SCALDIES

Sir, - Regarding Patricia Coady's letter on scaldies (April 5th) growing up in Belfast in the 1930s a baby bird in the nest was always a scaldy - what else could one have called it? We took the word for granted; looking back on it, I feel that for me it had something to do with the lack of feathers, the scrawny neck, perhaps a close relation of baldy?

I too would be interested in the derivation. - Yours, etc.,

Ardmore Gardens,

Bangor,

Co Downs.