READING Kevin McKenna’s interview ("I was hounded for saying that women’s rights must be protected from self-ID", The Herald, October 29), I was struck by the courage of Jenny Lindsay standing up for the truth and refusing to express what she does not believe.

It is outrageous that she has lost so much work just because she believes that women are "materially definable as a category". Her book entitled Hounded is a true reflection of what she describes in this interview. She and others like her who risk their livelihoods for standing up for truth deserve a medal. One day society will look back at this era of intimidation and wonder why so many were taken in. The sad thing is that many would agree with everything Jenny says in this article but have been brainwashed into thinking they must not say anything different. As she states, many are not really aware of what’s going on and "to a majority of people it just sounds nuts" . This will change, and JK Rowling has set the scene by challenging those who would want any who state biological truth to be accused of hate crime.

It is Jenny Lindsay who is a victim of hate crime. This corresponds with people who live under autocratic governments, losing their livelihoods (and often their lives) for stating different religious or political views from the dictators who run them. Our society seems cowed by the minority of a dictatorial elite who have influence way above their numbers and push gender ideology. It is indeed a top-down and not a grass roots ideology and it is time for the grass roots to counter the harm which the autocratic minority try to impose on society.

Jenny Lindsay observes that most of the people around her in the arts subscribe to the belief system which would promote gender self-ID. Surely this is a greater percentage than the general population. What could be the reason? It is not uncommon to hear an actor in an interview state how they only really feel they can express themselves fully when they act out some other character. Are those who seek to express themselves differently from their biological sex not doing the same: acting out in an attempt to be someone that they are not?

Irene Munro, Conon Bridge.

Why Troon must be the answer

HAVING travelled to Arran for over 75 years, I agree with Alan Fitzpatrick (Letters, October 31) that commuters should be given a chance to voice their opinions.

Sadly, as it is obviously the nearest port, Ardrossan has never been a port of refuge in adverse weather, mainly because it does not have a properly designed breakwater. Back in the day, Fairlie, and then Gourock, were the only alternative harbours.

The most pressing need for islanders and visitors is reliability in the ferry service. That is not going to happen using Ardrossan, even if the proposed eye-watering sums were spent to accommodate the two behemoths which this incompetent government is building.

Troon has proved itself to be a satisfactory harbour. Personally, I have no problem with the extra time spent on board. Others, of course, will disagree with that, but surely reliability is more important than speed when planning a journey?

The increased capacity of the new vessels (should they ever be declared seaworthy) will outweigh the inevitably fewer sailings. Improved transport infrastructure for Troon on land must surely be cheaper than the £30 million (and rising) which is needed for Ardrossan.

I have no confidence that the current Scottish administration can make any sensible decisions to benefit any of our islands. The re-appointment of the current CMAL board and chairman is proof of their incompetence.

John NE Rankin, Bridge of Allan.

• ALAN Fitzpatrick makes an excellent suggestion about polling passengers as to the merits of Troon and Ardrossan for the departure port for ferries to Arran.

It seems to me that Transport Scotland, Peel Ports, the Scottish Government and perhaps even CalMac have had more than enough time to come up with an answer.

I can’t help feeling that for commercial reasons the delay is due to a wish to use Troon, which has no rail link and a longer, more exposed crossing.

If passengers were to be consulted and I do not see this happening, perhaps any survey being decided on would include those travelling by train to Ardrossan.

Since there does not appear to be any urgency to arrive at a decision, any survey should only take place once the 2025 summer service comes into operation, thus including passengers arriving at Ardrossan Harbour by rail.

Passengers to and from Arran should be given the most say, but I have my doubts about this outcome.

Malcolm Rankin, Seamill.

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We must enforce speed limits

IN your article about a few million pounds being made available to local authorities to extend the 20 mph speed limits ("20mph speed limit areas in Scotland extended", The Herald, November 1), it is stated that a prime motivation is the reduction in accidents that lead to loss of life.

The arguments for the completion of the dual carriageway construction of the A9 lead on the same priority; the saving of lives.

A few thoughts occur.

First, enforcement: I live in an area where 20mph limits have been introduced. There is no obvious enforcement by camera or police presence.

Regarding the A9, while another 10 years of conversion passes, is the solution one of rigidly enforcing the speed limits by finding the money for perhaps a special A9 dedicated police and squad who are constantly visible day and night to all drivers at intervals along this route? This in addition to the average speed cameras might be the deterrent that would have a positive effect. And if cost is a problem, surely some government number-cruncher can evaluate the cost of all of the emergency services that attend after a serious road trafiic collision and compare that with the cost of the above suggested patrol if it were implemented.

Ian Gray, Croftamie.

20mp speed limits are often not enforced20mp speed limits are often not enforced (Image: PA)

Quote, unquote

I WONDER if I am alone in noticing First Minister John Swinney’s misstep during the recent First Minister's Questions at Holyrood. In response to an attack from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Mr Swinney replied: "Methinks he doth protesteth too much" to the delight of his loyal supporters. The correct quotation is, of course, "Methinks he doth protest too much".

One of Mr Swinney’s predecessors famously once said, "judge me on education". Aye, right.

David Edgar, Biggar.