Sir, Your article, Fishing group fears salmon crisis in Angus river (August 14), states that, according to Scottish Government figures there were 66,000 rod-caught salmon in Scotland last year.
Fixed engine and net and coble fisheries accounting for another 24,000.
This flies against the sentiment of the article and may lead readers to assume that it is rod rather than netting pressure that is the major cause of wild salmon reduction.
Your article does not state the fact that anglers return the vast majority of salmon caught through national voluntary catch and release schemes.
Furthermore many anglers and estates are actively involved in conservation measures such as improving spawning redds. On the other hand, the nets “chap” every fish caught.
Alan Shepherd. Manor Street, Forfar.
Unnecessary journeys
Sir, It is obvious the school holidays are over from the number of 4×4 vehicles taking children a few hundred yards from home to school.
The vehicles block up all the streets surrounding the schools, the children get no exercise and are breathing in exhaust fumes every time they come to and go from school.
Is it any wonder children are unfit and asthma is on the increase? Cars should be banned from coming to and parking near any schools for the good of all children (and adults) who have to breathe these noxious fumes.
Bob Duncan. 110 Caesar Avenue, Carnoustie.
Obvious long-term benefits
Sir, As people who either live in Newburgh, or are frequent visitors to the town, we would like to record our support for the recently reported campaign to reopen the train station.
We find it hard to believe that the powers that be are taking so long to come to a decision that would have such obvious long-term benefits for both the town and the surrounding area.
What, exactly, is the problem?
Sara Macaulay. 13 Clinton Street, Newburgh, Fife, and: Heather Potten (UK), Jane Wheeler (UK), Zandra Mathieson (UK), Bodil Moller Larsen (Denmark)Sally Cross (UK), Christi Carter (USA),Tracey Markey (UK), Liz Nicholls (Northern Ireland), Michaela Markova (Eire), Liz Gaffney (UK) Johanna Pronk (UK via Netherlands), India Flint (Australia), Phyllis Beals (USA), Jan Pries MacConnell (USA), Molly Bullick (UK), Jeanette Sendler(UK via Germany).
Rose-tinted glasses
Sir, Having read the letter from Andrew F Gilmour in yesterday’s Courier, I can only assume that he is wearing rose-tinted glasses when he writes about 300 years of a successful union.
Successful for whom? Certainly not Scotland.
After all, various Westminster governments have never tired of telling us what a poor wee nation we are. That being so, Mr Gilmour, please then explain why they are so desperate to keep us in a union with them.
Another of the points that Mr Gilmour and others have mentioned is the fact that Scotland will have to apply to join the European Union.
All I can say is that we don’t need them. What is wrong with trading with countries who are not interested in being part of something we have not voted for?
Something which costs us an awful lot of money, affects our democracy and which also inflicts many unwanted rules and regulations on us.
As lawyers say: “I rest my case.”
June Reid. 12 Findhorn Street, Dundee.
Bookies know the score…
Sir, As the referendum day looms, the opinion polls are fluttering but the bookies odds on a “yes” vote hold steady at 4 to 1 against, while those on a “no” vote remain at 8 to 1 on.
Separatists make comforting noises and cherry-pick opinion polls but the fact is that the bookies comfortably outshine all competitors in the predictive business.
The one opinion poll that does not seem to wobble is that 50% of Scots say independence will make them worse off, compared to 25% who said it would make them better off.
No matter how this finding is fudged, no party is going to win an election hobbled by such figures let alone a referendum on something as far-reaching as national sovereignty.
Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.