Dear Voornaam,

The Scotsman's opinion columns are some of our most popular articles with readers. They stimulate debate, they make people think again and they cut to the heart of many of the day’s issues.

Here we take a look back at the last 30 days through the words of our columnists.

The Scotsman's opinion section is managed by comment editor Ian Johnston who commissions and deals with dozens of writers to ensure our website and newspaper has a wide array of opposing viewpoints on the most topical subjects of the moment.

These are five of our most read columns this month.