I HAVE often been surprised, particularly when travelling on the train, to find how indiscreet and careless some people are both in their conversations with fellow travellers and on their mobile telephones.

Gordon Jackson QC is already paying a price to his reputation for his indiscretion in discussing the recent case involving the former First Minister when on the train ("Salmond’s lawyer quits as head of legal body after video leak", The Herald April 4).

He was obviously unaware of the survey by O2 which found that 84 per cent of us listen to the conversations of others on public transport and that 40 per cent subsequently reveal the details on Facebook and Twitter. That might make you think that there is not too much going on in the lives of those doing the eavesdropping. Often personal information can be revealed as can some commercially sensitive business data. Alex Salmond as a client, and some others involved in the criminal prosecution recently concluded, are entitled to feel let down by Mr Jackson. Perhaps he felt that no one else would be interested and listening. If so, apart from being indiscreet, he was behaving in an unbecomingly naive fashion.

Ian W Thomson, Lenzie.

Use local, Auntie

I WAS delighted to watch our local lass Kirsty Wark presenting the April 2 edition of Newsnight from the BBC’s Glasgow studio.

The coronavirus restrictions on travel and social interaction prevented Ms Wark making her usual weekly journey to London to present the programme; and as a consequence saved the BBC a few pounds in expenses. With the use of 21st century online facilities her guests around the country were able to contribute to the Newsnight production.

When the virus has been beaten I do hope the BBC will give consideration to using more local reporters to present national programmes from their local area. Moving well-kent reporters around the country to present high-profile programmes must cost a fortune.

Use local – save money.

Robin Cairns, Glasgow G44.

A novel approach

I AM encouraged by the news that a novel comprising eight paragraphs has been shortlisted for the International Booker Prize of £50,000 ("Eight-paragraph Booker hopeful”, The Herald, April 3), and now have high hopes for my eight-word work in progress, “Him, Her, They, Them, Nudity, Sex and Violence”, which will be available for selection next year.

R Russell Smith, Kilbirnie.

Cutting remark

MAY I, not a green-fingered reader, assure Alan Fitzpatrick (Letters, April 4) that leaving his grass cuttings on the lawn will do no harm at all? Tiring of lifting grass cuttings, I surprisingly convinced my wife about half a century ago that I should follow the advice contained in an article on grass cutting and leave the cuttings, as they benefited the grass.

Our successive lawns, or more accurately patches of grass, have thrived.

David Miller, Milngavie.

I AM not able to answer the question posed by Alan Fitzpatrick on grass clippings, but suggest that to lessen the problem sprinkling the lawn with beer can help– that way the grass should come up half-cut

Jim Young, Edinburgh EH10.