AS A retired charge nurse of 41 years service, I was appalled to read of the lack of cleanliness at Hairmyres Hospital, (Evening Times, November 12).

It is the responsibility of those in charge of wards to maintain the highest possible standards of hygiene.

F McMath Renfrew

Leader praised

GREAT to see a working-class Ayrshire lassie voted in as Scotland's new leader (Evening Times, last night).

Well done, Nicola Sturgeon, you are an inspiration and here's hoping your career continues to thrive.

I am sure the people of England who voted in Margaret Thatcher must be casting envious eyes northwards at the appointment of such a grounded individual.

Nicola and Ruth Davidson seem like sensible people. Holy-rood is in good hands.

Jean Smith Greenock

Footie shame

THE return of the Scotland v England match brought back good memories but one thing hasn't changed with the passing of the years - fans' behaviour.

I see police were happy "only" 26 arrests were made at Celtic Park this week - it's 26 too many.

What gives football fans the right to believe they can behave like yobs? Many people would love to take their children to big games, as in other countries but these stupid people put them off doing so.

Everyone convicted should be banned from football for good.

JP West End

Tax 'robbery'

I WAS shocked the other day when I received a notification from the Revenue showing for the first time where our tax deductions go - and I found that nearly half of the list was areas already covered by our council taxes.

So why is the worker paying funds towards something that's covered?

This surely opens a can of worms as these contributions should be going into our pension pots never mind paying out for something that's already covered.

I can only describe it as robbery.

Bill Beckett via email