Sir, Now a retired police sergeant, I have lived in Cupar and worked with and served the people there for many years.
As a member of the Yes campaign present at the last Cupar Farmers’ Market held in Crossgate, I take exception to the article in Thursday’s paper which stated that customers were “harassed” by our presence.
I have not and would never condone harassment in any manner or form in order to pursue our objectives and would condemn any person who did so, regardless of their political persuasion.
Indeed, on the contrary, many members of the public expressed satisfaction with our presence and were happy to receive the information we provided on the referendum.
In my experience, as a regular customer at the market, it was very busy with numerous people in attendance.
I do not accept the claim made that some traders were down 50% on their sales.
I did not interfere with, obstruct or prevent any customer attending or making a purchase from a stall.
I was also disappointed to read that a volunteer on behalf of Cupar In Bloom has alleged that due to our presence, we took donations away from them.
I made a personal donation to this worthwhile organisation while I was at the market and thanked the lady I spoke to for the good work they do in the community.
In conclusion, both sides in the referendum debate have a right to be seen, heard and inform the public of the issues in question. I retain my right to do so and work towards a “yes” vote in September.
Hugh Prentice. 6 Kirklands Park, Cupar.
We respected their wishes
Sir, I write on behalf of the Better Together Campaign regarding the report in The Courier about Yes campaigners at the recent Cupar Farmers’ Market. I am not surprised that these political activists have attracted adverse comment.
Some months ago I contacted the co-ordinator of the farmers’ market and discussed our potential attendance. It was made clear that the organisers of the farmers’ market did not want political groups campaigning at their events where they would be a distraction and could give rise to unpleasantness at what the organisers hoped would be happy, good humoured community attractions.
We have respected the wishes of the organisers of the market by not attending these events. If we had we would have at least taken a stall and paid a fee instead of just barging in as the separatists have done, on a number of occasions, despite being challenged about their unapproved and unwanted presence.
I note that amongst the SNP campaigners there were a Member of the Scottish Parliament who is a lawyer, and a Fife councillor who claims to have studied the regulations for the farmers’ market which were being transgressed.
These incidents say a great deal about their attitude to the regulations, or ability to understand them.
Roger Guy. Crawley House, Springfield, by Cupar.
Every event to be hijacked?
Sir, I was interested to read about the Yes Scotland campaigners causing some annoyance with their unlicensed presence at last weekend’s farmers’ market. I experienced the same thing at last summer’s Mallaig Highland Games.
When I questioned their political attendance at a family fun day, I was told that Better Together would have been welcome to erect their own stall at the games.
If this logic were carried to its natural conclusion then every entertainment event throughout the country could be hijacked by every form of political persuasion.
Ian Grant. 26 Stratheden Park, Cupar.
Support caring school staff
Sir, With reference to recent press I wanted to convey the following to the staff at Kingspark school: My son has been attending Kingspark for nearly five years now and it has been a great experience for him and myself.
I have always found every member of staff I have had dealings with to be extremely professional, caring, well qualified and they all know my son inside out.
I am more than happy to wave him off in the mornings safe in the knowledge he will be extremely well looked after and given the care and respect that he has always had from every member of staff.
I felt compelled to let you know that my experience of having a child attend your school has been very positive and I know that he is being very well cared for when he is there.
I have never had any “issues” regarding the care and welfare of my son while at the school and I will continue to support you in the fantastic job you are all doing. Kingspark school is an amazing school with wonderful staff who genuinely care about their pupils.
A parent. Name and address supplied.
If it’s “yes” will Alex invade?
Sir, In view of Alex Salmond’s expressed admiration of Vladimir Putin and if there was to be a “yes” majority at the referendum, would we expect his next move to beto invade and annex the north of England as the Scottish army tried to do some 440 years ago?
Alexander Ogilvie. 9 Kinnordy Road, Kirriemuir.