大象传媒

The Army has just opened a play at the Edinburgh Fringe in an attempt to enhance its image. 'The Piper's Trail' promotes Army values including courage, discipline and respect. But, with almost all it's marketing budget for the year being spent on the play, can it do anything to solve the Army's recruitment crisis? Only a few years ago the more than 1,000 people a year used to sign up, but last year that fell to just over 700. The army say that's down to Scotland's relatively healthy economy. Is it just a salary issue, or could the British Army's involvement in two highly controversial conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have tarnished the reputation of our armed forces? Add to that the amalgamation which led to the end of the old Scottish regiments, and the controversy over school visits.

Plus: Should we be bothered about bad spelling?

A university lecturer has suggested that common spelling mistakes should be admitted into the English language as alternative versions. Ken Smith, from Buckinghamshire University, says he's fed up with having to correct the same errors in his students' work. Should we just accept bad spelling, or are there some standards that must be maintained for the sake of the language itself?

Graham Stewart takes your calls, texts and emails.