IT never ceases to amaze me how some people can change character at the drop of a hat.

My late father had a friend who was a pleasant individual with an important position in the Scottish legal system. He had also been a pilot during the Second World War.

He was not a slowcoach driver or one who regularly drove too fast. However, he occasionally would change mood completely when someone overtook him, even if the manoeuvre did not put anyone in jeopardy.

My father said his friend would become a Devil-like character — only the horns were missing — and would not be satisfied until he had got past the driver who had just overtaken him.

He would then revert to his normal manner and resume a conversation as if nothing had recently happened that upset him.

This fellow came back to mind in relation to disturbing incidents which occurred across the UK a week ago today. In America, the day after Thanksgiving has long been called Black Friday. It is a day when stores hold massive sales.

My understanding is the name came about because police described major roads being ‘black’ with cars as hordes of shoppers travelled about trying to hunt down the best bargains.

Black Friday appears to have crossed the Atlantic in recent years. I cannot recall it being a problem but last Friday it led to mayhem which hit the headlines. Superstores slashed prices and were besieged by shoppers who battled with each other, tried to grab goods from the arms of other individuals and struggled with security guards.

A number of stores were ordered to shut by police called in to calm the situation.

We are supposed to live in a civilised nation but there was scant evidence of that in many locations last Friday. The sad thing is a good proportion of shoppers who ‘lost the place’ last Friday would not have been thuggish by nature but they certainly displayed an ability to act out of character.

Hopefully they will now feel ashamed and remember this is supposed to be the season of goodwill.