OUT of the choices of things not to do on one's own ("Alone again, nutritionally", The Herald, November 2) I would probably choose to not dine alone, having learned the hard way.

That hard way was learned at the age of 19, newly employed in an engineering drawing office, and thinking that I should celebrate at the end of my first week. I booked my lunch at what I thought was the best hotel in town and duly trotted along.

I was surprised at how quiet it was, just the hum of the voices of the several well-dressed males at the tables. I sat at my table, ordered Eggs Benedict (what were they?) and got out my book, which I had happened to buy in Boots the Chemist the week before, and settled to read of the descent into hell of Francesca and Paolo, as envisioned by Dante.

After the eggs (not bad) and then a dessert of rhubarb tart and custard, I paid and trotted back to the drawing office. "Did you enjoy your lunch"? I was asked by two of the draughtsmen, and when I said that I had, they asked where did I go. I have to admit to being rather surprised at their reaction when I told them. It transpired that the very posh place was well-known to be a haunt of "certain ladies on the make" – whatever that was.

When my parents also asked me if I had enjoyed my little celebration, and wanted to know where it had taken place, I said that I had found a delightful little café at the rear of the Parish Church.

I have eaten alone several times and on one occasion in Inverness I was mistaken, by the hotel staff, for Susan Hampshire, travelling under an assumed name; but it is always pleasant to have a companion at the table. Maybe better too (after my first dining-alone experience) for one's reputation.

Thelma Edwards, Kelso.

Lottery cop-out

LET'S not forget the realities behind the huge number of lotteries that have sprung up. Here we have a system where large numbers of people gamble to benefit a tiny few and give fabulous profits to the organisers. A real government would do what lotteries do through a progressive tax system instead of spreading exploitation and playing on people's hopes.

B McKenna, Dumbarton.

Why not China?

EXTINCTION Rebellion (XR) demonstrations took place in 22 cities in the United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Republic of Ireland, Spain, UK, France, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand.

But wait a minute ... why did XR not demonstrate in China, Russia or Chile or in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait and Brazil, which are in the top 10 oil-producing countries since these countries are responsible for more than 60 per cent of global emissions? Could it be that XR fear the police/army would take a less tolerant approach and their members would find themselves in a dark and dingy cell for a long time? Obviously "saving the planet" has its limits.

Clark Cross, Linlithgow.

THERE is ongoing correspondence relating to climate change, wind farms, CO2, emissions etc. with Scotland’s share often quoted as 0.15 per cent, this figure often being compared with much larger contributors such as China. The UK share is quoted as 1.13 per cent.

If one looks at the Union of Concerned Scientists emissions tables, India lies 20thiIn tonnage per capita terms with the UK placed 13th, just above Italy and France, however in total tonnage terms India lies third, with the UK 13th, again higher than Italy and France.

It is known that greenhouse gas levels have risen by over 30 per cent in the last 50 years and I have no doubt that climate change is happening. I am aware of measures being taken to mitigate increased flood risk due to new road and property developments but wonder what measures are being taken / are required relative to climate change issues? None that I know of.

Duncan Miller, Lenzie.