LIKE I'm sure most readers would have been, I was utterly shocked to read about the child who brought cannabis to school.

As a former teacher myself, now retired, I remember the things we used to have to deal with but, fortunately, drugs was never one of them.

Clearly this child, and the other children mentioned in the story in Tuesday's paper who have also been caught at school with drugs, are suffering from neglect at home.

It would be a travesty if the pupil was given a police caution, as suggested as a possibility in the story.

No primary seven child is carrying cannabis because they want to be - this is a failure on the part of the parents and signifies problems at home.

If a police caution is given then it will also be a failure on the part of the authorities.

Helen Tatchell, by email

I hope these young children bringing drugs to school are dealt with properly.

They deserve sympathy but surely all children know that they should not touch drugs and they should not expose their classmates to them.

Children putting their fellow pupils at risk should be given a stern warning to make sure they don't do it again.

Teachers have enough to deal with without worrying about drugs in their classroom.

Margaret Stewart, Clarkston

I had to write a wee thank you to all the NHS staff who work over Christmas to make sure people are looked after and stay healthy no matter what the time of year.

In my job I get two weeks off to see friends and family and relax. Reading about the workers who keep the NHS running made me feel very lucky indeed.

I haven't had to use any health services at Christmas but it is comforting to know they are there.

Thank you.

Rosa Frank, Maryhill

I hate to blame the victim but why are people leaving their cars unlocked and full of Christmas presents?

In the story about the car thefts in Eaglesham it says that more than one car was unlocked.

Just because you live in a nice area where crime is uncommon it doesn't mean you can let your guard down.

Everyone has a responsibility to help cut crime - and a simple step would be locking your car door and taking belongings into the house.

Harry Maclean, Cranhill