CORRESPONDENT John Rankin (Letters, Thursday) is fulsome in his praise for Boris Johnson and the money being spent to provide support during this crisis.

Johnson is the PM of the UK and, under current rules of engagement, has responsibility to ensure that financial arrangements are put in place to assist the population.

Most of these financial arrangements are reserved to the UK Parliament and we in Scotland have to accept the handouts that are deemed adequate by a Government that was rejected overwhelmingly by the Scottish people.

Had the Scottish Government been given the full fiscal powers that they currently do not have and failed to deliver, then such criticism and personal spite against the FM may have had some substance.

Until we have full independence and the nation status of other Governments, with full fiscal responsibility, then such point scoring is meaningless. Johnson is a politician who is a past master at not answering questions, doing disappearing acts when things get tough and blustering and lying through his teeth.

Our own First Minister is much more mature and compassionate human being and many of us are grateful we have her and her Government to provide some shield against the brutality of a right wing Tory Government.

MA

Glasgow

IT’S a horrible plan for the site (Candleriggs £300m development gets go ahead, Thursday).

They have been better all-round plans submitted previously, which would have been more aesthetically pleasing.

What this shows is two modern concrete and glass boxes, surrounding a lifeless looking concrete square, which will also be basically in a state of permanent shadow due to the close vicinity of both buildings blocking out most of the natural light.

It will also kill the sunlight onto Merchant Square and surrounding cafes. What is needed here is not a hotel, not student accommodation (far too much of this in Glasgow) and not more office space.

Proper residential amenities are needed for the local population, such as proper city centre greenspace – a civic square is badly needed for this area of town.

Alan Dunbar

Posted online

WITH regards your Times Past piece asking if readers remember old trams, I used to run along Argyle Street when I was a boy.

One of my pals fell in front of one and was scooped up by a wooden board they had under the front of them. He was injured but survived. Great days!

William Moffat

Via Facebook

WE asked Glasgow Times readers on our Facebook page whether they have been wearing a face covering going out. Here’s a selection of responses...

I’VE been wearing it in shops and buses since the first case in Scotland was spotted.

People used to stare at me, and avoid me and talk freely to people without masks.

It’s the other way around, people with masks are protecting you and themselves, don’t be foolish!

Simone Hejazi

Via Facebook

IF I have to go to a shop I put a scarf round my nose and mouth and I’m in and out very quickly!

Everyone should be wearing one to reduce the spread

Gillian Tait

Via Facebook

I HAVEN’T wore one. I keep six feet away when passing anybody in the street, and follow social distancing in supermarkets.

It’s not hard to follow – there are loads of signs around.

Stephen McWilliams

Via Facebook

I WASN’T at the beginning. I work for the NHS and the last two weeks I’ve been wearing masks in the shops.

Too many people don’t understand social distancing, and to stop the spread everyone needs to be wearing a mask in public.

Lynne James-McGonigle

Via Facebook

YES, I have been wearing one when I go out.

I won’t leave the house without it. I also wear it in the shops. You just don’t know who is standing next to you. You’re better to be safe than sorry.

Ann Campbell

Via Facebook

NO, I keep away from people and wash and sanitise my hands regularly.

Andrea Donnan

Via Facebook

SOME people wearing the masks are the worst ones for ignoring social distancing.

That’s what I noticed in Asda this morning. One woman’s shoulder rubbed by me.

Michelle Fletcher

Via Facebook

NO, but maybe I should try and find one, as some folk do not know how to stand two metres away.

They seem to think it’s shoulder surfing in supermarkets.

Susan Hannah

Via Facebook

IN shops, but not if I’m out for a walk with my dog.

Fyonna Doe

Via Facebook