SIR, - It is still on the statute book that it is a hanging offence to steal sheep!

Despite a few necks being stretched, the practice continues all over Scotland. The question arises, who is doing it?

One would think that it was the worse off in our society. Sadly, this is not the case. We, the graziers of Benbecula's common grazing, were plagued with this offence - sheep disappearing, never to be found.

Oh! We did approach the police, but for some reason thievery escapes the police as it is on their blind side - and they have more important things to do.

By sheer chance our thieves were confronted; respectable persons in our community - and we have never lost a sheep again.

You asked the question: "Will the Dumfries-shire sheep stealers be brought to justice?"

The answer is simply, never! Who is going to do it - the police won't, fiscals won't, unless the victim hires a private detective, but then again who is going to believe him?

Ah, yes, Catch 22 comes into play!

Angus A Macdonald

Balivanich,

Benbecula.