Sir, I would like to register my deep dismay at the possible closure of the superb facility of Little Cairnie Hospital in Arbroath.
My family have direct personal experience of the unit as my father was a permanent resident there for some time. The facility and its staff are first class combining knowledge, experience, up-to-date techniques and equipment with caring, compassion and a level of dedication many other facilities would do well to take heed of and learn from.
It would be a travesty if this was lost to the town. Bigger is not always necessarily better and new can very often lose the values embodied in the old.
I feel very strongly that closure of Little Cairnie would be a retrograde step by a health service which struggles with its reputation at the very best of times.
Celebrate, learn from, and retain the excellence you have.
Pamela Braid. Newhouse of Pitcundrum, Arbirlot, by Arbroath.
Bridge viewing platform idea was shelved
Sir, Your recent editorial, in regard to the Forth Bridge viewing platform, wondered why it had not been done already.
As chairman of the Forth Bridge centenary celebrations we had a most imaginative plan for the tower and a viewing platform on the north span of the bridge.
It had received the blessing of local planning but was attacked by health and safety who said that they would be obliged to take the matter to a full planning inquiry because of the danger which might occur to the visitors should a ship wreck on leaving Braefoot Bay and the noxious cloud of gas float down to the detriment of the visitors.
As we did not have time to take the matter to inquiry and build before the centenary, very sadly the whole matter was dropped.
There was, however, one remarkable incident, when, together with members of my committee, we visited Paris in order to see the new lift which had been installed in the Eiffel Tower.
The managing director entertained us and afterwards, on a blackboard, he suddenly turned and, with three great sweeps of his hands, drew the outline of the Forth Bridge and said: “This is what the world will always remember.”
It was most impressive and we retained his idea as our logo.
The Earl of Elgin and Kincardine.
Amazed by ferry letter
Sir, I was amazed to read the letter from Ron Jessop. Gas Brae, Errol, he must be an incomer to the village. I have lived in Errol all my days and the tides would be the biggest obstacle.
Many years ago, a few friends tried to cross bycobble and got stuck onsandbanks.
Where he gets the costs from beggars belief. Does he mean to go by Port Allen? The mud there would be a major problem, and how many people need to get to Newburgh on a daily basis?
Do the folks at Port Allen want lots of traffic on their doorstep?
Sheila Turner. Braeknowe, Errol.
Honeymoon period over
Sir, The honeymoon period for Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon, and their supporters, is now over. Opinion polls point to a marked drop in support for the SNP cause.
There is even some doubt amongst those who voted SNP at the last election. It has been revealed that some 10% of SNP voters are not convinced that Scotland should take the independence route. They are in favour of increased powers for the Scottish Parliament, but not for separation from the UK.
I am fairly certain that Salmond is perfectly capable of governing Scotland as an integral part of the UK. It is his determination to break up the UK that incurs the wrath of the majority of Scots.
There may even be a case for further devolution in the UK. The folks in the north of England have differentpriorities to those in London and the Home Counties.
But the key issues the economy, the banking system/currency, defence/NATO, membership of the EU, foreign affairs must definitely remain withcentral government for the whole of the United Kingdom. Any deviation from this would be sheer madness!
Do we really have to put up with all the hype in the run-up to the referendum? The SNP is recruiting an ever increasing force of spin doctors to bolster their propaganda machine. What acomplete waste of resources!
Surely the money would be better spent on improving services in Scotland such as education, health, roads, etc.
When the nationalists fail next year in their quest to carve up the UK, all the expense incurred, and effort, will have been in vain! Face the truth, Mr Salmond, you have reached your zenith!
Robert I G Scott. Northfield Cottage, Ceres.
Best one yet
Sir, I was very fortunate to get a seat for Dundee Schools Music Theatre’s production of Miss Saigon, which, in my opinion, is their best to date. This is a modern opera and they made abrilliant job of it. Every member of the cast gave a brilliant performance. Well done.
Earl G L Scott. 38 Blackness Avenue, Dundee.