IT is an excellent suggestion from Findlay Hickey (April 23) to have a debate on the doubtful battle of Mons Graupius, depending as it does for any semblance of authenticity on the writings of the son-in-law of the so-called victor.

Such is the admiration for anything Roman shown by the Oxbridge mafia and their Scottish sycophants that not a single crumb of credit is given to our early ancestors.

Indeed, I have heard the term ''enemy'' used to describe the successful resistance movement. Even the most primitive of military commentators could not be but impressed by the evidence on the ground of successful campaigning by our forebears.

The conquest of Britain, which includes Scotland, is part of British folklore. It is significant that the Italians make no claim of their ancient empire extending beyond Hadrian's Wall.

It may be that our new Parliament will take steps to remove distorted impressions of Scottish history.

Sandy Lindsay,

3 Manse Road, Kingussie.

April 23.

LAST week Bannockburn; this week Mons Graupius (April 23); next week Nechtansmere? All those column inches on ancient battles while the Territorial Army fights cuts of 40%. Come on, readers! By all means remember our glorious past, but where is your support for the Scottish ''Terriers'' now?

Bill Smith,

20 Riverside Road, Eaglesham.

April 24.

COULD I add to Brigadier Johnman's statistics on the Territorial Army (April 15) the fact that the percentages of officer entrants with a Combined Cadet Force background in 1996/97 were: Royal Navy 26.03%, Army 49%, Royal Air Force 26.4%? These figures were provided on April 2 in answer to a parliamentary question by Margaret Ewing, MP for Moray. Any attack on CCFs as part of the Forces review would have a detrimental effect on officer recruiting.

Colin Campbell,

SNP Defence Spokesperson,

Braeside, Shuttle Street, Kilbarchan.

April 15.