Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – Referring to Mr Harper’s letter (November 7) on the matter of the Ford transit-van production moving from UK to Turkey on the back of EIB financing, this is surely a very good example of why it is not a good idea to vote for Scotland to become yet another European micro-state without any power or influence in the world.
Why would we want Scotland to be the minnows in a world where there is clear demonstration that size has a direct correlation to power and political influence?
We should be suspicious of the near-certainty that an independent Scottish Government would have to provide taxpayer-funded ”incentives” to attract or retain multi-national operations in situations of profound uncertainty on matters of forthcoming Scottish fiscal and foreign policy.
The present situation is a mess of unproven SNP opinion and vain-glorious boasting that Scotland is capable of anything, if only the SNP was given free rein to do what it likes.
Derek Farmer.Knightsward Farm,Anstruther.
Simply not good enough
Sir, – I wasn’t the least surprised at Craig Levein’s dismissal. His record has been dismal. What I am surprised at is the list of possible candidates to replace him and a lack of realisation that we do not have many any? world-class players.
Gordon Strachan was a success at Celtic, but unimpressive in other club posts; Alex McLeish, a success at Rangers, but not the best with other clubs; Joe Jordan, hasn’t managed for a long time; Walter Smith is retired and Owen Coyle was recently sacked by Bolton Wanderers. Not an impressive list!
Regarding players, the current crop simply aren’t good enough. How many play for really big clubs? Fletcher at Manchester United, Naismith now with Everton are in top-level Premier League teams, the rest are with mostly good but not outstanding teams.
It wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world to upgrade Under-21 coach Billy Stark to the top Scotland job. He has made Scotland’s younger players a respected outfit and knows the players who are coming through.
Ian Wheeler.Springfield,Fife.
Good news on obstructions
Sir, – It is good news that the Scottish Government intends to examine the problems posed by dams and weirs. As I recall, the tragic Lynmouth disaster in the 1950s was caused by an upstream blockage which eventually burst and cascaded downhill.
Since hydro schemes require planning permission and are constructed with waterflow uppermost in the design features, I am surprised other weirs and dams can be installed without any reference to the water authorities.
Landowners (including areas of Government responsibility) whose properties have watercourses have a responsibility to the public to carry out regular inspections for blockages and report any findings, seeking and obtaining assistance from responsible bodies if necessary. No nitpicking arguments about financial obligations.
Locals should be prepared to use powers of enforcement, where public and/or property safety is affected.
A T Geddie.68 Carleton Avenue,Glenrothes.
They make a real impact
Sir, – What an extraordinary list of impactful people you published! I do not wish to denigrate any of those nominated, but I do notice that 75% are men in a population which is nearer 50:50.
In fact, the people who make a serious impact are ordinary parents who bring up the future generation to be moral, healthy and happy (or, unfortunately, not!).
Also the army of carers who give help to those who need it to improve their lives, the low-paid staff who make the lives of ”important” people in offices and hospitals run smoothly, good neighbours and the hundreds who work in voluntary organisations big and small.
If some of these folk were included I’m sure the male:female ratio would be reversed.
Mary Henderson.36 Luke Place,Broughty Ferry.
Deserve praise
Sir, – On November 5 a family member had cause to use the emergency medical services, fortunately with no serious outcome.
However, the quite wonderful attention from ambulance personnel and all Victoria Hospital staff cannot be praised too highly.
Much criticism is directed towards the health service but there is no doubt that those who work at the sharp end deserve our utmost admiration and support.
Ken Cameron.11 St Michaels Drive,Cupar.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL. Letters should be accompanied by an address and a daytime telephone number.