October 28.

It is a sad indictment on the previously witty and entertaining

writing career of Tom Shields that he is compelled to put the boot in

further with regard to the recent distress of Prestwick solicitor Mr

Martin Scagell (October 19).

One wonders what, or who, prompted Tom Shields to such vituperative

and characterless outpouring. This was a needless extension to, and

out-of-context coverage of, the findings of the Law Society of Scotland

discipline tribunal.

David C. Forbes,

3 Winston Avenue,

Prestwick.