Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – Along with hundreds of other people I ventured out hoping to see the Olympic torch.
I am disabled, so after driving to many places in Fife and being unable to find a place to park where I could see the torch passing I went to the car park at the end of the Tay Road Bridge.
After unloading my disability scooter from my car I managed to negotiate my way under the bridge, up a very bumpy path, on to the grass (with assistance) and then sat at the roadside with many others to await the torch.
What a farce! We saw lots of police cars, police motorbikes and eventually some vehicles which were presumably connected with the torch entourage.
We were then told that the torch had passed us in a vehicle, so quite a few people left, very disappointed.
We were then informed by a policeman that the torch was still to come, but would be in a car.
A few more vehicles passed by but if the torch was in one of them, we were none the wiser. What a waste of time!
Surely all this sort of information could have been made clear to people so we would have known exactly what was happening and planned accordingly.
Kathy Curran.The Gauldry,Newport.
So much for a first-class Royal Mail service
Sir, – As I arrived home the other day a Royal Mail delivery van was parked outside. As I drew up the delivery men got into the van and drove off.
On opening my door I found a ”non-delivery” card so followed the van to its next stop, some 100 yards away.
When I asked for my parcel I was advised that as it had been entered into the Post Office computer as undelivered it would have to be returned to the East Balgillo Delivery Office, where I could pick it up the following day showing the same identification to the office staff as was available to the delivery men.
I immediately phoned Royal Mail complaints who confirmed the men’s actions were correct.
The fact that the recorded delivery package was urgently needed seemed to be of no concern to the organisation at any level.
Is this the first-class service to which the Royal Mail aspires? If so, roll on the day when some real competition is introduced!
R Rooney.18 Dores Drive,Broughty Ferry.
Always someone purloining symbols
Sir, – I was interested to read your front page story about Dave Coull, ”Police visit baffles Olympic protestor” (June 11) and I now regret that I overlooked his original letter in The Courier.
While I have no quarrel with him about his recent mention of Goebbels’ connection and theatricals regarding the 1936 games to which he refers, the way the torch is sent round the whole country to tell people that the games are on if not actually to summon them reminds me mostly of the Highland tradition of the Fiery Cross (Crann Tara in Gaelic) which was sent round a clan’s territory at the behest the clan chief to summon the clansmen to arms at recognised trysting points.
Sadly, there are many unsavoury groups and/or individuals who seek to purloin historic and well-loved traditions and symbols (eg national flags) for their own purposes.
My own view is that we should not allow such people to usurp these traditions or, as in the case of the Olympic torch/fiery cross, to detract from our proper understanding of the ancient Scottish connections with this particular practice.
Adrian Grant.7 Shiels Avenue,Freuchie.
Dualling and safety zones needed
Sir, – In response to N Sinclair’s letter ”The answer” (June 12), his definitive solution to categorically end the ongoing accident statistics on the A9 was an enforced lower speed restriction.
I have lived in Norway for three years now and in a country renowned for its low speed limits (and, as I have found out, once-in-a-while indicator use), I can tell you purely low speed is absolutely not the answer.
To drive to Oslo from my town a distance of approximately 150 miles takes nearly four hours and, just like the A9, only small sections are dual (60mph) carriageway, while the majority is single lane of between 30 and 40mph driving.
I have lost count of the number of occasions that the single road sections have been completely blocked by aggressive and impatient overtaking as a result of frustration.
An absolute answer can never be guaranteed but the A9 needs complete dualling with safety zone flyover access for local traffic as a minimum.
It’s the idiots who kill, no matter the circumstances or environment.
Kenneth Valentine.Arendal,Norway.
A9 cycle hazard
Sir, – I have travelled up the A9 twice within the last fortnight and on both journeys I came across cyclists on the main A9 road, on non-dual carriageway sections where a cycle path of 40 miles has been provided at some cost.
One overtaking incident was witnessed involving north-bound cyclists which nearly led to an accident.
Apparently there is no law to compel cyclists to use the path provided.
Surely it would be a good idea to highlight this facility with prominent signage at either end and en route?
L M Thomson.Dundee.
Formula 1 track
Sir, – I have finally worked out what Dundee City Council are developing at the waterfront.
A few years ago I was fortunate enough to visit Monte Carlo and its waterfront looked very similar to what’s taking shape in Dundee!
Dundee City Council will soon be applying to have the British Grand Prix on the new Formula 1 Track now being formed in the city!
Anne H F Lowe.Tayport.
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.