ALISTAIR D McConnachie of Edinburgh condemns ''aggressive'' beggars for denying people the ''right'' to walk down the street ''without being intimidated or subjected to an unwarranted intrusion into their privacy'', etc (May 27). This attitude is sad, but enlightening.

I am reminded of a social awakening I had a few years ago. My sister lived in the posh West End of Edinburgh and I was a regular visitor. I walked the broad, tree-lined pavements of Ravelston in spring and summer sunshine. While passing some old lady or gentleman out walking the dog, I would smile, stop, and say a friendly word, patting the dog.

Generally these people were surprised, taken aback and confused by these friendly overtures, and the few who tried to respond belatedly, having ''worked out'' this social phenomenon, did so clumsily, causing some mild embarrassment.

I was just thinking - perhaps Mr McConnachie would consider that I was subjecting these people to ''an unwarranted intrusion constituting harassment''. Anyway, never having witnessed these ''aggressive'' beggars, I spoke to my sister. ''Oh yes,'' she said airily, ''they accost me sometimes at the Meadows. I just say, 'Sorry, chum. I've no money!' and I walk on briskly. Then they turn and go away.''

there is no problem; it's about simple social ability. I'm concerned for Mr McConnachie and others of his ilk in this age that so enthusiastically embraces the great, new modern technology. He'll have to depend in the future on being able, at the press of a button, to find a programme to help him recover the humanity he lost somewhere along the way.

Morag McKinlay,

36a Weir Street, Falkirk. May 27.