IT is really no surprise that foodbank use has surged. With more cuts on the way, I suspect that these figures will only increase.

There is no doubt that charities like the Trussell Trust are doing a great job and where would we be without the many volunteers who man foodbanks all over the city.

However, maybe we are missing the point. It could be time to go back to basics and look at how we help people out of this mess and end the cycle of foodbank reliance.

C Rogers, posted online

SURELY if the former head of SNP policy for independence informs us that their model is broken beyond repair and is now "DEAD", it's now time to stop trying to con the Scottish people any longer.

Alex Bell now admits to continue to do so is deluded.

Now even root and branch Airdrie members are telling their neighbours in Shotts that "they're" better together.

It's time to start running our country driven by sensible policies and not on one's constructed on wishful thinking and beyond repair.

He suggested the current SNP leadership knew this but continued to lead a "morally dubious" government which opposed Tory cuts without any credible alternative.

Thankfully Alex Bell is not deluded...

David Duckworth, posted online

SCOTLAND has always been a welcoming country and although a lot has been said about the Syrian refugees coming to these shores, I for one would like to welcome them.

Every kid deserves a decent start in life and if we can offer families a chance to start over again, then I am all for it.

We were once immigrants in America.

B Saunders, Glasgow

I WAS shocked to see that organ donation figures were in decline.

So much has been done recently to highlight the need for this and I must commend the Evening Times for what they have done with their campaign.

And if Scotland really is on course for a 16% drop in the number of deceased organ donors.

Maybe it is time for regulation on this.

A Leitch, Kinning Park