Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – My fears over Alex Salmond’s attitude to democracy and wind turbines have been corroborated. He is quoted as saying: ”There was no serious evidence that windfarms were incompatible with good scenery.”
He then went on to say: ”There is no amount of noise or foot stamping that’s going to distract the Scottish Government from discharging its responsibilities properly.”
If this isn’t enough he goes on to say that there was no contradiction to promoting green energy while continuing to extract hydrocarbons from the North Sea!
I know this may not be an issue for city folk but ultimately it will be.
I quote John Muir: ”Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilised people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”
The grotesque proliferation of obscenely subsidised windfarms all over Scotland will soon put a stop to this revitalising activity for thousands of people.
Mr Salmond has made a major policy blunder in his energy strategy and bit by bit it’s falling apart.
Iain G Richmond.Guildy House,Kirkton of Monikie.
Take part in consultation
Sir, – Your article about the possibility of a residents’ parking scheme for Dundee’s West End (October 11, Dundee edition) erroneously states that ”the issue was dropped by the previous Labour-Liberal Democrat administration but has been revived by the ruling SNP group”.
As the planning and transport convener in that previous administration, I can advise that, in fact, moving on from a report by Buchanan transport consultants in 2008, it was the intention of the previous administration to move swiftly to consult with residents on detailed proposals to improve parking in West End given that the Buchanan report indicated there was real difficulty for residents getting parked and possible support for some form of parking scheme.
The current administration that took over in early 2009 has moved with all the pace of a snail on taking the matter forward but more than three years late at last there will be a public consultation on proposals about the parking issue.
I would urge residents to take part in the parking public consultation when it takes place. There is no simple magic solution that will resolve the parking problems many in the West End face, but getting the views of all local residents and businesses will be vital in terms of bringing forward solutions that the community feel will be of benefit.
Cllr Fraser Macpherson.West End Ward,Dundee City Council.
No duplication of services
Sir, – Whether Mr Stewart (October 8) likes it or not Catholics are a part of the population in Scotland.
If a Catholic school is available we will use it. There is no duplication of services as these children would need to be educated regardless.
Our local Catholic primary runs at well below the national average costs per pupil and is well attended by both Catholics and non-Catholics from every social background and many nationalities.
A review of education in Fife is pointing out that it is the small rural schools which are the most expensive to run. Would Mr Stewart advocate closing all of them down?
I don’t think anyone is foolish enough to believe his argument is based on economics. I would also be thrilled to know what loophole ”Atheist Scotland” have found that means those with children in a faith school need not pay taxes.
Anne Hinojosa.12 Bowling Green Road,Markinch.
“Periodical fits of morality”
Sir, – ”We know no spectacle so ridiculous,” wrote Thomas Macaulay almost two centuries ago, ”as the British public in one of its periodical fits of morality.”
Certainly the decision of distant relatives to have Jimmy Savile’s headstone smashed and dumped in a skip in the dead of night would have impressed even the Victorians.
My recollection of the 1960s is that pretty much everything that could go on, went on and if Savile took advantage of what was on offer from teenage groupies, he was not alone.
What I find just as repellent is the sight of so many coming forward now he is dead to allege 40-year-old stuff with the clear intention of being compensated from his charities.
Dr John Cameron.10 Howard Place,St Andrews.
They need to work together
Sir, – As a Brechin resident I am very concerned at the impact the £45 million black hole in our council finances will have on Angus in the coming years.
To help us come through this difficult situation stronger and with hope for the future, could I ask that all our councillors put aside their differences, political and personal, and work closely together in the best interest for all of Angus?
Grahame Lockhart.15 Scott Street,Brechin.
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.