AS a keen gardener I look forward to the Beechgrove Garden series on BBC. The presenters are knowledgeable and a lot of interest is packed into the half-hour programme. It is especially helpful because it deals with Scottish growing conditions for flowers fruit and vegetables. Last Thursday I was shocked to hear that a series only begun on April 18 would return "at the end of the summer". Apparently it will be replaced meantime with a radio programme, which means we are supposed to imagine the flower colours, pruning techniques and garden layouts during the main growing season. What’s next? Strictly or Masterchef on radio?

Gardening is an all-age activity. School pupils learn about healthy food by growing it. Gardening helps older people to keep fit and engage with nature in town or country. Gardeners have a key role in preserving biodiversity and in addressing the effects of climate change. Research has shown that it promotes wellbeing and mental health. So why does a public service broadcaster decide that the population of Scotland does not deserve a helpful and popular programme geared to our local conditions and geography? No reasons have been offered. I think we ought to know.

Catherine Collins, Dundee DD5.

Gaelic reminder

I WAS out for a bike run last Friday in Ayrshire on a route that took me through Knockentiber – "the wee hill of the well". It is but one of the many places whose name is evidence of the county's Gaelic past. John Dunlop (Letters, June 10) is right to say that the last native Gaelic speaker in Ayrshire died countless years ago, but it is still good to see evidence of the language's historical existence there.

I also like seeing "Poileas" on one set of public-service vehicles. It reminds me of how my native-speaker father pronounced the word in both Gaelic and English, and it's very close to the demotic pronunciation of "police" in much of the west of Scotland right now.

Gilbert MacKay, Newton Mearns.

Sticky situation

YOUR correspondent AW Wright (Letters, June 7) thinks that it would be a splendid idea if manufacturers used water-soluble labels and adhesives in order to make easier the task of removing labels prior to recycling.

I would agree with him, but I think he misses the point entirely.

I have it on very good authority that the problem he describes is, in fact, a cunning plot by the council/Holyrood/Westminster/Brussels/military-industrial complex/international bankers/United Nations (circle favourite bete noir) to keep us so preoccupied that they can get up to their infernal mischief, and rule the world before we all notice.

Now, just let me get my tinfoil hat...

Christopher W Ide, Waterfoot.

Dog tired

I AM tolerant of dogs although I have never owned one and have friends who own dogs that I love. One thing, however, that really annoys me is people in town with dogs on extending leads. No thought of other people, dogs tripping people up and the owners oblivious. Extending leads should be banned in towns.

Steve Barnet, Gargunnock.

Nice to be nice

I AGREE with Christine Smillie (Letters, June 8): what is wrong that we can't just be nice to each other? "Have a nice day", "see ya later", "take care" and so on ... wee platitudes, but you say it with a smile and you get a lovely smile back. Costs you nothing, and makes the world a happier place.

Hugh Steele, Cumbernauld.