This morning’s letters from Courier readers continue to discuss the Forth Energy plans for Dundee docks. Also up for debate are obesity, wildlife access and treatment for addicts.
Is there hidden agenda driving biomass? Sir,-At The Courier hustings at the Apex Hotel, Dundee, last Friday night, Stewart Hosie, the SNP candidate, inferred I was mistaken in my recollection of a conversation with him.
During the hustings I accurately recalled a conversation he had with my family a few days earlier when he openly said he was 120% in favour of biomass.
He explained to us the advantages of the Dundee port situation with deep-water berthage for boats bringing biomass fuel to the city.
However, he presented quite a different picture at the hustings which is why I felt compelled to remind him of our recent conversation.
He angrily said that (a) it had been a private conversation and (b) he did not say it.
Stewart Hosie approached me at the end of the meeting to say there had been a misunderstanding.
Perhaps this is another example of a politician saying one thing in public and another in private and passing it off as a misunderstanding.
There are those who believe the SNP has a hidden agenda for pushing through this kind of development across Scotland.
I leave it to the electors of Dundee East to form a view as to whether this is the case.
Hilary Watson.Craigievar,Albany Road,Dundee.
Wind power energy solution
Sir,-I think it is most important to develop alternative supplies of energy to supply the increasing demand for electricity.
At present, we are selfishly gobbling up the earth’s resources without a care for future generations.
Minerals will soon be exhausted, and the nuclear alternative, with all its attendant problems of waste disposal, let alone terrorism, does not seem a sensible option.
The north-east wind is natural and in plentiful supply.
Surely no-one can argue that Dundee docks are a great tourist attraction.
In any case, I find the wind turbines quite graceful and sculptural. Surely harnessing our wind power would be a sensible way to ensure a clean power supply for our grandchildren.
Margaret Ross.Mains of Fullarton Cottage,Meigle.
Tayside’s obesity tragedy
Sir,-The tragedy of Tayside’s childhood obesity (one in five primary pupils obese, May 3) is that despite the many efforts to change these statistics, all that has been done, so far, is to identify the problem but not yet solve it.
The prediction is that numbers will increase.
As a consequence, not only will those who are obese be prone to more illness but also the very obvious state of being obese will cause increasing anxiety and stigma to individuals and families.
They are likely to suffer even more unwanted attention at school and in public.
This is one affliction, self-imposed or not, that gives no opportunity for confidentiality. By drawing attention to the very real problem of obesity we are likely to add to the psychological damage that is part of Tayside’s unflattering statistics.
There is substantial evidence that breast feeding and delayed weaning really helps to prevent obesity in later years.
We must promote prevention as well as treatment.
(Dr) Stephen Bird.Littleton,Airlie,Kirriemuir.
Keep nature accessible
Sir,-I am afraid Jim Crumley (April 27) is turning into a wildlife snob.
To condemn “boatloads of tourists from Portree Harbour” going out to watch sea eagles smacks of smugness.
He has to remember that, for the vast majority of people, this will be the closest they will get to these magnificent birds.
Who knows how many enthralled youngsters will decide to learn more about wildlife and become interested in conservation? These cruises are also providing an income for the boat owners.
Although many people would love to watch wildlife in the way Jim does, for various reasons it is just not possible.
Sandra Hacker.Glenrock,Mount Ericht Road,Blairgowrie.
Kirkton centre besmirched
Sir,-I would like to comment on your article (April 29) about addicts being banned from Asda for abusing customers.
As convener of Kirkton Community Centre, I am dismayed at the suggestion by Mr Jamie Lumley that methadone should be dispensed from the community centre which, he believes, many addicts already visit.
Why is the centre more suitable than the current secure outlet for this purpose?
The centre attracted in excess of 66,000 visitors last year, people from all walks of life ranging from parents with newborn babies right through to senior citizens, all with the purpose of taking part in the wide range of learning, social and leisure activities we offer here in the centre in partnership with Dundee City Council and other agencies.
Mr Lumley’s perception of our community centre is solely a perception. As we do not have any classes or programmes specifically aimed at supporting drug addicts, those addicts he refers to must, therefore, be participating in the normal programme.
The community centre is a welcoming place where everybody can expect to enjoy their chosen activities in a safe and friendly environment. Nothing has changed.
This article implies negativity towards two of the most important facilities in Kirkton, Asda and the community centre.
Betty Copeland.Convener,Management Group.Kirkton Community Centre,Derwent Avenue,Dundee.