Sir, Like many parents, I was appalled at the news of a judicial review being lodged to try to stop a new school being built, and only partially relieved to hear they currently lack the funds to carry it through.
Some people might be considering making contributions, but they should consider that it is not only children in NE Fife who will be harmed by this action.
The money to defend this challenge will come from the pockets of every council tax payer in Fife. It will be taken away from nurseries, schools, pensioners and other vulnerable people who rely on council services, road repairs, and so on.
This handful of individuals, unable to handle the fact that their views did not prevail in an open, democratic and lawful decision, are holding all of us to ransom. Potential contributors should also consider whether their money will simply be wasted.
The objectors complaint is about the outcome of the decision, according to their own words, but as far back as 1992 Lord President Hope in West v Secretary of State for Scotland clarified the scope of judicial review thus: “It is not competent for the court to review the act or decision on its merits, nor may it substitute its own opinion for that of the person or body to whom the matter has been delegated or entrusted.”
I urge potential contributors to look very hard at the nature of the case being brought and to consider who it will hurt, before parting with their hard-earned cash.
Luke Rendell. 24 Shoolbraids, St Andrews.
‘All right on the night’ attitude is irresponsible
Sir, As Wednesday’s editorial noted, currency is the key referendum issue and the real fears are coming not from English politicians but concerned Scottish financiers and economists.
The work of the Skye-born professor of economics at Glasgow University, Ron MacDonald, has been hugely influential with policy-makers and central bankers worldwide.
It is he and not a bunch of southern politicos who argues it would be wholly against the interests of the rUK to enter into currency union with an independent Scottish state.
In this he contradicts the most crucial of the First Minister’s many assertions: that a currency union would exist because it was in the interests of what was left of the UK to have one.
In fact, if it was set up along the lines described by Alex Salmond the financial markets would unravel it in weeks leading to economic turmoil and Grecian-style austerity.
The effect on jobs, businesses, pensions and savings would be incalculable and to pretend otherwise that it will be al lright on the night is profoundly irresponsible.
Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.
More ‘cannae’ than ‘canny’
Sir, I awoke on Wednesday morning with the sun shining and I felt happy. Then I read your letters page and was immediately cast under a pall of gloom.
When did Scotland become a nation peopled by those for whom every challenge in life is insurmountable?
Real life, as experienced by every other small European nation, is quite beyond us. You name it, we couldn’t do it.
One of your correspondents recently suggested Scots were “too canny” for independence. Judging by your recent correspondents, I’d suggest Scots are perhaps more the “cannae” people.
Henry Malcolm. 331 Clepington Road, Dundee.
Let down again by councillors
Sir, Once again our elected councillors in Angus Council make the front page of The Courier for all the wrong reasons. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and Britain so how sad our elected councillors let us down, the ones who elected them.
It wouldn’t be so bad if the article was newsworthy, but it is petty playground politics rearing its sorry head once again.
As an undecided voter in the forthcoming independence referendum I am put off voting if our elected local councillors are an example of the calibre of our future politicians, be they at Holyrood or Westminster.
Grahame Lockhart. 15 Scott Street, Brechin.
Staffing levels inadequate
Sir, I was very disappointed to read the headline in Tuesday’s edition of The Courier (August 12), “Damning report on care at Victoria”.
Many seeing this headline would not realise that it refers to only a few problems within this large hospital and I would like to redress the balance.
I was recently admitted as an emergency to the Victoria and spent three weeks between three different wards because of bed management problems (Admissions, Renal and Orthopaedic wards).
I cannot speak highly enough of the care and kindness I received in all areas.
What did concern me, however, were the inadequate staffing levels placing an unrealistic workload on the nurses. I have no doubt that if this was addressed the problems highlighted in your article could be eliminated.
Alice Hall. 6 Hewitt Place, Aberdour.