Sir, I was disturbed to read that 38 white tailed (sea) eagles were killed during a five-year period on one small island in Norway by wind turbines.
Twelve of these raptors were satellite tagged and killed over a nine-month period.
Of course, it goes without saying the actual number is much higher due to predation of the injured and dead by both “windfarmer” and wild animals.
That rate of attrition could severely threaten the survival of the species on the west and east coasts of Scotland.
On Mull alone, it’s estimated that £5 million a year is injected into the local economy by tourists who travel there to see the white tailed eagles.
The RSPB’s silence is deafening over the proliferation of windfarms. A case of don’t peck the hand that feeds you?
We have spotted white tailed eagles flying over Glenmoriston and witnessed them fishing on Loch Garry. Where are the objections from the RSPB to the proliferation of wind farms in the Glenmoriston area?
We will not be renewing our membership. We also collect hundreds of pounds through their pin badge collection box scheme. This box will now be returned.
Even the RSPB has recently written about concerns for the white tailed eagle versus turbines. It’s just a shame they don’t put their energy into objecting to this farce of a policy!
But why would they do that when developers are building wind farms on their land and paying for the privilege?
The RSPB should concentrate on protecting birds not subsidies for energy companies.
As for the Scottish Government, they chirp out the same old song “green energy at any cost” and God forbid any flora and fauna that gets in the way or tourists for that matter!
G Worth. But N Ben, Glenmoriston.
Greedy power companies
Sir, The greedy power companies are “at it” again. Those who have direct debits with their power suppliers, should check their accounts very closely. Around three years ago, I left Scottish Power because they decided to increase my direct debit without any need whatsoever.
My account was well in credit, but they decided to push the 14% button across the board. I did a bit of research and found that others had experienced exactly the same increase and they too had credit in their accounts.
Six months ago, E.ON decided to up my direct debit from £86 to £102 per month, an increase of £16 or 18.6%. On checking my account, again recently I discovered they had increased it to £120 a further 15% increase.
Given, that yet again, my account was well in credit because of the initial increase there was no need for that action. In a six-month period, my payment was increased from £86 to £120, an overall increase of £34 per month or 28.33%. Yet another example of their fleet-footed accountancy in the worst possible way. We were told an increase of around 6.2% would be the limit.
Power providers tell us to pay by direct debit, and we will benefit through some kind of discount. What they have not told us is that they can “adjust” on-line accounts at will, and most certainly do. They must have millions of pounds from those of us in credit, but still want more and more of our cash for their own investments.
Those paying by direct debit can go into their accounts and reverse any unnecessary increases. Don’t allow their greed to feed on you!
Bill Robb. 3 Fodbank View, Dunfermline.
One thing isfor sure . . .
Sir, Electricity price rises can be debated and analysed until the cows come home, but one thing is for sure in the wonderland of privatised essentialsupplies.
For every village or town of helpless consumers, there is a fat cat cracking open another bottle of Bollinger.
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross.
Quality of her performance
Sir, At a time when we are being bombarded in the media with reports of what could only kindly be described as “tarty exhibitionism” from Miley Cyrus and Rihanna in an effort to get publicity for themselves and their record companies, it is perhaps worth noting that it is 50 years ago this past week since the legendary French singer Edith Piaf, known as “The Little Sparrow”, died.
Piaf’s life itself was not without controversy through her addiction to alcohol and the drugmorphine, originallyprescribed to dull the pain after a car crash in 1951.
Who can forget her hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Non Je Ne Regrette Rien” or the more upbeat “Milord”.
While Miley Cyrus and Rihanna rely on dubious sexual imagery to promote themselves Piaf was able to hold her audience’s attention through the quality of her performance.
Who shall remember Miley Cyrus or Rihanna in 10 years time let alone 50 years. Very few I suspect.
Robert T Smith. 30 Braeside Terrace, Aberdeen.