The Church’s announcement comes as the Church of England said it would be launching a poster aimed at challenging Mr Robinson’s anti-migrant campaign, pushing back against his increasing use of Christianity in his political activism.

The poster reads “Christ has always been in Christmas” and “Outsiders welcome”.

I look forward to hearing voices raised in the Kirk’s pulpits passing on these messages on the Sundays leading up to the celebration of the birth of the “Prince of Peace”, who was himself a refugee.

John Milne, Uddingston.

More letters…

Jeane Freeman is wrong on council tax. Many in higher bands are struggling

Kirk must keep supernatural faith and combine it with social responsibility

R&A decision on Turnberry is regrettable, but golf cannot be associated with the Washington outrage

Prostitution is violence against women

In response to Elizabeth Mueller’s letter (Herald Letters, December 10) regarding Kevin McKenna’s recent piece on the Prostitution (Offences & Support) Bill, currently being considered by MSPs, I offer the following reflection.

Most women who sell sex are victims of exploitation, therefore measures in the Bill to repeal current offences ought to be supported, and the burden of criminality shifted onto the men who exploit them.

Due to the Scottish Government’s formal recognition of prostitution as a form of violence against women, it is illogical and harmful that those victims are presently criminalised while the men who harm them are not, as many victims of prostitution will also be immersed in a complex web of problems such as drug addiction, poverty, domestic violence and the control of traffickers or pimps.

It is also critical that clear, accessible support channels be offered to women who wish to escape exploitation.

MSPs have a clear moral duty to support the Bill, as this would send a signal to those who profit from the so-called ‘sex trade’ that Scotland is no longer ‘open for business’.

It would be a genuine tragedy if yet another parliamentary session concludes without any action to criminalise this recognised form of violence against women.

Michael Veitch, Scotland Policy Officer, CARE.

Avoid Glasgow parochialism

There’s been a lot of discussion about the need for a greater Glasgow area of control, which recalls the cumbersome body that was Strathclyde Region.

In effect this body was run for Glasgow city, with neighbouring areas an afterthought. I hope your report on the views of rural communities (“Rural residents think politicians ‘do not understand’ countryside,” The Herald, December 9) is widely read and taken seriously if an expanded political entity centred on Glasgow is created.

There is a ghostly echo of the days when there was no such thing as Britain, just London and the ‘provinces’.

It would be unfortunate if arrogant London parochialism was replaced by a Glasgow counterpart.

Peter Dryburgh, Edinburgh.

Unfair on Scots students

I make this comment in response to your publication of the University of Glasgow‘s graduation list on December 8.

Firstly, congratulations to everyone who successfully completed their chosen degree.

However, it’s obvious from the 605 graduates that there was a disproportionate number (74%) from an Asian background, and good luck to them. In the 2022 Scottish Census, 4% of people identified as being Asian, Caribbean, Black or Other.

Clearly the graduation list reflects other countries buying our university services. That is a good thing if 74% of the graduates are Scottish, however they identify, and 26% is open to the world.

In the meantime, Scottish students are forced to buy their education outside the country. This balance is not fair, healthy or sustainable.

Tom Tracey, Brodick.

Crossing road? Search the Code

I refer to your article (“Road crossings should allow more time for older pedestrians, researchers say”, The Herald, December 8).

The problem is already well catered for by the Highway Code, rule 194 and 195. Here you will find that once a pedestrian has started to cross, he/she has priority and must be allowed to finish crossing without any form of harassment.

This applies even though the road traffic light has turned green.

Sadly the researchers did not seem to think of looking to see what the Highway Code had to say.

If extra tine is built into the system, vehicular traffic flows will be unnecessarily interrupted for longer, whenever fitter pedestrians are crossing.

Michael Elliott, Dunblane.

Net zero is hot air

Music and sporting events attract huge crowds, and huge crowds create huge amounts of greenhouse gases.

So why not impose a green tax of twenty per cent on every ticket?

Stupid idea? I agree.

But so is the UK trying to save the planet while other countries ignore net zero and instead grow their economies by harvesting and selling fossil fuels to the rest of the world.

China is building 100 gigawatts of coal-fired electricity plants to add to the 1,195 plants it already has.

Until other countries act, as opposed to promises-promises, I will drive my petrol car, eat steak, go on foreign holidays…

And in the winter keep warm with my gas fire and gas central heating.

Both of which are much cheaper than wind and solar generated electricity and heat pumps.

Clark Cross, Linlithgow.

Tasty treats similar to this delicious lobster will be available if the Rogano rises again. (Image: Michael Elvin)

Off his trolley

I was delighted to read the story regarding the possible reopening of the Rogano restaurant, a wonderful part of Glasgow’s dining history (“Dining institution heads to the Supreme Court in bid to re-open”, The Herald, December 10).

It brought back memories of having a pal who had a senior position there, many years ago.

I would visit him most evenings, and he would wheel the revolving dessert trolley into his office for me to help myself.

Occasionally I would be treated to a lovely steak or lobster dinner ‘accidentally’ ordered for a big table of diners, who would never know the difference.

Incidentally, the same friend was later assistant manager of The Grand Hotel at Charing Cross.

I spent three weeks there in his rooms, on the top floor.

I always wondered what paying guests thought of the lad in working clothes, carrying my decorator’s overalls, coming down the beautiful staircase at 7:30 each morning.

Happy days.

Brendan Keenan, Glasgow.