Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – The success of the Jubilee celebrations and kilt race on Saturday in Perth has been well reported and our family thoroughly enjoyed the events in the city and on the North Inch.
Ten of us took part in the kilt race and afterwards we spent some time in the city centre before returning to the park and ride facility at Broxden.
We’d decided to use this service to avoid creating problems in the centre of Perth on what was obviously going to be a very busy day.
Perth Council also seemed to have decided that it would get in on the fundraising act by ticketing every car that was not parked in a marked bay.
Now the park and ride at Broxden was extremely busy and there was no one present in the morning to indicate what alternatives there were when it was full but everyone parked carefully and no one appeared to be blocked in and there was no impact on access for buses.
Surely a bit of common sense could have been used rather than unleashing a parking attendant late in the day and leaving those involved with a bad taste in their mouth?
We were all there doing our bit for charity and spending money in the city centre and many people travelled a long way for the event.
Has Perth recently changed its motto to ”The Unfair City”?
Andy Steven.Hill of Orbliston,Fochbabers.
Not worthy of any honour
Sir, – In reply to Mr Geddie and Mr Thomson questioning my historical knowledge and, in Mr Geddie’s letter, rewriting history itself, it should not be a surprise that Mr Geddie tries to blame a lone drunkard for the murders in Glencoe as the Geddies are of the Clan Campbell.
However, the following is a direct quote from the order for the massacre carried out by the Campbells, hence the spelling:
You are hereby ordered to fall upon the rebels, the McDonalds of Glenco, and put all to the sword under seventy. You are to have a special care that the old Fox and his sons doe upon no account escape your hands, you are to secure all the avenues that no man escape.
This is by the Kings speciall command, for the good & safety of the Country, that these miscreants be cutt off root and branch. (signed R. Duncanson, For their Majesties service, To Capt. Robert Campbell of Glenlyon).
As for their comments about Oliver Cromwell perhaps it was the Campbells of Argyll’s loyalty to him that led to the Argyllgait name change? And to say Oliver Cromwell was elsewhere when the burning of Dundee happened is like saying Mrs Thatcher was not responsible for the sinking of the Belgrano.
There are more fitting Dundonians who deserve this honour like Charlie Kean or Brian Cox to mention just two instead of those who helped in what we would now call ethnic cleansing.
Allan Petrie.109 Blacklock Crescent,Dundee.
“Wrong” word drew attack
Sir, – Andrew Lawson hits the nail on the head about the political sensitivity of SNP supporters and the possible implications for free speech (Letters, June 5).
Until recently I was sitting on the fence about independence. However a few days ago I contributed to an online discussion. In doing so I unthinkingly used the term ”separation” and the reaction from pro-independence writers could only be described as vicious.
I doubt if I would have been more severely castigated if I’d used the proverbial four-letter word.
This had two effects. Firstly it moved me firmly into the ”no” camp and secondly it made me realise that the concept of thought crime is alive and well among the pro-independence lobby.
Woe betide anyone who fails to follow the script or use the approved terminology.
(Dr) David Griffiths.41 Haston Crescent,Perth.
Time to lose the monarchy
Sir, – I note that, in common with many other media outlets, The Courier largely ignored those of us who oppose the monarchy on principle.
While we recognise the Queen’s service, an institution that is unaccountable, perpetuates the inequalities of our society and puts patronage above democracy cannot be considered fit for the 21st century.
Surely now is the time to set the Windsor family free from this antiquated system and adopt a presidency (as the Irish have) at a fraction of the cost?
Gary Cocker.9 Highfield Place,Birkhill,Dundee.
Mobile should be forfeited
Sir, – According to reports in the media, the potentially dangerous offence of using a mobile phone while driving is not diminishing.
May I suggest, as a retired police officer, that if Parliament had given the police the right of seizure of the phone in question there would be far fewer offences and a large number of serious accidents might have been avoided.
Allan Murray.44 Napier Road,Glenrothes.
Does it take in ‘Not Proven’?
Sir, – With reference to the change to the double jeopardy rule where a person previously found not guilty of an offence can be now be retried if new evidence is found, does this apply in Scotland to a person found ”Not Proven”?
I have heard no reference to this purely Scottish verdict.
Bryan Malone.3 Panbride Place,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.