Today’s letters include a reply to Jim Crumley’s column on ptarmigan, the cost of policing marches, cuts, election plans, renewable energy, and climate science.
Game shooting contributes to conservation Sir,-Jim Crumley has been selective in his view of ptarmigan (July 6). It is the concern that the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust has for conservation that has prompted us to work with the Cairngorms National Park Authority to understand more about trends and impacts on this species, exactly what Mr Crumley suggests in his last paragraph.
Mr Crumley assumes that shooting has a major impact on ptarmigan, something this study is hoping to assess, rather than jump to conclusions.
To do this and avoid the criticisms Mr Crumley raises about short-term studies, we will be using our datasets which extend back over 100 years.
Management associated with shooting has been shown by our research to promote a three-fold improvement in the conservation status of wading birds on moorland. It would be surprising if a similar effect were not seen to benefit ptarmigan.
Game and wildlife conservation is a holistic approach that reflects Scotland’s working landscape. In fact, the title to Mr Crumley’s article makes our point very well integrating game and wildlife is the best way of making conservation easy.
(Dr) Adam Smith.Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust,Scone Airport.
Public pay price for democracy
Sir,- Perth and Kinross licensing committee chairman, Peter Mulherron, thanked the marchers for their good manners, organisation and discipline during their march at the end of last month.
He also praised the police for their “excellent performance” during the march.
Tayside Police provided 100 officers, supplemented by 20 special constables, to ensure the event went smoothly.
I am not concerned about such parades but, as a taxpayer, I object to footing the bill for policing and to the inconvenience caused by the presence of so many thousands of incomers.
Allow people their democratic right to demonstrate but the marchers should pay for the privilege the total cost of policing, plus a hefty deposit against possible claims for damage, injury or loss of business returnable only in the event of a satisfactory outcome.
The same applies to sports and other activities, such as football matches.
A football club should pay the costs of all policing, damage and injury resulting directly from their fixtures.
If people want such events, let them pay properly for them and not land taxpayers with the bill.
George K. McMillan.5 Mount Tabor Avenue,Perth.
Forces suffer for bank blunders
Sir,-I cannot understand the Government plans to reduce our armed forces again. It is not as if they are not earning their money, compared to the people who are thinking about this idea. If the Government want to reduce the country’s debt, why don’t they begin by stopping the immigration explosion that is on our doorstep?
Then target all the people who have been living on benefits for years with no intention of working. Then perhaps we could trim.
This country is in debt not because of working but because of the money that was given to the banks. Why is it our forces always come to the fore when cuts are announced?
Ali Aitken.3 Lamb Terrace, Arbroath.
Disrespect for devolution
Sir,-The intention to hold a referendum on the alternative voting system on the same day as the Scottish Parliamentary elections on May 5, 2011, beggars belief.
The referendum will also happen on the same day as the Welsh Assembly elections and despite promoting a respect agenda with the devolved administrations, the UK Government did not consult with Edinburgh and Cardiff.
Despite potential confusion they are quite happy to simply piggyback on the back of these elections.
The London parties seem prepared to have a referendum on a voting system they don’t really support, are happy to give the Welsh a vote on increased powers but will not allow the Scots a referendum over their nation’s constitutional future.
Alex Orr.Flat 8,35 Bryson Road,Edinburgh.
Tap into wave of tidal power
Sir,-I fully concur that Dundee should get in on the renewable energy business, but not wind turbines. They are being overtaken by the tidal generator industry.
A tidal generator is 88% efficient runs 22/7, can produce greater megawatt output than most wind turbines, costs nothing in fuel or transport, does not harm the environment or marine life and only shows the generator housing above water at low tide.
John Cruickshank.Meadowview Drive,Inchture.
Are our CO2 levels too low?
Sir,-As a non-scientist I’ve enjoyed the debate in your columns on climate change and, having read both sides, agree with the sceptics. The global warming campaign seems to be a money-making caper based on half-truths and dodgy science.
The crux is not whether CO2 is man-made but whether it is harmful. It seems the case that it is in fact vital to plant life forms, with some scientists beginning to suggest that present levels are too low.
Robert Dow.Ormiston Road,Tranent.
Bonfire of climate theory
Sir,-Climate campaigners are correct that growing trees and burning them is carbon neutral.
However, it can take up to 20 years to grow a tree and less than one day to burn it.
Perhaps someone can explain how, if we keep reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to zero, how we can expect crops to grow?
Douglas W. Tott.Bruichladdich,Isle of Islay.
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.