Your fascinating piece (Buddies and Honest Men: Scotland claim prize in nicknames World Cup, 23 December) stated that, for reasons unknown, Dunfermline FC are known as the Pars. I understand, from a friend who hails from Fife, that the nickname dates from the early days of the club, when the players were renowned for their post-match performances in the club bar, rather than on the field of play, and became known as the Paralytics.
Mike Pender
Cardiff
• How could Matthew Engel and Richard Whitehead omit one of the best-known Scottish football club nicknames, belonging to a club with the dignified motto of “ludere causa ludendi” and a history almost as long as the Guardian’s?
Jim McNicol
Edinburgh
