The comment is both patronising and ill-informed. In fact, like many fairly prosperous Scottish towns, Dumfries has a lively musical scene. Because of that, it has been able over the years to host and to support artists of the calibre of Janet Baker, the Chieftains and the Halle Orchestra.

Moreover, activity in musicis a very popular leisure pursuit, one supported by the education authority and through such bodies as the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association which has recently made appointments in field workers for traditional and popular music.

Tommy Smith would prove to be an exceptional player and teacher no matter where he performed. He and the Dumfries Youth Jazz Group add to the richness of our musical experience in Dumfries. But they are not the only strand.

Tom Pow Creative and cultural studies Crichton Campus, Dumfries