PLEASE do not indulge, as has been done ad nauseam, in the denigration of the railway system and its provision and quality of services so early in the new year (“Caledonian Sleeper is oldest train”, The Herald, January 1).

Facts and figures quoted are gleaned from the too numerous quasi-governmental bodies that give forth to such on a regular basis and, unfortunately, not generally countered by one voice from the railway industry itself.

It also plays into the hands of the railway trade unions that have their tails up in prospect of a Westminster Labour government with a promised land rid of privatisation.

The SNP at Holyrood also has its sights on “doing something about” ScotRail that will not further the cause of betterment in provision or running of the rail system.

Overall, may I make a plea to lay off carping criticism both from the sources mentioned and also some of your letter writers on the subject matter?

In place of this, cogent points of view and constructive dialogue and criticism are to be welcomed on the foregoing.

John Macnab,

175 Grahamsdyke Street,

Laurieston,

Falkirk.

FURTHER to the “modest proposal” for Finnieston Station, could I suggest another abandoned station site on the same line whose time has surely come again – Parkhead (North)?

Since its closure in 1955 the station site has become surrounded by new developments – the Forge Shopping Mall and Retail Park, the Haghill campus of Glasgow Kelvin College and new housing at the west end of Carntyne Road.

It lies close to the intersection of the East End Regeneration Route with main routes such as Duke Street/Shettleston Road and Gallowgate/Tollcross Road, making it an ideal site for a bus/train interchange.

It is also within easy walking distance of Celtic Park.

John McMaster,

2 Manse Road, Mount Vernon,

Glasgow.