Sir, – With the possibility of a dance festival in the remains of Panmure Estate in Angus this summer, it would appear opinion is split as to whether it should be allowed to happen.
This event is shaping up to be quite a big deal and will no doubt result in thousands of people arriving in the area to attend. So is this to be embraced or opposed?
Provided it is properly managed and secured, maybe it will bring welcome revenue to the area.
Or maybe mayhem will ensue with the many revellers marauding around the scenic acres of a once grand estate. However, it could be that the deciding factor is going to be an elusive black and white furry mammal.
How many people can claim to have spent an enjoyable outing watching their local badger population playing in the countryside?
I am all for preserving nature but should we really be having our lives dictated by these nocturnal, disease carrying, burrowing mustelids?
Richard Clark. Craigton, Monikie.
Leave access for hedgehogs
Sir, – We were saddened, but not surprised, to read your report that according to a BBC Gardeners’ World survey, almost half of British people have never seen a hedgehog in their garden.
The population has declined by a third in urban areas and by half in rural ones since 2000, according to the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2015 report.
A big part of the problem is connectivity.
If a hedgehog cannot get into your garden, you are unlikely to see one there.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People’s Trust for Endangered Species have joined forces on a project called Hedgehog Street that is calling for homeowners to ensure there are 13cm x 13cm gaps in the bottom of boundary fences and walls to enable hedgehogs to move through the landscape.
We have recruited almost 38,000 hedgehog champions to date who help to spread the word.
Fay Vass. British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Hedgehog House, Dhustone, Ludlow.
Freedom from independence
Sir, – George Orwell said in his 1945 essay Notes on Nationalism that: “Nationalism causes dishonesty within people, as every nationalist, having chosen one side, persuades himself that his side is the strongest, regardless of the facts provided against his faction”.
He provided three characteristics describing those who follow the nationalistic sentiment: these are obsession, instability and indifference to reality.
He also suggested that the slightest slur or criticism from another faction causes them to retort or even act violently, since they realise they are serving a larger entity which provides them with this sense of security and thus have the obligation to defend it.
How true. I’ve come to accept the fact that a sizeable rump of Scottish nationalists probably represent the more extreme side of nationalistic ideology.
I think Nicola Sturgeon could drown kittens, as someone noted, and still be held up by her followers as their greatest leader with the ability to guarantee a fairer and more affluent society.
Scottish Government expenditure and revenue figures indisputably show the depth of the economic problem that would have scuppered Scotland for generations to come.
Not that that would deter the independence fanatics of course, who would gladly surrender sovereignty to Brussels and have the German economic and judicial jackboot placed firmly on their necks.
Indeed we could be wallowing in a morass of debt and crippling taxation but I believe fanatical nationalists would opine that “at least it’s our mess” rather than be in a mutually beneficial union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland that has endured for 300 years to the mutual benefit of us all.
However, let’s give a big thanks to all No voters who undoubtedly saved this nation from a social and financial calamity.
We should celebrate March 24 2016 not as Scotland’s independence day but the day Scotland found its freedom from independence.
Iain G Richmond. Guildy House, Monikie.
White Paper was wishful thinking
Sir, – With the news that an independent Scotland would have started life with a £15 billion deficit, it is beginning to look like the SNP White Paper on independence was a big fat lie which is arguably worse than Tony Blair’s WMD con, the difference being that the government of the day gave the people a chance to vote on it and thankfully they said no.
The SNP love commissioning reports and inquiries.
How about one on their referendum case, the main witness being former chief adviser to Alex Salmond, and author of much of the White Paper, Alex Bell, who has subsequently admitted it was all based on “wishful thinking”.
Allan Sutherland. 1 Willow Row, Stonehaven.
Victory for common sense
Sir, – It is now clear with the latest revenue figures that if we had voted for independence we would today find ourselves in a parlous financial position with worse to come once the full effect of the collapsing oil revenues are factored in.
To have to take a 10% cut in public sector expenditure this year rising to 15% next year would make the cuts, which we have made so far, look like a walk in the park.
No area, from the health service to welfare, would be immune.
The cuts which would be necessary would have resulted in large scale lay-offs in the public sector which would then have resulted in an increased demand for benefits which would make matters even worse.
Thank goodness common sense prevailed.
Councillor MacRoberts. Ward One, Carse of Cowrie, Perth and Kinross Council.
Relief at blocked wind turbine
Sir, – With reference to your article (March 9), as an objector and resident of Hospitalfield estate, Arbroath, I have to say that I am delighted that Angus Council has used its delegated powers to refuse planning permission.
However, I am a little concerned that Bairds Malt may lodge an appeal against the decision.
In my opinion, and that of many others I have spoken with, I feel that Bairds Malt is trying to scaremonger prior to the possibility of an appeal being lodged by saying that it provides employment for many families in the area.
I stress that it states “area” and not Arbroath.
I would further suggest that Bairds Malt is being very selfish in its attitude towards the hundreds of residents and families in Hosptalfield whose lives would be extremely affected both financially and physically by the erection of such a monstrosity.
They are giving little or no consideration to the visual impact on our historic town.
If Bairds Malt is so intent on reducing its costs, why does it not explore the possibility of using solar panels?
John Ramsay. 97 Patrick Alan Fraser Street, Arbroath.