Sir, With reference to Jim Crumley’s excellent article in (February 12) regarding the windfarm scarring of our country, when are the people of Scotland going to waken up and reject this insane destruction of our countryside?
On December 14, 2012, a page in The Courier was dedicated to protesting about windfarms and contained a contact email address for Alex Salmond. I sent an email and received an automated email in response telling me that if I wasn’t a resident of Aberdeenshire east I must contact the SNP by email. I did and there is still no answer.
If windfarms are to replace all other power generating systems ie nuclear, gas, coal then, according to the latest G/Watt output figures, there will have to be 80 to 100 times the number of windfarms already in operation. Can you imagine the destruction of our countryside if that was to happen?
People should be reminded windfarms only work when the wind blows and are only 20% efficient on a good day, not to mention their other failings. Scotland has the talent, knowledge, inventiveness and engineering ability to create alternative power generation systems. Why don’t we, in the meantime, keep what works, but invest in the future?
When alternatives are proven we can then start manufacturing and selling to the rest of the world, helping to recover our manufacturing industry and retaining our wonderful landscapes for all to enjoy.
Roy Bayne. 2 Isla Grove, Alyth.
Key assumption is questionable
Sir, Mr David Torrance’s key assumption behind his conclusion (Letters, February 11) that gas prices will inevitably rise making wind power cheaper is highly questionable. There are vast amounts of natural gas being discovered all over Europe and especially in England where it is estimated, at the very least, 100 years’ supply exists and which is extractable.
Experts believe reserves are 200 times more than was previously thought. America has seen its energy costs through natural gas tumble in recent years and it is highly likely the same will happen here and every country with proven reserves. Will the price of natural gas come down?
The “dash for gas” which will require no subsidies and is clean burning will inevitably outpace the “wind rush” and its reliance on huge subsidies which commit Scots to increasing costs as the number of turbines grow.
As for carbon capture and storage it could be said that it is dead and buried as a viable option for CO2 sequestration.
Not only is it hugely expensive to fit and operate but also recent tests show that infusing rock layers with CO2-saturated aqueous fluid can alter the properties of caprock, leading to the escape of the sequestered carbon back into the environment. Perhaps it is Mr Torrance who should check his facts before accusing others of making “ridiculous claims”.
Iain G Richmond. Guildy House, Monikie.
Would have been appalled
Sir, I write as a disillusioned observer of proceedings at First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish Parliament. The Labour Leader, Johann Lamont, was completely justified recently during FMQs when she accused SNP backbenchers of braying when opposition leaders put quite valid questions to Alex Salmond.
She also made the point that most questions asked by SNP members are so well vetted that they become irrelevant to the debate.
First Minister’s Questions is appallingly awful Mr Salmond makes every attempt to ridicule, in turn, the points made by the Labour, Tory and Lib-Dem leaders. In this ploy he gets full support from the rows of “hyenas”.
Donald Dewar, advocate of the concept of the Scottish Executive, would have been appalled at the behaviour of certain SNP politicians within the debating chamber in today’s parliament.
Robert I G Scott. Northfield, Ceres.
Only praise
Sir, After the recent publicity about the dreadful treatment of patients at some of the NHS hospitals around the country I would like to write in praise of Ninewells.
I have been attending there for treatment for the past five months and have nothing but praise for them.
I recently had my last treatment in ward 32 and I thank all the staff for their care, kindness and thoughtfulness.
They were wonderful and have helped me through a very difficult time.
Shaleen Perratt. 3 Whinfield Way, Montrose.
Restore Roary
Sir, I was so very sad to read that vandals had chopped down Roary (“Guardian” of Glenfarg destroyed by vandals, Courier February 1). Every time I drive through Glenfarg I look for him.
The vandals should be made to restore him. It will take some time and, no doubt, they’ll resent the work involved but this would do two things: restore the village’s pride and joy and teach the culprits not to destroy cherished things of beauty just because, in a fit of drunkenness, they can.
It might even teach them gardening skills which they could then use to earn a living in the future.
Lovina Roe. Glasgow Road, Perth.