Sir, While I fully support the idea behind the Sistema project that of bringing children out of poverty through music education and applaud the dedication of those who are campaigning to bring it here, I feel this project is unnecessary in Dundee.
Surely these people are campaigning to provide opportunities which already exist abundantly for kids in Dundee?
The council itself very recently agreed to scrap tuition fees for music lessons in the city, removing financial barriers and making it possible for every child who wants to, to learn a musical instrument.
Anyone who attended the recent Caird Hall concerts could also clearly see that the city is already very well served by a talented and dedicated team of musicians who are providing an excellent education to a huge number of children of all ages and backgrounds; not to mention an established programme of African drumming in primary schools and the recently launched ASPIRE project, which matches the aspirations of Sistema in attempting to make a lasting difference to children’s lives through the arts.
I wonder if the prominent supporters of Sistema Scotland were in the audience at these Caird Hall concerts to witness the huge breadth of talent and opportunity on display? If so, they could only conclude, as I have, that they’re striving to bring something to the city which already exists.
This also leads me to conclude that the councillors who’ve approved talks about the initiative are forgetful of their own “music for all” policy and ignorant of the efforts of the city’s music service or ignoring them, to support a popular campaign, supported by high-profile individuals.
Either way, it’s a kick in the teeth for the quietly hard-working music staff in Dundee’s schools who strive daily to improve the lives of their pupils through music and whose efforts, so recently displayed, seem to have gone sadly unnoticed.
J Robertson. Craigiebank, Dundee.
Timing of this announcement is interesting
Sir, I was delighted with the news that SSE are freezing their energy prices until January 2016, but I am slightly cynical regarding the timing.
This week energy regulators are going to give their verdict on whether there should be a full investigation into the competitive practices of energy companies, something I personally think is long overdue, I think this is a very interesting coincidence.
Also, in September last year, Ed Miliband said that if he came to power in 2015 he would ensure energy prices were frozen.
This was ridiculed by SSE as unworkable and David Cameron called it Marxist, the same David Cameron who, when the SSE price freeze was announced, called it hugely welcome.
I think the temperature needs to be taken at Westminster as it blows hot and cold just like the prices of the big six energy companies!
Gordon Kennedy. 117 Simpson Square, Perth.
Council should offer support
Sir, As it has now been revealed that Perth Council have been refused consent to demolish the City Hall, is it not time for them to decide to provide support for redevelopment and reuse of the building?
Surely that would be preferable to their latest madcap proposals for the far side of the river, including an unnecessary footbridge, houses on stilts and wasting electricity on decorative lighting at night!
Patrick Taylor. Mossgiel, Snaigow, Dunkeld.
This is the last thing we need
Sir, The recent statement by Scottish Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing, that Scotland should have a variety of energy sources, is the ultimate lunacy, and the last thing we need.
Each energy type would have its own technology, its own financial model and its own bureaucracy, so that there would have to be an expensive state monolith to bring them together for the consumer.
What we need are nuclear power stations. All with one technology and all at low cost. Too easy!
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross.
Time marches on, but . . .
Sir, I wonder how many people will have missed their bus, train or been late for church on Sunday, due to the introduction of British Summer Time?
Some years ago a friend mine, who was a church beadle, arrived at the church as the congregation were leaving! Time marches on but the clock stands still!
John McDonald. 14 Rosebery Court, Kirkcaldy.