Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – Jenny Hjul’s enthusiasm for music tuition and the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland is certainly shared by many, as are her observations about Nicola Benedetti and her mentoring role with The Big Noise Il Sistema project in Raploch (Courier, May 9).
But her criticism of ”public bodies, nationally and locally” involved in the teaching of music seems too ideological. In arguing for musicians to take the lead she forgets, for example, that the music portfolio manager of Creative Scotland played horn for the RSNO.
And the Cultural Commission which she dismisses included Dundee traditional singer Sheena Wellington and was chaired by James Boyle of the BBC a moving force along with the SNP’s Linda Fabiani in winning Glasgow Unesco City of Music status.
In praising Nicola Benedetti too Ms Hjul omits to mention that her participation in NYOS, starting at the age of nine with their children’s orchestra, might not have happened without the critical support of Scotland’s local authorities in helping set NYOS up in the 1970s.
Not only that, but if at inception wise heads including the journalist Colin McLean, the lawyer Paul Pia and Tayside’s director of education had followed the advice of musicians, NYOS might have ended up adopting a constitution that excluded Benedettis.
National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain excluded full-time music students in colleges because of objections by musicians over fees and union membership, and had restrictions on country of residence. NYOS was in contrast from the outset made open to all.
It should never be forgotten either that it was a ”weel-kent Tory fiddler” Lord Forsyth who cut back local authority music tuition in the 1990s provoking widespread outrage and headlines about Nero fiddling when Selkirk High School students offered him a violin!
Neil Robertson.4 Glamis Terrace,Dundee.
Comments highlight need for investment
Sir, – Mr Windsor (Letters, May 8) and his wife have clearly had unfortunate experiences with some cyclists, for which he has my sympathy.
We can probably all relate to meeting inconsiderate people whether they be on bikes, in cars or on foot. Cyclists are no better, or worse, than any other form of transport in this regard and it is wrong to tar everyone with the same brush based on the behaviour of a few.
His experiences, however, illustrate two points firstly, the lack of proper investment in cycle training over the last generation means many of those taking to two wheels do not understand how their actions affect other people or how to ride appropriately on the road.
This is addressed in the new Bikeability scheme, the long overdue replacement for the old cycling proficiency, and funding needs to be put in place so that all children have access to this as part of their education. Many councils now offer such training for adults as well.
The second issue is the very real fear that arises from being passed closely and at speed. Whilst a collision is extremely unlikely, it is an unpleasant experience.
It is for precisely this reason that many ordinary law-abiding folk abandon the bike for the car or the road for the pavement after a few trips around town.
If anything, Mr Windsor’s comments, whilst insulting to the vast majority of people who ride bikes lawfully and considerately, highlight the urgent need for investment in training and infrastructure which will make cities such as Perth and Dundee far more pleasant places to be on foot or on bicycle.
David Martin.Dundee and District Cyclists Association.
Just look after themselves
Sir, – Dundee United chairman Stephen Thomson was quoted as saying ”We’ve got to think about our own clubs and about the whole of Scottish football” regarding the plight of Rangers.
When has the SPL thought about the rest of Scottish football?
They did away with the A-team league to start an under-21 league long gone. Their 10,000-seat rule was a shambles and ruined some clubs. Inverness Caledonian Thistle were not going to be allowed entry until public outrage won the day.
Aberdeen finished bottom but were saved by the clique who debarred Falkirk through the 10,000 seats rule.
George Aimer.Kinghorne Road,Dundee.
Unanswered questions
Sir, – In Tuesday’s letters Mr Stoakes blames the candidates in the council elections for not being proactive enough to leaflet or knock on doors before the election.
Worse than this, I emailed all six candidates in the Ferry Ward asking them their views on the redefinition of marriage. Only two bothered to reply Derek Scott and Laurie Bidwell.
It takes minutes to reply to an email asking two very short and specific questions. If candidates can’t even do that, what chances are there that they’ll be knocking on doors?
If the Scottish Government change the law on same-sex marriage there will be consequences for local councils the use of council properties, whether council employed registrars will be required to be involved in same-sex marriage services, what same-sex marriage literature will be made available in schools.
This is a current issue that would have been important to many voters yet the questions remained unanswered by the majority of candidates.
Clare McGraw.12a Castle Terrace,Broughty Ferry.
Keen to explain
Sir, – I was surprised by the high number of incorrectly filled-in voting forms. It’s my understanding every voter had the process explained to them.
I certainly did and found the underused staff at my polling station very friendly and keen to explain.
D D Robertson.Arbroath.
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.