This morning’s correspondents focus on future energy sources, “jobsworths”, Israel and Gaza, national parks, Armed Forces Day, and the Lewis Chessmen.
Green energy needed to keep UK’s lights on
Sir,-With BP’s Mississippi Canyon Block 252 leaking crude oil at the rate of 60,000 barrels of oil a day, how your columnist Jim Crumley manages to witter on about wind turbines is beyond belief.
This gusher has already covered an area the size of Scotland with an ecological killing cloud of oil.
Wind turbines do not leak oil like this.
Perhaps, if he is such a good friend to the environment, Mr Crumley should go to America and help there, cleaning birds, rather than spreading nonsense here.
If he does not like wind turbines, perhaps he would care to explain what he proposes as an alternative?
He’d better be quick with an answer because thanks to BP, who previously provided about one tenth of UK dollar income, we are fast running out of the ability to pay for the fuel we need to import to keep the lights on next winter.
Remember, we import 73% of the coal we consume in the UK.
Without lights and also the fuel nature watchers need to drive to Scotland, I doubt if many people will come to see Mr Crumley’s manmade wilderness.
Philip Roberts.Ascurry Mill,By Letham.
Just who are the jobsworths?
Sir,-Your correspondent, John Cameron (June 19) uses the tabloid pejorative expression “jobsworths” in his letter, Unaffordable pensions.
Did he object when Gordon Brown increased the number of teachers, nurses and police?
Did he object about the cost of public pensions when share-based private pensions were riding high under Brown’s stewardship?
Can he give readers a list of those jobsworths he writes about?Robert Ferguson.Viewforth,19 Gilston,By Leven.
Hidden agenda at play on Gaza
Sir,-You report (June 18) that another confrontational flotilla is being organised by the European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza.
There is no siege of Gaza. There is a blockade to keep weapon materials out of the hands of the terrorists, Hamas, who constantly shoot rockets into Israel.
Fatah and Egypt, which are also anti-Israeli, want the sea blockade kept in place.
Our humanitarians support the terrorist Hamas. Which begs the question: are our siege-lifters being naive or disingenuous as they pursue a hidden agenda?Andrew Lawson.9 MacLaren Gardens,Dundee.
Make parks truly national
Sir,-Your photograph of the Cairngorms National Parks Authority board members at Blair Castle (June 18) rams home just how far Scotland is from having true national parks.
By contrast, Ireland, the USA and most countries in Europe have true national parks, owned by the nation and administered by a national parks service for conservation and public benefit.
The only assurance we have here is that the prismatic agenda and dichotomy of expectation inherent in the present structure, owned and managed by private landowners, NGOs and quangos, will continue and that large amounts of public money will accrue to those already rich enough to own the land in the first place.Ron Greer.Armoury House,Blair Atholl.
Remember armed forces
Sir,-Armed Forces Day takes place this Saturday.
The day is an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community.
Across the country, people are getting involved and this is a great opportunity for communities to hold events and for businesses to show their support for SSAFA Forces Help.
The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help is the leading national charity committed to helping and supporting those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who used to serve, and the families of both.
We provide a reliable, caring and trusted service to more than 50,000 people each year.
Our trained staff and network of 7000 volunteers provide practical and financial assistance, emotional support and a range of services to ensure that SSAFA Forces Help makes a real difference.
In Fife alone we have dealt with over 320 cases so far this year.Graham Meacher.Lt Col (Retd),SSAFA Forces Help Fife,Westerlea,Links Place,Elie.
Return chessmen to Western Isles
Sir,-It was heartening to see the positive discussions held by Angus MacNeil MP with the deputy director of the British Museum over the repatriation of the Lewis Chessmen (June 16).
It is, of course, fantastic to see 24 of the collection of 82 Lewis Chessmen, at present held by the British Museum, go on tour and I would recommend that anyone with an interest in Scotland’s past goes to see these intricately carved 12th-century pieces, currently part of an exhibition in the National Museum of Scotland.
However, it is simply not good enough that they are occasionally loaned back to the Western Isles and at least some of this collection could feature as part of a display in the redeveloped Lewis Castle or Museum nan Eilean.
The economic benefit to the Western Isles would be immense, more so than the benefit garnered by their partial display in the British Museum and, with the UK Government keen on promoting its ‘respect agenda’ with the Scottish Government, the return of the Lewis Chessmen is a simple and effective way to promote this.
Alex Orr.35 Bryson Road,Edinburgh.