Neil McIntosh Editor of The Scotsman

Hello Voornaam,

First, many thanks to the large number of readers who get in touch after my midweek email, which discussed The Scotsman's approach to the ongoing constitutional debate. The volume of feedback to my [email protected] address was both unexpected, and very welcome. I've read all the messages, and will be responding in the days ahead to every one. I thoroughly appreciate the support, suggestions and challenges you offered (and if you missed the email, it's likely lurking in your inbox somewhere. I'd be delighted to hear from you, too).

I won't go back over that story - easily the biggest of the week. Instead, if I may, I'd like to highlight something that's very close to our hearts: this year's Scotsman Christmas Appeal, which this year is in support of the Trussell Trust.

The trust does vital work, running food banks in communities across Scotland, and the wider UK (indeed, this year's appeal is in conjunction with our sister titles in the National World stable: such is the crisis, we think it's appropriate to combine our efforts to try and raise funds for this vital cause).

As our leader column points out today, food banks were once quite shocking things for us to see, but are now just another fact of life in 21st century Scotland.

The cost of living crisis puts these essential resources in a double bind: their services are more needed than ever, by more people than ever. As today's report by Joseph Anderson points out, for many people just one missed pay cheque means they go from a relatively comfortable life to needing to use a food bank's services.

But the same problems mean that those who normally donate to keep the shelves full are also feeling the pinch. So donations are not able to meet demand.

We appreciate many of our readers are feeling the pinch as much as anyone. But, for those who can, we hope you will be able to support our appeal by donating some money to this very worthy cause.

You can make your donations via this link

Thank you for anything you can donate, and for your continued support of The Scotsman.

And before I go, there is also the opportunity to get even more involved with The Scotsman with our Black Friday subscription deal - if you've not already subscribed, then you can do so today with 50% off a new annual digital subscription. Just use the code BlackFriday50.

Best wishes,

Neil McIntosh

Editor, The Scotsman