In today’s letters to The Courier editor, a profitable time at university, a response to John J. Marshall, hopes for Dundee FC, the Gaza blockade, and clean travel.
How we profited from a university education Sir,-You reported (October 15) that Raiven MacFarlane of Blackburn College was considering moving to Scotland to save on university fees and advising her friends to do the same.
When I was starting university my only financial problem was the cost of housing. So, together with five friends two boys and three girls we got a mortgage on a three-bedroom cottage near the university and on a main bus route. The money we saved on letting fees more than covered the mortgage interest.
However, not long after moving in we realised the potential of the cottage. There were two reception rooms and a basement. The larger reception room was converted into two double bedrooms and the basement was converted into a double bedroom. These were soon let to other friends at half the commercial rate.
The cottage had two bathrooms, so we were all set.
We were even asked to let out the garage but we had plans for it. There was a large garden with plum trees and apple trees and we soon planted all types of vegetables and became self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables. We even set up a stall selling surplus.
When we left university we sold the cottage, making a handsome profit from the sale.
Hugh Dunlop.31 Underwood Street,Glasgow.
Columnist out of step
Sir,-I read the piece entitled “Games devalued” by John J. Marshall (October 13) suggesting that the Commonwealth Games be permanently held in London. This would deny Scotland and all the other Commonwealth nations the opportunity of hosting it.
While everyone else is looking forward to the games coming to Scotland, Mr Marshall wants to give London the games permanently in addition to the public money already being siphoned off from the voluntary sector to support London hosting the Olympic Games in 2012. Why? Is he really so anti-Scottish he can’t bear the sight of the Saltire flying among the 71 other national flags in Glasgow come 2014?
As for Mr Marshall’s continual attacks on the SNP and local SNP politicians, I would point out these politicians are elected by thousands of voters.
Perhaps he should form his own party. He could call it the A’body’s Oot Of Step But Oor Jock Party.
(Mrs) Sheila Harper.26 Lawrence Street, Dundee.
Let’s hope for more glory days
Sir,-At this sad time for Dundee FC I remember an occasion a few years ago when my wife and I were on holiday in Thailand and got speaking to a German couple, late middle age, from Cologne.
As we chatted they asked where about in Scotland we came from and when we said Dundee, the colour drained from the man’s face and he said “8-1”. Dundee fans will know.
A glorious past. I hope there will be a future.
Les Mackay.5 Carmichael Gardens,Dundee.
Putting public first
Sir,-I can assure your correspondent Steve Clark (October 15) that my first priority is always to my constituents of Dundee West.
I do hope to be able to attend the next humanitarian aid flotilla to Gaza but my attendance will be subject to parliamentary business and if it goes ahead will not involve any parliamentary resources.
I came into politics to work for independence for Scotland as I believe that will greatly improve the lives of everyone in Scotland. But I have always supported worldwide campaigns against injustice of all kinds such as apartheid, world poverty, the obscenity of nuclear weapons and the ongoing blockade of Gaza. I believe that Scotland’s forward march to rejoining the world’s community of nations will lead to our country playing a greater role in world affairs.
I gained a renewed sense of the injustice of the Israeli blockade of Gaza while waiting with the family of Ali El-Awaisi for news of him after Israeli commandos stormed the aid ships and innocent civilians were killed.
I hope to be able to join politicians from many countries on the next aid flotilla but if I cannot do that then I will certainly donate to and support the humanitarian aims of the aid convoy.
Joe FitzPatrick (MSP).Parliamentary Office,8 Old Glamis Road,Dundee.
Chance of clean travel
Sir,-I agree with K. J. MacDougall (October 18) that it is in all our interests that electric vehicles provide much of future city and suburban transport in the densely-populated countries of Europe.
At present, the cost and availability of batteries with high specific energy, power density, short charge time and long life are seriously limiting factors.
I suspect we actually need an entirely new technology to provide the vital quantum leap in storage capacity combined with much faster charging and lower volatility.
The supercapacitors being developed by London’s Imperial College may be the answer since the absence of any chemical process will provide an infinitely longer lifespan.
This would also drastically reduce the size and weight of the power unit needed to run a car or a bus and at last provide a practical alternative to the petrol/diesel engine.
(Dr) John Cameron.10 Howard Place,St Andrews.
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.