Sir - After its travails in recent times, it is rather encouraging to see Dornoch Academy featuring in The Herald newspaper's league tables for the highest-achieving schools in Scotland in examination performances.

As a former pupil, I must, obviously, declare an interest but that does not detract from Dornoch Academy's success in featuring at No.10 in the table with 31 per cent of pupils achieving five or more Highers.

Congratulations also to Fortrose Academy (30 per cent) which was placed at No.12.

Now, it is argued, quite rightly, that academic attainment should not be the sole criterion to gauge success, and trying to make the most of every child's ability, whether academic or not, should be the abiding ambition among all interested in the education of our nation's children.

In a letter to The Herald, one correspondent points out: "Some children are born into homes where money is not in short supply and some are not.

"Some are born into homes where the parents are committed to supporting the education of their children and some are not.

"Some are born into homes where parents are prepared to finance extra tuition and some are not.

"In other words, some children are more privileged than others and that is the way of the world."

Nevertheless, both Dornoch and Fortrose Academies seem to be getting one facet of a complex challenge relatively right.

Incidentally, another plaudit for Sutherland comes in the newly-launched magazine, "Scottish Walks" which, in a selection of the best 20 walks in Scotland, spotlights the climb to the summit of Ben Bhraggie from Golspie.

At this rate of "pats on the back", perhaps Sutherland should be seeking independence! - Hamish Mackay, 64 Inverdon Court, Aberdeen.