Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – David Cameron, it would seem, has a death wish. With a referendum looming on Scottish independence, he allows his defence minister to bring up the subject of consigning famous old Scottish regiments to oblivion (Courier, May 9).
Whatever the pros and cons of the argument, the Prime Minister and his advisers must be crazy even to mention the possibility of the regiments disbanding now. If they had to, why not wait until after the referendum, simply from the viewpoint of ensuring a No vote?
In any case, I cannot understand why it has ever been deemed necessary to lose the great names of Scotland’s military past The Black Watch, the Gordons, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and many more with their badges, tartans, insignia and traditions.
In the past, there have been many occasions when armies have been reduced in size in times of peace, but, for the sake of continuity and preserving the great assets of long experience, proud traditions and local pride and support, a nucleus of each regiment has been retained.
When the need arose, these smaller units were rapidly expanded into as many battalions as the situation demanded.
The experienced staff in charge of the retained units were then readily available to train the influx of recruits efficiently and speedily.
I know our army has been downsized to a shadow of its former strength, but would it not be possible to preserve the traditions of each regiment in smaller units, mini-battalions or even companies within one national regiment? The size of units is not set in stone.
That way, all the advantages of local support, ancient traditions, loyalty and pride in living up to their ancestors’ achievements would still survive and be available as a sound and practical basis for rebuilding the regiments when the need arose.
George K McMillan.5 Mount Tabor Avenue,Perth.
Barbed wire poser for cyclists
Sir, – The Courier has recently carried a number of items about cycling and about safety in particular.
As a keen cyclist I welcome anything that encourages cycling safety. That is why when I cycled up the new Liff Road we were delighted to see a wide, well-surfaced cycle/pedestrian path.
However, I was puzzled and concerned when I realised that on one side there were two rows of barbed wire.
The council seems to think this is suitable for a ”semi-rural” location but I (and everyone I have spoken to on the route) think otherwise.
It would be a pity if people decided it was actually safer to risk the road rather than falling against the wire and suffering severe injury.
It is a shame such an excellent path has been spoilt in this way.
Ann M Dye.7 Beechwood Terrace,Dundee.
Charity shop thanks
Sir, – Age Concern Dundee would like to thank all involved when we were given the opportunity to run a charity shop in Broughty Ferry in April in our 65th anniversary year. The shop was provided rent free by Mr Murray of I B Murray and Son.
Thanks to the generosity of those who donated items, the enthusiasm of those who organised the shop, the volunteers and friends who staffed the shop and the customers who helped us to raise more than £2,300.
Pat Bree. Chairperson,Age Concern Dundee.
Trust welcomes hall decision
Sir, – The Scottish Civic Trust welcomes Historic Scotland’s decision to reject the proposals to demolish Perth City Hall.
The trust maintains its position that demolition of this important B-listed building was not justified.
We remain unconvinced by the arguments that every possible effort had been made to retain the building and that demolition of this important landmark would be to the benefit of Perth.
The trust would welcome the opportunity to participate in any discussions about securing the future of Perth City Hall which we believe has exciting potential for sensitive reinvention.
John Pelan. Director,The Scottish Civic Trust,Glasgow.
Passing the parcel
Sir, – In a revealing moment for European education, voters in Greece and France went to the polls to see if they accepted the laws of simple arithmetic and decided that they did not.
I remember when dear old Lord Home was mocked by Harold Wilson for using matches to explain an economic point on the telly but in fact the dear old thing was right.
Again Gordon Brown sneered at Margaret Thatcher for using household analogies to explain matters of national finance and we all know which one of them got it wrong.
Of course nations and households are different but for all our economists’ mumbo-jumbo the uncomfortable truth is that the ”passing parcel” is going to stop with someone.
Europeans believe freedom and democracy are a given, that nasty stuff can be put off indefinitely, that somewhere ahead there is a soft landing and the Easter Bunny lives!
(Dr) John Cameron.10 Howard Place,St Andrews.
A credit to all
Sir, – In this age of constant criticism of young people the article in Wednesday’s Courier about Tread The Boards’ 10th anniversary concert certainly gave me great hope for future generations.
It was a credit to all who took part on stage and behind the scenes.
(Mrs) D Brown.Carnoustie.
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.