This morning’s letters focus on the fortunes of Glenrothes, football ticket prices, investment in education and support for the Dundee biomass plant plan.
Optimism high over Glenrothes’ future Sir,-What was once called “the new town blues” was quite common in the early years of the growth of Glenrothes (Leader, May 6).
The reasons for it would seem obvious. Many people were trying to settle in a community that was still developing.
The layout of housing, industry, schools was different to the more traditional parts of the country.
It might take a long time for people to get to know and like their new facilities, their neighbours, their employers.
Any new, planned community, takes time to be accepted by some of the surrounding communities.
I do not claim any qualifications in psychology but I can understand why that sort of setup might lead to a lot of cases of depression.
More prosperity does not, in itself, mean a happier community.
But there are grounds for optimism in the way things are moving in the Glenrothes area: a new biomass facility at Tullis Russell, a new sports and leisure facility at Viewfield, a redevelopment of the town centre created by the introduction of Sainsbury’s, the possibility of an upgrade of the A92 through the town, all bode well for the future.
All of these things might help foster a renewed sense of community.
It might not completely dispel the feelings of insecurity, or the increased incidence of depression in the area.
But it will go some way to fulfilling that vision of optimism the new towns were meant to create.
Bob Taylor.24 Shiel Court,Glenrothes.
Cut prices to increase crowds
Sir,-Dundee United have had a great season and, having supported them for some 70 years, it is wonderful to see them in Canada via satellite television.
However, the tragedy of Scottish football today is the acres of empty seats, even at bigger grounds such as Ibrox and Celtic Park.
It is about time they cut admission prices to increase attendances and profit.
In Mexico, the huge stadiums are packed, with whole families going to games, as the prices are so cheap, even if the players are still all very rich.
Kenneth Irons.Suite 511,22 St Andrew,Ontario.
Education investment vital
Sir,-The news of proposed cuts to the budgets of some of Scotland’s universities and colleges highlights the challenges such institutions face and the threat posed to our fragile economic recovery.
Skills development is vital to the productivity and economic development of Scotland, as outlined in the Scottish Government’s Skills Strategy and it is key that we maintain investment in our universities and colleges as a means to deliver a skilled workforce and maintain economic recovery.
As the economy recovers, it is vital a skilled workforce meets the demands of both current and future economic growth, especially as we embrace new sectors such as renewables.
And it is colleges, universities and industries working together that will create and develop education and skills opportunities.
There is no magic bullet, but it is vital that we continue to invest in our universities and colleges, enabling them to develop flexibility for employers and businesses looking to access skills at the right time and in the right place.
Jacqui Hepburn.Director,Alliance of Sector Skills Councils Scotland,28 Castle Street,Edinburgh.
Dundee must embrace change
Sir,-I am all in favour of Forth Ports’ plan to build a biomass power station within the Dundee docklands area.
Biomass is a renewable fuel, so will not use up our planet’s finite oil and gas reserves.
I appreciate that, as a resident of Monifieth, I live some distance away from this proposed development.
However, Seaview School, Monifieth, is among a handful of Angus schools presently heated using this technology.
Angus Council installed filters to prevent particulate matter from being released into the atmosphere as a result of burning the biomass fuel. This aspect had previously concerned some nearby residents.
Seaview School is situated only a few hundred yards from my house but even after a very cold winter, there has been no discernible smell or smoke nuisance.
If Dundee wishes to attract new industries, offering employment opportunities and future prosperity, we must not be backward in our thinking.
Jennifer Helen Allan.18 Grangehill Drive,Monifieth.