Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir,-In today’s edition (September 5) you describe the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge “dedicated to marines who trained in the area during the Second World War.”
As I understand it, the memorial, erected in 1952, commemorates men of the twelve commando units formed in the period 1940-41. These units did include Royal Marines but mostly they were drawn from army infantry regiments.
They were trained at Inveraray and, later, at Achnacarry.
Famous leaders such as Lt Col Lord Lovat (No 4), Lt Col Newman (No 2) and Lt Col Keyes (No 9) were army officers.
The Royal Marines did not adopt a commando format for their units until later.
Let us not forget the service of other corps.
Alex Mouat.2 Graham Crescent, Montrose.
Persecution is often ignored
Sir,-It isn’t fair: for years now the media, and in particular the BBC, have been ramming it down our throats that we live in a post-Christian society and promote secular humanism.
Yet now that the consequences of this government’s choices have become all too apparent in the breakdown of law and order and morality, people are expected to adhere to laws, moral standards and codes of selflessness and caring that were founded on Judeo-Christian principles now rejected.
In our bid to create tolerance we build mosques whilst ignoring the persecution and torture of Christians in Islamic countries.
The only way we can save the situation is to once more resume progress and development towards being a Christian society.
Ann Robertson.Kirriemuir.
Tory makeover not enough to win
Sir,-I fear that Murdo Fraser’s attempt at giving his party independence from the rest of the UK Conservative Party may require more than just a change of name and branding in Scotland.
His assertion also poses the question of why political independence is good enough for the Scottish Tories, when they oppose independence for the rest of us.
Murdo is right in the sense that there is probably space for a right-of-centre party that does not carry the political baggage of Thatcher and Forsyth.
The challenge would be to embrace building a successful economy and entrepreneurial spirit in an independent state.
Until a “thirled to the Union” mindset changes, whatever Mr Fraser suggests is just another blue rinse or change of badge.
(Cllr) Douglas Chapman.Fife Council.
Followed good advice in book
Sir,-I was delighted to read Dr Walter Yellowlees (September 2) draw attention to the many people causing a huge problem by their increasing consumption of sugar.
Many years ago I read his book and followed his way of life, coupled with my wife insisting on organic food.
The simple result is for all to see, as at 95 years old I can still cycle miles daily.
Neil Sinclair.New Fleurs,St Martins,Balbeggie.
Depends where you look
Sir,-Mr Roy Mitchell’s concern at a white goods recycling plant below the Friarton Bridge (August 30) seems misplaced.
From Kinnoull Hill it is possible to look east towards the Tay and the Carse of Gowrie, and from the bridge you only to have raise your eyes to enjoy the river and the Fair City.
The area below the bridge is an industrial zone, and the recycling plant provides a specialised service and jobs.
A few years back I was returning to Rosyth on the Zeebrugge ferry when a Dutch passenger spotted what he thought was a cathedral south of Edinburgh. It was Torness nuclear power station.
Rio de Janeiro may well have its Sugarloaf Mountain, but from the summit you can see both the fabulous beaches and the favelas, or slum areas.
John Crichton.6 Northampton Place, Forfar.
Turnout was not impressive
Sir,-I must spring to the defence of The Courier and its reporting of the Alexander/CBI comments, as criticised by Kevin Cordell (September 5).
The 2011 election, to which he refers, recorded a 47% turnout of the eligible electorate. Hardly an “overwhelming endorsement”.
He should also note that a simultaneously held referendum for changing the traditional voting system currently in use “overwhelmingly endorsed” the first past the post system. Perhaps he would like to comment on that.
A. T. Geddie.68 Carleton Avenue,Glenrothes.
Higher energy bills on the way
Sir,-Claims by our Energy Secretary, Chris Huhne, that energy price rises will be offset by people using less power have been criticised.
Energy consultants had forecast a 60% rise in electricity prices by 2020 with green taxes and infrastructure costs representing 40% of the total.
Wind power implies building the same capacity twice over. The intermittent nature of such energy requires a spinning reserve of close to 100%.
Renewables may have a place at the margin, or in remote locations.
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.