Readers' Best Comments

Spice and other things nice, such as firework displays; posts also on a council letter and a runaway macaque

There were a few of you keen to comment on the Edinburgh shop specialising in mind-bending substances

If it is legal then nowt can be done about anyone selling it.
Heedbanger

I for one had never heard of it or even considered where to go to buy it – I do now and so does everyone else.
Liz,Edinburgh

If they are stupid enough to take the risk, then they die, what's the problem?
Zorro's brother

I know of a few other shops packed to the rafters with other legal psychoactive stimulant drugs. I am of course talking about alcohol, nicotine and caffeine which is available at my local Tesco for a very reasonable price.
Foo

The whole issue of drugs is topical, as some of you pointed out ...

After recent events, nobody should be left in any doubt that the government's drug policy is nonsense.
Ron D, Enybru

We need an evidence-based drugs policy. Pity we have a government that cares only for tabloid headlines and so sacks scientists who actually dare to talk publicly about the facts they'd prefer to sweep under the carpet. It's alcoholics who kill their partners, and smokers who kill their own children.
Middle Aged Christian White Man

Of course, firework displays are another legal way of seeing pretty colours, although some of you believe they should be outlawed too.

Ban fireworks and let the council put on organised displays. We used to go to organised displays at Meadowbank. They were great. As for the yobs who pelt firemen with missiles, turn the hoses on them and let them explain to their parents why they look half drowned.
Peedie Paws

My neighbour was letting off fireworks last night and Saturday. The thing is, Bonfire Night or whatever you want to call it is no longer 5th November, it's a week or so before and goes on until Hogmanay. How many times do we have to read a paper or watch the news and see another life ruined or ended by fireworks/bonfires? Ban them and ban them now.
hibbywul

This was the story about the annual ordeal fire crews face on Bonfire Night.

This makes me sick. Firefighters risk their lives on a regular basis, some die while trying to save members of the public, and what do they get? Abuse and attack. The police should really be much tougher on these little neds-in-training.
SylvieMcG

I think a blind eye should be turned if the firefighters "accidentally" soaked them all to the skin with their hoses. Instead, you're likely to find the firefighters being put on a charge.
Grumpy

Is sending a letter along a council corridor such a waste of money? One of you thought not ...

Seems fair enough to me. How much would it have cost to send someone along the corridor, find the councillor was not there, go back, remember to go back along again, councillor not there, try phoning, arrange to meet, get signature from councillor to prove delivery.
Brian Ferrari

Finally, an important question about the escaped money

Will he be sent back to 10 Downing Street until suitable accomodation can be built for him in the next six months?
Scotfree,Erskine