Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – I read in The Courier George Galloway’s Lochee ”slum” comments, which provoked anger in some people and prompted a response from solicitor Billy Boyle.
I would like to say I have great respect for both Mr Galloway and Mr Boyle who, despite the fact neither was born with a silver spoon in their mouths, went on to take full advantage of their educational opportunities and have excellent careers.
I do not grudge either of them the success they have had as I have no doubt they both had to work very hard for their achievements.
I hope they now stop bickering with each other and get back to doing what they are both professionally very good at because I, for one, am not interested in any feud they may have had about footballing ability.
Mr Galloway’s main point was that he was, in his own words, ”Born in a Lochee ‘slum’ ”. Fair enough. That is his opinion which he is entitled to have.
I, too, was brought up in the Charleston/Lochee area of Dundee. However, I was very happy growing up there.
In my opinion the real quality Lochee had was the people who lived there and the community spirit at that time. I think being brought up there was character building.
Two characters who lived in same street as I did in Charleston in the 60s and 70s were Lord Provost John Letford and former Dundee United and Scotland legend David Narey. I have never heard either of them say a bad word about Lochee or Charleston.
A lot of money was spent redeveloping Lochee in the 1960s and 1970s and a lot of money is being spent now. However, spending a lot of money on an area does not necessarily improve it. It all comes down to the people who live there. If the wrong type of people are there it will be money down the toilet.
I lived in a bungalow in a very fine neighbourhood in Carnoustie for nearly 13 years but recently sold my house there and moved back to Lochee because I missed it. I am sure I have made the right move.
Kenneth Brannan.42 Greenlee Drive,Dundee.
Will remain undeveloped
Sir, – I re-read with interest your item titled ”Bold plan for ailing town hall”, regarding Kinross Town Hall and Carnegie Library buildings (Thursday April 19).
On Saturday April 21, I noticed that the town hall entrance was unlocked and, as I believe it still to be a public building, I took the opportunity to enter.
I am not an architect or building surveyor, but was impressed by the relatively good state of repair; there was water entry in the corridor to the rear of the hall towards the toilets, but the hall itself, and the areas accessible towards the clock tower, were remarkably sound.
It appears to me that the current proposal is that part of a listed building be demolished for parking space for a neighbouring development and the historic town hall, library and clock tower remain undeveloped and unplanned.
In recompense the developer will undertake to maintain the building to the degree that the council are currently obliged to provide, albeit they may be failing to do so.
A bold plan indeed, but not in terms of securing a use and future for the historic centre of Kinross.
Gareth Thomas.50 Muirs,Kinross.
High-octane school debate
Sir, – The months following the decision by Fife Council to adopt the Kilrymont option as a replacement for Madras College have been high-octane with much debate and many points of view expressed on the issue.
The outcome of the consultation was a majority in favour of rejecting the Kilrymont proposal. All political parties, with the exception of the Scottish National Party, have respected public opinion and pledged to reassess all possible sites.
On May 3, the electorate of North East Fife have a unique opportunity to determine the future of children’s education in our area for the next, possibly, 50 years.
After the election, Parent Voice will monitor the actions of our councillors and continue to do all we can to ensure that they address this issue without delay and fulfil their obligation to provide the new build Madras College our children deserve.
Mrs Lisa Williams.(Parent Voice),82 Crosshill Terrace,Wormit.
Playgroup not the first?
Sir, – Congratulations to Kinross Playgroup on their 40th birthday.
However, I beg to disagree with your title of ”First in Scotland” as in 1970 while living in Tarbet, Dunbartonshire, I started Arrochar and Tarbet Playgroup.
I believe this was at the very beginning of playgroups becoming officially recognised and authorised.
Maybe Kinross was the first in the Perth and Kinross area?
Anne Woolley.13 Farragon Drive,Aberfeldy.
Brief encounter
Sir, – It is absolutely amazing how politicians, some of whom we have never heard of, suddenly emerge from the burrows of the Edinburgh ”palace” and council chambers to mix with us in shopping malls and on the streets to make fantastic promises, which of course are ”breakable”.
A brief encounter, no doubt, as they will be hoping to return to the safety and security of the sanctuary after May 3!
John McDonald.14 Rosebery Court,Kirkcaldy.
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.