Sir, – I paid one of my occasional visits to Grantown recently with my wife, as I am very fond of the area, having lived at Old Spey Bridge in the early 1960s.

Sir, – I write with reference to Charlie Whelan's column in a recent edition of the "Strathy".

Sir, – In his third consecutive anti-wind farm article, Cameron McNeish rejoices that the Lewis wind farm has been rejected, but fears that there might be smaller ones now coming on-stream.

Sir, – In the run up to Scottish Biodiversity Week (May 19-25), you can apply for a £250 grant to help set up a projects that will benefit local wildlife and their natural surroundings.

Sir, – The NHS has plenty of critics, but when I needed its help I found it provided a friendly and helpful service.

Sir, - Walking south from Boat of Garten on the Speyside Way, the first glimpse of Aviemore is of the hideous tower block which is the southern Macdonald Aviemore Hotel.

Sir, - Re. the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort tower. I suspect what we have here is a smokesscreen, a very hard and 11-storey tall smokescreen.

Sir, - I should like to commend James Stuart of Dunphail's letter in last week's "Strathy".

Sir, - Some weeks ago I wrote to publicise concern about the state of Dalfaber drive, the numerous potholes and poor state of repair this busy road is in.

Sir, – It is unfortunate if my comments on TV are regarded as whining and negative, as suggested by someone claiming to be Lawrence Grant, Inverness (Strathy, Letters to the Editor, April 9).

Sir, – You describe me as a "former Grantown resident" who "was appalled" when I heard of the threat to Strathspey's oldest castle, Gartenrothe at Boat of Garten, the seat of power of the medieval Lordship of Glencarnie.

Sir, – Further to my previous letter regarding comments from a Malawian police officer in your newspaper on Tasers, I am writing to update you on the matter.

Sir, – Who is the secret dog fouler prowling our streets in the dead of night?

Sir, - Once again more attention is given by our Highland councillors to Glenbogle than to anything happening in the real world (More time to look at "Glen" energy plans, 'Strathy', March 26).

Sir, - As a former pupil of Dulnain Bridge School, which sadly closed in the 1960s, we have had many evenings reminiscing about the good old days.

Sir, - 'Name and address supplied' wishes to make scurrilous and totally unfounded accusations that the Cairngorms National Park Authority chose not to erect a stone entrance marker at Drumochter because they had 'run out of money'.

Sir, - The Cairngorm National Park Authority board will soon decide the fate of the Muir Homes housing development in Grantown-on-Spey.

Sir, - The golden rule for community representatives in promoting their community is not to disparage it or talk it down in public. If one cannot say good or positive things, then say nothing.

Sir, - I am writing further to the article in the Strathy (March 28, 2008) on possible plans to introduce parking charges at Cairngorm Corrie Cas car park.

Sir, - In response to the letter by Callum Paterson on capercaillie decline (Strathy, March 19, 2008) I would agree that the decline of caper is a complex subject, and some reasons are beyond the control of man.

Sir, I wasn't aware that the "Strathy" was a particularly political paper but Charlie Whelan's column is certainly changing that. Rarely dealing with any subject of particular local relevance, Mr Whelan entertains all with his pro-Labour, pro-Union spats each month.

Sir, - I am writing further to the Down Memory Lane photograph which featured in the "Strathy" a fortnight ago to provide the names to the faces in the gathering held by former Grantown school pupils at the Palace Hotel in the town in 1960.

Sir, – There's that old showbiz adage – 'unexpected laugh, check your flies' ...or perhaps more appropriately in the case of Foolscap, 'unexpected laugh, check your facts'.

Sir, – For Danny Alexander to characterise the Lisbon Treaty (in his 'View from Westminster', 'Strathy', March 12) as 'trivial' and a 'mouse' is a gross denigration of that Treaty, and dismissing it thus shows a worrying lack of judgement.

Sir, – I write in connection with the submission of revised plans by Muir Homes to build 193 homes in Grantown during the next seven years.

Sir, – I am writing in regard to an article published in the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald on 12 March 2008, titled 'Malawi duo try a Highland beat', in which the use of Taser stun guns is discussed.

Sir, – I feel compelled to write after the repeated fleecing, we, the Spey Valley motorist, has taken at the hands of the major fuel retailer in the area.

Sir, – I reply in reference to "Caper disaster caused by 'experts" (Strathy, March 12) submitted by Mr Ray Sefton.

Sir, – How stupid do our politicians, and particularly Nicol Stephen of the Lib/Dems take us to be?

Sir, – I read with interest the report by, among others, the United Nations Environment Protection Agency (UNEP) calling for urgent action to protect peatlands.

Sir, – Recent media coverage warrants some response if only to set the record straight and to alert your readers to the inherent dangers associated with distorted reports prompted largely by political gossip and point scoring, neither of which lend any help to those trying to promote business and job security in Scotland.

Sir, – Mr Donald Macdonald, boss of Macdonald Hotels and one of the consortium partners of Aviemore Highland Resort, has hit the national press with another diatribe about slow planning decisions.

Sir, – Further to your letter "Why is strath fuel so dear?" (Strathy March 5th 2008)

Sir, – We read with interest the article in the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald (February 27) entitled "Police probe use of wildcat as 'poisoned bait', which included reaction to the Scottish Government's decision earlier that week to allow snaring to continue.

Sir, – How can Grantown-on-Spey's garage justify their fuel prices when the price of petrol in Stornoway is cheaper?

Sir, – Councillor Dave Fallows is right to point out that the disparity between the number of houses built in Badenoch and Strathspey in recent years and the rise in population indicates that many houses end up as holiday and second homes. ("House-building hits Highland peak", "Strathy", February 27).

Sir, – In refusing the application by Mr Alan Cameron to erect a house on land at Mains of Lurg (as reported in the Strathy on February 20), the Cairngorms National Park Authority is denying him the right to build a home where his forefathers have lived for nearly 240 years.

Sir, - In your report on the Nansen Endeavour expedition (Strathy February 20) your reporter said that they would be the first British expedition to cross Greenland. In fact the first British crossing took place more than 75 years ago.

Sir, – A large group of local objectors joined the Cairngorms National Park site meeting on February 15 to examine the planning application for 30 new houses by Grampian View in Aviemore.

Sir, - Over the last few months your publication has carried regular articles and letters regarding the proposed change of use of the Heatherbrae Hotel in Nethy Bridge.

Sir, – In reply to your article about the ambulance trial in Kingussie last week (February 6), I feel I have to comment.

Sir, – Having attended the lively planning meeting at Nethy Bridge Community Hall on February 8, I would like to compliment the representatives of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, along with our local councillors, on their sensible and well-considered decision regarding the proposed change of use of the Heatherbrae Hotel in Nethy Bridge to residential use.

Sir, – Of course we want our very valued, front-line ambulance crews to have the best possible wages and conditions of service.

Sir, – I write to bring to your attention the decision made last Thursday by Highland Councillors to remove the posts of Principal Schools Librarian and Resource Assistant, and to close the Resource Centre in Dingwall.

Sir, – The photograph on the front page of last week's "Strathy" with the article "Calls for more snow ploughs to clear A9" clearly showed the size of the existing pylons at Drumochter which are around 25 metres (82 feet).

Sir, – I was interested to read the description by Charlie Whelan of the scheme to tap into a reservoir of water beneath the River Spey as being "utter rubbish" and would ask what evidence he had to support this view.

Sir, – I want to drum up support for a campaign to get the roads department to properly repair Dalfaber Drive in Aviemore.

Sir, – In his letter 'Conundrum facing local planning authorities' (Strathy, February 6), James Stuart makes a strong case for a halt to the construction of windfarms on peat because of the vital role this soil plays in capturing and storing greenhouse gases and the very significant emissions of those gases when the peat is damaged.

Sir, - I write to you in response the letter submitted by Anna Lewis in relation to the letter recently submitted by Mrs Sarah Campbell.

Sir, - Like many readers of the 'Strathy', my wife and I set our selves the usual new years resolutions, I've lost some of the excess christmas weight and my wife decided we were going to recycle more.

Sir, - In a bookcase in our church – Trinity Methodist Church, Spennymoor, Co. Durham – we have found a copy of the Holy Bible (New International Version) in which there is the following information: "Presented to George & Joanne, Wedding Day, 11th October, 1991, St Andrew's C of S, Aviemore".

Sir, - I am intrigued by Charlie Whelan's comments regarding Scottish Water's proposal to use boreholes for future water supplies in Badenoch and Strathspey (Strathy, January 30).

Sir, - The letter from John A. Hughes ('Arrogance' of organ removal) published in last week's 'Strathy' began with his declaration that he was a member of the team which performed Scotland's first heart transplant.

Sir, - I always enjoy reading the 'Strathy' letters page, mainly for it's entertainment value. I read (with a smile on my face) the recent letter from Sarah Campbell regarding Michelle Chalmers' sand school at Laggan.

Sir, – I never cease to be astounded at the inequitable privileges afforded to people who are, in effect, supposed to be servants of the common people.

Sir, – Foolscap go it about right (December 26, 2007). Planning committees should not be blind-sided by papers of significant import introduced at the eleventh hour. It makes a mockery of considered opinion.

Sir, – Councillor Stephen Smith is entitled to his views and is obviously closer to the action than most regarding Donald Trump's £1 billion Balmedie plans.

Sir, – Further to the article printed in the 'Strathy' regarding the closure of Strathy Bairns Day Nursery, the board of directors of the nursery would just like to add a few comments.

Sir, - Many welcome the official policy that places Scotland's biodiversity and thus environmental justice "at the heart" of the Scottish Government's agenda.

Sir, – Councillor Dave Fallow's comments on Foolscap reminded me of little sayings, sometimes with large meanings, that I have learned during my 79 years.

Sir, – As one of the (I suspect) few readers of the "Strathy" who sits on Aberdeenshire Council it falls to me to correct several inaccuracies and omissions in your otherwise excellent columnist Cameron McNeish's article (Roses for Trumped Committee Man, Jan 2, 2008).

Sir, – I would like to congratulate the illustrious (excuse the pun) planner who allowed the deathtrap roundabout on the south side of Aviemore.

Sir, – I would be grateful for you to once again allow me the use of your columns to thank all of those on my committee who work to create such a very special Hogmanay celebration as happened in The Square in Grantown for an amazing 5,500 revellers, including some travellers from London, Elgin, Nairn, Inverness, Oslo and Cape Town amongst others!

Sir, – The views expressed about Aviemore Highland Resort Ltd and planning decisions come from two distinct positions.

Sir, – For many years Newtonmore has undoubtedly presented one of the best Hogmanay celebration parties in Scotland, but this year surely surpassed itself with its torchlight procession, live music, drams and fireworks combined with kindly winter weather.

Sir, – Whilst I enjoy Foolscap's humour and gentle prodding immensely, there are times when the column goes too far.

Sir, – I have from time to time written in to the 'Strathy' in order to get some matter or other aired and off my chest, such as the ludicrous situation with the tearing back of sections of wall due to miscalculation on behalf of the 'experts' at the new roundabout at the south end of Aviemore.

Sir, – The convener of the Cairngorms National Park stated at the planning committee meeting regarding Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort's application that was being pushed through despite some members not having sufficient time to acquaint themselves with the matter that "that is just the way it is".

Sir, – I note with amusement that a planning application has been lodged in a recent edition of the "Strathy" outlining that Miss M. Chalmers intends to reverse the planning decision granted earlier this year in relation to the use of the "private sand school" at Laggan.

Sir, – We were interested in the comments Charlie Whelan ('Strathy', 'Whelan's World' – 'The train causes me the strain') has made with regard to his travelling experience to and from London on the Caledonian sleeper.

Sir, – I feel it was very commendable for the Highland Council to supply, with your issue of December 5, their paper, 'Representing the Highlands'. The information certainly tried to give the public some insight into the work of the council, which in itself is quite difficult to achieve.

Sir, – Amid the sounds of general rejoicing over flagship Macdonald escaping the jaws of death (perhaps), was I the only one to sense the depression settling over much of the male population?

Sir, – I am intrigued by the comments of Peter Peacock MSP and the valuable contribution Insh Marshes makes in easing flooding problems.

Sir, – Gavin Musgrove reports ('Tourism businesses are feeling positive') that 'Most tourism businesses in Badenoch and Strathspey are in bullish mood over their prospects for the next one or two years, according to a survey which is the first of its kind to be carried out in Scotland'.

Sir, – I am currently on holiday for two weeks in the Kingussie area. Whilst I think the recycling facilities are adequate, I find there is no place for the recycling of plastic bottles or containers.

Sir, – Can dog owners please clean up the mess after their pets have fouled, because people might stand on it, then walk into a house and get the dirt onto their carpets.

Sir, – Scottish Courts Service chief Ms Emberson ('Strathy', November 28) must be referring to the rationalisation of judicial services recommended in the top-down McInnes Report 2004.

Sir, – Much has been made by New Labour and others recently over the SNP's 'broken' manifesto promises.

Sir, – I note Councillor Stuart Black's comments in last week's 'Strathy' re: closure of the courts in Kingussie and Nairn, and his reference to the SNP desire to "preserve local services and resist centralisation".

Sir, – I should like to take the opportunity to pass on congratulations to the children and staff who took part in the St Andrew's Day celebrations at the Aviemore Centre on November 30.

SIr, – May I make a few comments in your columns regarding Mr David Jardine's correspondence in the 'Strathy' (November 28) on behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland requesting the public's views on the boardwalks left behind after their "Between Two Worlds" event?

Sir, – May I, through your columns, say a word of thanks to everybody involved with the recent 'Between Two Worlds' event held by Forestry Commission Scotland at Glenmore Forest Park?

Sir, – May I express my thanks to those who took the time to give considered and thoughtful responses to the Scottish Court Service (SCS) consultation which outlined plans for court unification in Grampian, Highlands and Islands.

Sir, – In its front-page article on July 18, 'The Strathspey and Badenoch Herald' highlighted the dismay of the Nethy Bridge community that an attempt was being made to sell the Heatherbrae Hotel as a private house.

Sir, – In a news press release dated December 20, 2006, headed 'Park authority not to appeal Dalfaber decision', it is stated that the head of planning and development control at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Don McKee, explained: "Having refused planning permission for 104 houses on this site earlier in 2006, the park authority was naturally disappointed that the reporter in his decision dated 16 November 2006 allowed the applicants appeal and granted planning permission subject to 18 conditions."

Sir, – Dave Thompson, MSP, asks on behalf of the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee ("Help tourism revenue", "Strathspey and Badenoch Herald", November 14) 'How can we increase the money we receive from tourism by 50% before 2015?'

Sir, – Having read that the latest proposals for Aviemore Highland Resort include the provision of 'affordable housing', I was wondering how this could be, since this term has never actually been defined.

Sir, – In so many cases the introduction or escape of non-native species has had disastrous consequences, e.g. the grey squirrel, American mink and Japanese knotweed.

Sir, – I refer to the article and letter on Remembrance parades in the "Strathy" last week.

Sir, – I would like to echo the sentiments expressed in George Philp's recent letter about the sculpture trail at Feshie Bridge. The sculptures are both interesting, thought provoking and the outdoor site adds to their impact.

Sir, – In last week's "Strathy", Cairngorms National Park board member Bruce Luffman was quoted as saying that he had never seen any facts and figures on the true cost of windfarms. I have some figures which may help him in his quest.

Sir, – Regarding Dr Philp's letter in praise of Frank Bruce's sculpture trail in Inshriach Forest (Strathy, November 7), it would be a nice gesture if the Forestry Commission would employ Mr Bruce or any other craftsman to make sculptures of a few red and roe deer and site them somewhere along the trail.

Sir, – Bryan Grozier has a right to express his views ('Bodies need to be reformed' Strathy 07/11/07) and we respect that. However, his claim that Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland carry out "what is essentially the same job" is incorrect.

Sir, – How can we increase the money we receive from tourism by 50% before 2015? That is the key question in the inquiry just launched by the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, of the Scottish Parliament, of which I am a member.

Sir, – I was surprised and disappointed to read last week's editorial alleging that the council had refused to grant a temporary road closure for a service of remembrance at Aviemore war memorial.

Sir, - I received a copy of the popular US "Golf Digest" from a friend in Tuscon. The article was by a David Owen entitled "Back roads Scotland".

Sir, - Re the story about plans by Laurel Grant Ltd for a major new shopping centre in Aviemore which appeared in the "Strathy" (October 24).

Sir, - Mairi Brown's letter (Strathy, October 31), illustrates that the Scottish Ambulance Service has challenged the goodwill of the local people. May I try to present the concerns as one of your local Highland councillors, with examples.

Sir, - Thank you for your article in last week's paper referring to Alex Salmond's pledge to reduce quangos.

Sir, - Along with other residents in Grampian View, I am objecting to plans for new housing on land between Milton Burn and the village's orbital footpath.

Sir, - I write to express my appreciation of the Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail in Invereshie Forest near Kincraig.

Sir, - Alex Salmond keeps bumping his gums about North Sea oil revenues. Well, he knows as well as I do that the revenues from our 'black gold' (Scottish or British – take your pick) is what has covered the cost of our being a net contributor towards the EU project.

Sir, - Two schemes are currently taking place in the vast Monadhliath mountain range so different as to be almost unbelievable.

Sir, - Will the irresponsible person who dumped Cypress branches in the community woodlands at the car park at the Spey Bridge end of the military road please remove them immediately?

Sir, - Following my previous correspondence I received confirmation from Highland Council's Area Planning and Building Standards Manager that planning permission had been granted for the house, garage and sand school at Balgowan.

Sir, - May I congratulate you on an excellent editorial in last week's edition of the Strathy.

Sir, - The article in the "Strathy" last week regard