This morning’s letters to The Courier editor focus on the renewables industry, concern for the future of Arbroath, benefit dependency, and defence cuts.
Renewables industry needs social conscience Sir,-Forth Energy’s claim that there is no precedent in Department of Energy and Climate Change consents for community benefit packages in regard to sustainable energy proposals (July 2) is surely incorrect.
Are corporate memories so short that the proposers of this controversial scheme have forgotten that prior to privatisation the statutes of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board explicitly contained a social clause?
Their argument that Tayside needs a biomass plant to prove its renewable credentials is also a bit insulting.
As a Competition Commission report reminded the public back in 1985, “The North Board’s statutes contain some unique features, notably the requirement in siting its plant and equipment to have regard to the beauty of the environment and the social clause requiring it to collaborate in the carrying out of any measures for the economic development and improvement of its territory”.
Forth Energy is of course a joint subsidiary of Forth Ports and SSE (created from Scottish Hydro in 1998) so they must know that hydro is a renewable which is, if anything, more eco-friendly as a power source for Dundee than burning their imported wood chips.
They should also remember that wind-power generation of electricity was first pioneered by James Blyth in Montrose in the 1880s and that Europe’s first district heating system was built in Logie, Dundee, back in 1919.
Neil Robertson.4 Glamis Terrace,Dundee.
Invest in Scotland’s future
Sir,-I noted with regret that Scottish based SeaEnergy has been forced to put its offshore windfarm subsidiary up for sale after it failed to raise sufficient funding from investors.
SeaEnergy’s situation is not unique. Attempts by developers across Scotland to pursue green schemes such as wind farms and new marine renewable energy technology are significantly hampered by a lack of funding.
The public sector has signalled its support for renewable energy technologies but this alone is not enough. If we are to realise the full potential of renewable energy, traditional investors must be encouraged to release funding and provide developers with greater access to capital.
Now is the time for private funders to look beyond the initial capital expenditure and recognise the long-term benefit in investing in the future of renewable energy, before a lack of funding forces further companies to abandon their green vision.
Tom Speirs.Partner,HBJ Gateley Wareing,19 Canning Street,Edinburgh.
Once-proud town in distress
Sir,-What ails a marvellous town such as Arbroath?
Its location is enviable and its harbour and marina are a draw for visitors.
Its standard of housing and buoyant property prices are indicators of wealth.
Yet its High Street tells a different story. It is populated by charity shops, pounds shops, chemists and bookies.
I recall a very different town centre from visits in my youth, one containing a healthy mix of independent enterprises and national chains.
On my most recent visit, I noted that even the Iceland food store is to close.
By contrast, Montrose and Forfar town centres host a variety of small, specialist shops as well as multiples. They both appear vibrant.
If Arbroath does not lack money, what is wrong? Are locals spending it all in Dundee?
It is sad to see one of Scotland’s great tourist destinations in such a distressed condition.
Bob Ferguson.North Muirton,Perth.
Time to stretch workshy Scots?
Sir,-Your report (July 3) that Scots are shirking hard graft takes us neatly to the next big debate in the UK benefit entitlement.
There would appear to be good reasons why Scots are not turning their backs on benefits and taking to the berryfields.
The work is temporary and irregular so why risk losing benefits for a short spell of work?
However, by allowing those willing to take to the fields to continue to claim benefits, may instil in them a culture of work.
It may break the ceiling of lethargy that traps some by no means all in benefit dependency.
Robert Anderson.Kirkton,Arbroath.
New defence battle looms
Sir,-In response to the remarks by Brigadier George Lowder (July 1) regarding the further loss of what remnants of the Golden Threads that are left, it is insulting that he wishes to educate the public and current and former service personnel that they should be “mature” regarding defence cuts.
No surprise then that a willing participant in the demise of his own regiment, the Royal Scots, he glibly and without any evidence says the whole army was a willing party then to the destructive changes.
During the campaign, we rejected this claim based on the volume of serving soldiers and their families who contacted us to voice their rejection of the proposals.
Has he forgotten that serving soldiers at all levels went public to oppose those changes?
There was a 155,000-name petition. Rallies were staged in Dundee, Edinburgh, Stirling and London, with many thousands turning out to oppose what Brigadier Lowder and most of his cohorts foisted upon the armed forces.
Something that was so universally opposed will again be vigorously challenged publicly if it turns out that further losses are to be visited on the Scottish battalions.
Jeff Duncan.PO Box 10083,Dundee.
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.