Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – I refer to your article “Proposed windfarm will benefit community: claim” (March 21), regarding the proposed three-turbine windfarm north of the Binn Hill at Burntisland.
I note with interest that the article concentrates on the supposed benefits to local communities and charities. There is no mention at all of the impact these 100m-high turbines will have on the local residents.
There are four properties, mine included, all within 500m of one of these huge machines.
Mr Wylie is quoted as saying that: “There is a fantastic wind resource here … it’s only right that it should be harvested for local benefits.” Surprisingly, I, and others, don’t agree with that statement.
The local residents will have their quality of life totally destroyed by the installation of these turbines and all for what? Profit and greed. All, of course, supported by the ridiculous subsidies for wind generation, which we are all paying for in higher electricity bills.
One of the serious problems with inappropriate siting of large wind turbines is the highly detrimental impact on local residents and it should be noted that Mr and Mrs Wylie’s property is a considerable distance from the proposed locations. I wonder why this should be?
I have noticed a recent increase in the number of articles in the press highlighting the downsides, and there are many, of huge wind turbines. I believe now that people are waking up to the folly that is current Scottish Government policy.
This three-turbine windfarm will be resisted as robustly as possible.
David W Potts.Hatton Cottage,Burntisland.
Glad to help reduce the top tax rate
Sir, – As one of the five million OAPs in the £10,500 and £28,000 bracket can I say how pleased I am to contribute to the £3 billion which will allow the top tax rate to be reduced? Only someone as unpatriotic as Winston Churchill would have given pensioners a higher personal tax allowance in 1925 and I am so relieved George Osborne has now binned it.
It is such a blessing he has done nothing to improve the annuity market, to support ISA changes or to shelter older people’s interest income from his quantitative easing.
As long as richer pensioners are unaffected and the gold-plated pensions of public sector employees are protected what are a few stealth taxes among us private sector oldies?
Could I suggest that to maintain company cars for health managers and chauffeur-driven limos for government ministers, he might consider withdrawing all bus passes?
(Rev) John Cameron.10 Howard Place,St Andrews.
Party in Cloud Cuckoo land
Sir, – They say a week is a long time in politics but how would they describe a year?
Last summer, Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Anyone who thinks we are going to shift our priority to reducing the tax burden for the wealthiest have got another thing coming … Abolishing the 50p rate cannot be the right priority for the country.”
And yet after this week’s budget that is precisely what has happened.
Mr Alexander also suggested that anyone who thought they would cut the rate was living in “Cloud Cuckoo land”.
The only people living in Cloud Cuckoo land are in the Liberal Democratic Party, which refuses to believe the party has completely sold out.
Kevin Cordell.2 Nevis Place,Broughty Ferry.
No right to take so many fish
Sir, – Some of the more outrageous statements by Usan Fisheries in Monday’s Courier (Netting firm rejects claim) cannot be allowed to go unanswered.
Mr Pullar of Usan claims his netting has no effect on salmon runs. Why, then, is it that whilst all the major east coast rivers have benefited from increased runs, the South Esk has not?
It’s no coincidence the runs of salmon have decreased at the same time his netting efforts have increased.
He is right to say he has the right to kill fish. What he should not have is the right to kill fish in such numbers as to be greatly detrimental to others who have the right to fish.
Bill Balfour.9 Cookston Crescent,Brechin.
Isle of Man status claim?
Sir – Reference David Clegg’s concise article (March 21) on the situation regarding the Northern Isles’ attitude to Scottish independence. The SNP response indicates either a lamentable lack of knowledge of Scotland’s history, or a sneaking, arrogant hope the question would never arise.
It is arising and indicates yet another strand of unnecessary discord between the perfectly acceptable status quo of our current political system I don’t even see the need for a parliament in Edinburgh! and the troublesome, nitpicking, dangerous and blustery posturing of those politicians seeking independence for my and others’ country.
I suggest the Isles should seek similar status to that of the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. There’s something for the SNP to ponder!
A T Geddie.68 Carleton Avenue,Glenrothes.
Speed cameras
Sir, – Why are the speed cameras not active on the stretch of road close to the Laurencekirk junctions?
At £60 per offence, there is £180,000 a day waiting to be collected, or £65 millon pounds a year.
Now, what was the cost of building a flyover? OK, I know there is a flaw somewhere in the logic, but there is no point in bleating about the speed of the traffic if the most obvious of control mechanisms is not used.
Tom Reid.Cortachy Crescent,Kirriemuir.
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.