Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – Your correspondent Jim Crumley’s extreme distrust of Donald Trump’s record in business and his investments in Aberdeenshire must not blind us to Mr Trump’s declared ”war” on the impact of wind turbines on Scotland.
These renewables installations represent the worst threats to our nation since the Clydebank blitz in the early 1940s, given their damage to Scotland’s land and seascapes and finances, for next to no useful return to ordinary people.
During the Second World War, Soviet Russia, as a war ally, made a critical difference in its outcome.
Many then may have had qualms about having Joseph Stalin and the Soviets as allies.
Jim Crumley should agree that Mr Trump is no Stalin and that he is a main ally in the defence of Scotland and perhaps later the rest of the UK from these useless but appallingly damaging turbines and their powerlines.
We should be very grateful that Mr Trump has set his face against the anti-Scotland threat of the turbines, since his support could make the crucial difference in the fight against them.
(Dr) Charles Wardrop.111 Viewlands Road West,Perth.
Putting the record straight
Sir, – May I be allowed to put the record straight concerning the Eric Joyce article (April 30) and my title at Perth Academy?
First of all, I was an assistant rector, not depute.
As for Eric Joyce’s claim that my memory of the incident which led to his voluntarily leaving Perth Academy was ”understandably a little hazy”, it is not!
Mr Joyce also maintained that I did not say why somebody was trying to restrain him. I did!
On the day of the confrontation, I saw the whole incident from the moment Eric appeared struggling in the arms of the head boy. It was not a teacher, as Eric claims.
It was lunchtime and I left my storeroom where I was working and told the head boy not to let go while I tried to calm Eric down.
His fists and feet were lashing out in all directions!
The head boy told me he had asked Eric to leave a girls’ form room where he was visiting his girlfriend against school rules and Eric cut up rough, hence the confrontation.
As I was trying to calm the situation, an assistant rector, Eddie Hunter, came along and took over.
The last I saw of Eric at Perth Academy was his being escorted along the corridor in the direction of the rector’s room.
When Eric refused his punishment, the rector, Neil McCorkindale, told him and his mother that Eric had a choice; he could take the punishment or leave. Eric chose to leave. He was not expelled.
If Eric found the regime at Perth Academy so repressive and if, as he claims, he was bullied and assaulted by teachers and belted almost every day why, then, was he so anxious to be allowed to stay and why did his mother ”beg” for her son to ”have another chance”?
He does himself no favours trying to besmirch the reputation of a first-rate headmaster and school.
George K McMillan.5 Mount Tabor Avenue,Perth.
Uniforms stifle creativity
Sir, – I have brought up three children on my own. They all attended Carnoustie High School and I never forced any of my children to wear school uniform.
I have a business background with an MBA in entrepreneurship. I believe that forcing our children to wear an ”acceptable” uniform stifles creativity and individuality.
In a modern society these are the personal attributes that we need to encourage, to ”add value” to our most post-modern valuable skill.
We need to foster in our young people a sense of self.
This is clearly evident in our North American neighbours, and this sense of self is lacking in Japanese society.
As a parting shot, our very individual Richard Branson was never one to follow the rules, he was more ”what can I do that is going to create wealth and a sense of achievement?”
Robbie Sharpe.Carnoustie.
A great golfing experience
Sir, – I really appreciated The Courier’s golf promotion held over previous weeks.
I was able to take advantage of five excellent courses.
The real gem was the Saline Golf Club. First there was the warmth of the reception we received both from the administration and ground staff and also the local people we met.
Although the course is only nine holes and is physically demanding, the breathtaking panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort.
Another plus is that it only cost £6 for a day ticket for OAPs.
I urge golfers to experience it. I certainly will go back again.
Alister Rankin.93 Whyterose Terrace,Methil,Leven.
Still offers the same value
Sir, – Commenting on the rise in the cost of stamps, a Royal Mail spokeswoman stated that the service still offers value for money.
Does this explain why a letter posted 13 miles away in Pitlochry on February 1 arrived here on Saturday April 28?
Alan Walker.Struan Hall,Calvine,Perthshire.
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.