Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – I was shocked to read in the farming section of The Courier (March 10) that a vintage tractor is to be driven over 200 miles on public roads at a “top speed” of 23 miles per hour.
This raises several areas of concern, I feel. Firstly, it is bad enough being stuck behind a “modern” tractor, complete with big pointy attachments, chugging along at 30mph in the rush hour spraying mud all over the road and the inevitable queue of cars. At least we can accept an urgent bit of ploughing that can’t possibly wait until after nine o’clock is required.
Secondly, as we attempt to save the planet by cutting back on emissions, how much CO2 is a vintage diesel engine going to pump into the atmosphere during this jaunt?
Thirdly, in this time of austerity with hauliers, farmers and other road uses rightly claiming they cannot afford the fuel to carry out essential tasks, is it the wisest move to drive 200 miles on what is essentially a pointless journey then go back home I presume on a trailer pulled by a Land Rover using more fuel and pumping out more fumes?
I would also expect that any spot check by HM Customs and Excise would reveal duty paid diesel as this trip is not for purposes “relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry”.
So come on RSAIB, surely there must be a more appropriate way of raising funds for what I am sure is a worthy cause other than causing hold-ups and pollution.
Gil Sharp.7 Fontstane Road,Monifieth.
The future of the UK lies in secularism
Sir, – The Rev Randall joins the fight against the so-called aggressive secularism (Letters, March 10), which appears to be feared by many including a Catholic cardinal, Anglican bishops, and at least one baroness.
I wonder if these Christians living in a multi-racial and inclusive Britain appreciate that a secular-based society does not threaten or oppose the belief and worship of any religion?
The real future of the UK lies in a fully secular society which tolerates and allows the fullest freedom to everyone whether religious or not.
I doubt if anyone actually believes, or can prove, that councillors or MSPs make better decisions if they pray beforehand.
It’s ironic that John F Kennedy, a devout Catholic, on becoming President of the USA, which claims to be Christian, believed in an America that was neither Catholic, Protestant nor Jewish and where no public official accepts instruction on public policy from any ecclesiastical source.
In 1960 Kennedy did not include Islam but surely he would do in 2012.
JFK, like most Humanists, wished that no religious body should seek to impose its will upon the general population or the public acts of its officials.
The truth is that public life is one we all share on an enclosed island which, for a peaceful future, must find a balance of tolerance and understanding between the various religious faithful and non-believers.
For Christians to claim they have a pre-eminence in that public life is simply self-delusion.
Angus Brown.The Orchard, Station Road,Longforgan.
Responsible renewables
Sir, – I refer to a letter from Mary Henderson (March 5) and would like to address some misunderstandings.
Firstly, Ms Henderson referred to the planned biomass plant being “better if it generated heat as well as power”.
I can assure readers that from the very beginning of our project planning process Forth Energy has proposed to develop a wood-fuelled combined heat and power plant for Dundee. We are committed to bringing renewable heat to Dundee and see this is an integral part of our plans.
The letter also made reference to our involvement in Dundee’s strategic plan and a ‘demand’ we made. Just to be clear, we participated in the TAYPlan consultation process in order to try to make sure that the use of renewable heat is facilitated by the planning system.
We want to use heat and want planning policy to enable this.
Ms Henderson also made reference to the job numbers to be created at the plant. Our job numbers are based on robust evidence and experience and we expect to bring 500 jobs during the construction phase and 70 permanent jobs at the port.
We plan to bring reliable, responsible and renewable heat and power to Dundee and that we will play a key role in Dundee’s renewables future.
Calum Wilson.Managing director,Forth Energy.
Age card played inappropriately
Sir, – Mr McGregor-Paas (Letters, March 13), makes some valid points but betrays his immaturity in his final paragraph.
Should Britain once again be forced to take military action to protect the Falkland Islands it will be because of the continued aggressive policies of Argentina, exactly as it was in 1982.
Perhaps he should reflect on the relative youth of our Prime Minister compared to Argentina’s recent leaders before playing the age card in such an inappropriate way.
David Finlayson.16 Burnside Street, Carnoustie.
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. Letters should be accompanied by an address and a daytime telephone number.