex education may have a point ("Ad campaign to stop girls' school letting in boys", The Herald, April 15, and Letters, April 15). I believe there is evidence of its advantages.

I cannot help but think, however, that if this were a school which only admitted boys and refused entry to girls, these same people would be shouting "sex discrimination" from the rooftops (which Notre Dame’s policy is, after all).

This is a classic example of the double standard of feminism: a male-only organisation which forbids entry to women is to be condemned out of hand, but a female-only one which excludes men purely on the basis of their sex is perfectly fine. Indeed,it is to be lauded for its policy.

Single-sex education may well benefit boys also, but I cannot see any council being brave enough to set one up. The outcry from outraged feminists would be too much to bear.

Alan Jenkins,

111 Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow.

Nuclear strike

I HONESTLY could not believe that Dr Ronnie Gallagher (Letters, April 15) thought is relevant to argue who has the biggest nuclear arsenal.

Suffice to say that if there is an accident or terrorist incident there are sufficient warheads to ensure that most of the population of Central Scotland would cease to exist. That is before the prevailing south-westerly winds spread the radiation across the rest of the country.

If Dr Gallagher had been on the Titanic I imagine he would have insisted upon an inventory of deckchairs before the life boats were launched.

David Stubley,

22 Templeton Crescent, Prestwick.

No need for Latin

DENIS Bruce (Letters, April 15) suggests, though perhaps not entirely seriously, that we might be seeing "the first shoots of a new educational spring where the fruits of Latin will once again shine forth and rescue us from the depths into which politics and language have sunk".

A person who wants to use English correctly does not need to learn any Latin. All that is needed is to learn correct English.

Whether or not "the fruits of Latin" can improve politics, the accurate and honest use of words can, though politicians might understandably prefer the political use of words.

Robert Canning,

Cal-na-Sith, Stoneybrae, Bridge of Earn.

Crowning glory

I WAS amused by the letter from William S Cooper (April 16) referring to his cap as his "bunnet".

My father's preferred headgear (and mine) was a bunnet but he always referred to it as a "scone". He also had the phrase "Who's stolen your scone?", when one of us was a bit grumpy.

Donald M Harrison,

Hazelbank, Taynuilt, Argyll.

An old excuse

AGEING can bring about unusual circumstances. A friend was bowling in a club competition against another member who was 96 years old. When the game was over, Tom suggested a drink in the bar. “Sorry Tam, I’m off to my son’s golden wedding.”

Barry K Wilson,

15/5 Forbes Place, Paisley.