This morning’s letters to The Courier editor discuss recent rape prosecution figures, proposed energy projects, a plea to respect the Outdoor Access Code, Christianity and Scotland’s contribution to climate action.
Young people need to make sure they are safe Sir,-The figures showing that of 123 rape allegations recorded by Tayside Police only three were proven in court, show that there are over 100 men who have been accused of rape and are at liberty in the local area.
Even if only a minority of these men actually had sex without consent of the women it shows there are a lot of dangerous men out there.
My daughter was raped by two men. It was their word against hers in the end as to whether consent was given. She got herself into a silly situation after being out drinking at a local night club with friends. My impression was these young men were on the hunt and young, ‘tipsy’ women were an easy target.
The police were very professional and kind. They could never prove lack of consent in the situation. Every time anyone says anything about women keeping themselves safe some respond as if by saying so we are in some way excusing the rapist.
It is a simple truth that in a country where the accused is innocent until proven guilty, men who have raped will remain at liberty and the police or justice system can do nothing to completely resolve this situation.
My daughter is recovering with the help of family, friends and professionals. I am writing to add to the warnings to young women and men to keep themselves and their friends safe.
Please withhold my name and address to protect my daughter’s privacy.
Name and address supplied.
Chance to be heard
Sir,-John J. Marshall’s informative article about the hazards of bio-mass plants to humans and the environment, and the apathy of Government and local councils, points to a dire need for the voice of the electorate to be heard and empowered to rid itself of ineffective MPs or local government officials.
What use is complaint if we, the voters, do not take an active interest in everything that affects us?
We in Perth have good reason to complain, and have bitterly done so, against the proposed incinerator for Shore Road.
The development and control committee, having reassured us that they would ‘revoke the smoke’ are now recanting and going their own way with an appeal.
Had we, the electorate, the power to do so, the officials responsible would no doubt be thrown out. Popular participation works in Switzerland and elsewhere. We desperately need it here!
Margaretha Linacre.21 Marshall Place,Perth.
Please abide by the code
Sir,-As summer approaches, we would like to remind visitors to Lunan Farms to please abide by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Visitors who use the farm area behind the high tide mark, including the sand dunes and woodland areas for recreational purposes, should also abide by the access code.
All litter should be taken home with you. You should not light fires or use disposable barbecues unless it has been authorised. For those walking dogs, please make sure that your dog is under control at all times as there are farm dogs, horses and livestock on the farm and if you do go to the effort of collecting your dog’s faeces in a bag could you please not just leave it hanging off the nearest fence post!
Be aware the Land Reform Act does not permit access by vehicles overnight for the purpose of staying. There is a designated area on the farm for caravans and camping which must be pre-booked.2009 was not a good year. Livestock was stolen and attacked, trees were damaged, grass areas were burnt out and littering continued to be a major problem. We have also had to deal with a lot of abusive, threatening and drunken behaviour.
Unfortunately Angus Council and Tayside Police can offer us little assistance in dealing with this anti-social behaviour and we have to self-police with the help of responsible visitors.
This year, Angus Council has made an application for the Rural Seaside Award at Lunan Bay so please help to make Lunan Bay a place that everyone will want to visit.
Bonnie Blair-Imrie.Lunan Life,Kinclevin,Inverkeilor,Arbroath.
Little has changed
Sir,-John Nicoll and Geoff Bray (letters April 13) understandably lament the opposition to the Christian faith demonstrated, not for the first time, by Messrs Moreton and McBay.
Over 2000 years some things have changed little.
Jesus, at the first Easter, was surrounded by believers, by the indifferent, by scoffers, and by those who opposed Him, even seeking His life.
It seems that the same groups are around today, but none of those who oppose Jesus can destroy the truth of His words or His life.
His response, even from the cross? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23 verse 34).
Stuart Wishart.12 Walnut Grove,Blairgowrie.
Our efforts won’t help
Sir,-Dundee, a city of many ships with the name Discovery, although I can find only one, will soon be known as Turbine Town, if the Government continues to offer million pound grants to any business that erects a couple of wind towers on its premises.
This, they say, will reduce the carbon footprint of our city by offering an alternative to electricity generated by hydro power.
I had no idea hydro power produced a carbon footprint, but evidently it must? I don’t think so!
Undoubtedly, any business that generates its own electricity in this way will save money long-term, but it will have no effect on our carbon footprint. Back in the Sixties we were asked to consider the burgeoning world population when planning a family and, being socially responsible, I had only one child. That population has since doubled!
Scotland is a small country. Anything we do to effect world change is a complete and utter waste of time. Yes, the growing world population and carbon footprint are problems, but our efforts won’t fix them — but they will put us in a fix! We can’t afford it and now our population is demographically skewed and inadequate to our economy’s need.
They should shut up, or speak only to admit they’ve been wrong so many times!
Leslie Milligan.18b Myrtlehall Gardens,Dundee.