I LAUGHED out loud at the quote from Lindsay Paterson, Professor of Education Policy at Edinburgh University that Scottish education policy is now "based on speculation, ideological whim, and partisan rivalry" ("Education policy based on 'whim, rivalry and speculation", The Herald, December 9 ). He obviously never worked for Strathclyde Regional Council.

I believe that for too long the emphasis in producing statistical education data has been centred on process and output rather than the varied individual profile of the input. We put a significant prominence on the data compiled within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation as the main indicator of variations in our expectations of school and pupil performance.

I consider this is far too broad brush a device. Individual schools should be able to formally define their own pupil index in determining levels of individual advantage and disadvantage.

By coincidence, researchers from the Institute for Social Research in Zagreb recently published their findings on what key factors influenced a successful school education. One of the factors they found was whether the pupil had their own room, computer and desk at home.

I am certain that one of the issues affecting Scottish school pupils is that many do not have their own table or desk to work on in a quiet and peaceful home, never mind their own room. It is a surprise that many young people do so well at school considering the numbers who experience a disagreeable, noisy and discouraging home where there is no leadership in forming a normal productive role in contributing to society.

Bill Brown, Milngavie.

Remember the fewer

I can only sympathise with David Miller (Letters, December 7) and his acceptance that the campaign for correct use of the apostrophe is in all likelihood over; that standards in terms of language as whole have dropped.

I became fed up foaming at the mouth in supermarkets beneath signs that welcomed shoppers with "10 items or less".

I was also becoming increasingly disturbed each time I switched the internet on to find famous people's "quotes", remembering that I had been taught that "quote" was the verb and "quotation " the noun.

My Cnutian stance washed over me recently like a tidal wave. Watching a repeat of an old Sherlock Holmes episode, the great man himself asked another character what he was "inferring" when it should have been what he was "implying".

Is all this just another sign of those in power trying to keep the great unwashed down? If so, what is their agendum? And can I take a minute from any meeting that results from the accusation?

Gordon Fisher, Stewarton.

IS there a more bigger irritation in English grammar than the misuse of comparative adjectives?

John Jamieson, Ayr.

Moral vacuum

THE more liberal approaches to morality which Doug Clark (Letters, December 4) speaks of do not seem to be bringing greater happiness and contentment to the younger, better educated in our society.

The void created by the decline of organised religions coincides with the alarming rise in abortions, suicides and the need for mental health services.

Unless and until this void is filled the younger generation will continue to struggle.

Elizabeth McDermott, Bothwell.