Sir, I don’t often find myself having some sympathy with the views of the leader of UKIP, but I must say that, unlike Gordon Kennedy (Letters, January 29), I don’t think that gun control of itself will keep us safe from a recurrence of another tragedy like Dunblane.
If someone is hell-bent on mass murder they will find the means to carry it out whether by illegal weapons or explosives, as we have witnessed in the recent past in this country.
To the extent that properly regulated use of guns in target shooting clubs is not of itself a danger to the public Nigel Farage has a point.
The clamour for gun control arose from the findings of the Dunblane Inquiry and the subsequent report, which to me set the hare running on a race to ban guns, when it may have been better focused on other factors which allowed Thomas Hamilton to commit his atrocity.
The ease with which Hamilton had access to school premises, was able to pass the necessary vetting to allow him to renew his gun licence and the numerous brushes with the law he had without appearing in court on charges, were much more concerning to me and in my opinion didn’t attract the scrutiny that they should have.
It was regulatory/policing failure that allowed the carnage, but the focus of attention was elsewhere as the nation divided into ban and don’t ban gun camps.
Tom Minogue. 94 Victoria Terrace, Dunfermline.
What sort of independence?
Sir, What sort of independence does Alex Salmond and his party envisage? They have blamed the Westminster Government for almost every ill that has befallen Britain for the last 300 years, yet when given a referendum for an independent Scotland he has to fall back on that government to provide the currency for his dream.
This will involve Westminster making all decisions regarding interest rates and investment with the Scottish Government having absolutely no input. If Mr Salmond wants true independence then he should also have a fiscal policy to follow and not kow-tow to the Westminster chancellor.
Willie Robertson. Lynton, Stanley, Perthshire.
No reason to vote “no”
Sir, David L Thomson (Letters, January 24) is quite right to criticise Scottish Government for the odd failing in the recent past, but to use this as a reason for voting “no” beggars belief. The referendum is a choice between government by Westminster and government by Holyrood.
Is he holding up Westminster as a paragon of virtue? Has he forgotten the expenses scandal, or the immoral (and expensive) war in Iraq?
Is he suggesting that the Westminster government never tries to hide information, like the value to the exchequer of North Sea oil?
Is he suggesting that the Westminster government doesn’t waste our taxes, for example on things like Trident?
In reality any transgressions by Holyrood pale into insignificance compared to the enormity of the failings of Westminster. One of the many reasons I shall be voting “yes”.
Andrew Collins. Ladyburn House, Skinners Steps, Cupar.
Are flood plans in place?
Sir, The recently published SEPA maps showing flood risk in Tayside are very interesting. What are the council’s plans to protect flood risk areas, eg the flat part of central Broughty Ferry and Dundee’s waterfront area?
According to recently published information, the sea level is expected to be at least 65cm higher by the end of the century. I presume plans for the new V&A building and other waterfront developments take this into account?
I may be mistaken, but I fear that putting down sandbags will soon be an inadequate response! In the event of a “yes” vote next September, what are the SNP’s plans to protect the Scottish coast?
Jack Greenway. 9B The Esplanade, Broughty Ferry.
Exhilarating evening
Sir, I recently attended the annual concert of Perthshire Brass held in Riverside Church. This was an exhilarating evening of a variety of music played by the youth and senior bands.
This is an organisation of which the City of Perth should be very proud! The musicians demonstrated once again their professionalism, both in their behaviour and playing.
Their supporters know how much this is due to the devotion over many years of George Annan, senior, his son, also George Annan, and more recently Jason Blythe, to teaching in both schools and in the voluntary sector.
May I also draw attention to the weekend of Scottish Brass Bands to be held in Perth Concert Hall on March 8 and 9, 2014. Local support is always welcome!
G Leslie McCorkindale. 13 Oakdene Road, Scone.
Preparing for a new currency?
Sir, I have previously drawn attention to the very large surplus of cash from parking meters (£2.022m over the last five years). Some meters in Perth do not accept the new 10p coins and as a result some people often have to pay more than required.
Some of the parking fee surplus should be spent on modernising the meters rather than making rural car owners pay extra or are they preparing for a new currency?
Garry Barnett The Garden House Campsie Hill Guildtown, Perth.