ELLEN Logan's difficulty in not cheating at crosswords (Letters, March 28) raises the question of what may in that context be described as cheating. She is, of course, correct, but I wonder how many readers have completed the late John McKie's Wee Stinkers without some form of cheating.
I am the proud possessor of a Chambers Crossword Dictionary awarded as a prize for completing one of John's puzzles. This suggests that neither you nor the great man himself did not disapprove of what some might regard as cheating.
In Mark Smith's recent article ("Crossword genius, gentleman and teacher John McKie dies aged 80", The Herald, March 17) we are told that John did not disapprove of syndicates, but was much less patient with use of the internet.
Another of my crossword dictionaries, which describes a cheat as a charlatan, seems to me to overstate the case.
David Miller, Milngavie
Memories of a real gem
I WAS deeply saddened to learn of the death of Glasgow's former PR chief, Harry Diamond (Herald Obituary, March 27).
Over many years I was proud to be a sub-contractor to his department.
It was a joy to attend meetings at the city chambers and Harry would often invite me into his own office with the words "Son, let me tell you this".
I remember when he was interviewed on the city's renaissance, by a journalist on the Observer colour supplement, the writer unfairly included Harry's occasional "colourful" language within the article. The ruling Labour administration was clearly not amused but Harry, not surprisingly, must have given a good account of himself. The incident was reported on the front page of the then Glasgow Herald with a headline along the lines of "City council forgives its rough Diamond".
David G Will, Milngavie.
Roll of honour
YOU recently (March 10) published a letter from me concerning unwrapped bakery products on display in my local supermarket and the higher standards found in Spanish stores.
On Saturday I returned to the shop to find my favourite morning rolls are now pre-wrapped. A small step for hygiene and a roll in square sausage and fried egg is now back on my weekend breakfast menu.
I'd like to think this is due to the power of the Herald Letters Pages but thank you to the Co-op anyway.
Robert Aitken, Glasgow G76.
The malady lingers on
EVEN our alarm-clock radio has been infected by the virus. The other morning we woke to the strains of Don't Stand So Close to Me by, inevitably, The Police. I'd better not tune into the BBC's piping programme in case the piobaireachd of the week is Too Long In this Condition.
Gilbert MacKay, Newton Mearns.
Frivolity rules
IN reply to Mrs C Buchanan (Letters March 28), I agree with her call for a competition to see who can come up with the most frivolous letter for the right-hand page. Can this count?
Des Arthur, Cambuslang.
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