Sir, The news that the MoD has not awarded a contract to Remploy in Dundee confirms what many have believed about this government from their recent actions.
They have really plumbed the depths and shown a complete lack of decent, ethical behaviour towards vulnerable members of society who are unlikely to find meaningful future employment in a safe and protective environment.
This decision has been made for ideological reasons and has absolutely nothing to do with doing what is right and beneficial to adults with disabilities.
So the MoD got a better deal by contracting out to a country where, no doubt, workers are paid less and work with poorer terms and conditions, but what do they care?
How much of a saving has been made? Probably the cost of a missile or a troop carrier that the MoD would barely notice, but the Remploy workers will notice what life is like without a job.
It is time for those politicians of an ethical hue to stand up and take the fight to the government. Show us what you’re made of.
Calum Strathie. Monifieth.
The folly of those rail line closures
Sir, Re your article Fresh drive to get direct route back on track, Friday’s Courier. Sadly, the direct rail link between Cowdenbeath and Perth via Kinross will never be reopened, thanks to politicians of yesteryear, who, as usual, always know better than everyone else.
The rush to close the line was to enable the construction of the M90 motorway, which is built over many sections of the track, particularly between Glenfarg and Bridge of Earn.
The Perth/Inverness section could be speeded up by re-creating the passing loop at Etteridge and the double track between Daviot and Culloden.
The same political closures happened in the Borders where the line should never have been closed north of Hawick, albeit the current Borders Railway project will go as far south as Tweedbank.
In the First Minister’s constituency we have the Aberdeen/Inverness line which is very busy and is much quicker than by road, but timings are hampered by the lengthy single line sections which extend the journey times.
Much of the former double track could be restored as the track formation is still intact, the only single line section which would need to be retained would be between Keith and Elgin.
John McDonald. 14 Rosebery Court, Kirkcaldy.
Tolerant and practical
Sir, Alistair McBay displays in his letter (May 31) a tolerant and practical stance regarding religion and beliefs.
A person is entitled to follow any religion or belief they may choose and it is not the remit of the followers of one group to criticise the followers of another based on the principles of their own faith.
Richard Holloway’s recent autobiography, Leaving Alexandria, shows why he came to dislike the non-flexible approach of the bible; a sentiment clearly shared by David Jenkins.
The Dalai Lama states in his book, Beyond Religion, published in 2011, that: “we need mutual tolerance and understanding between believers of whatever faith” and “the most promising avenue is to be found in a system of secular ethics grounded in a deep appreciation of our common humanity”.
I cannot disagree with that statement.
Ron Aitken. 6 Francis Road, Perth.
No monopoly on truth
Sir, As a Christian I agree with Alistair McBay, National Secular Society, (letter May 31). My choice as a follower of Jesus does not give me the monopoly on truth and morality.
The bible is people’s search for God; the search for the truth about life in all its glory in an ever-changing world. Jesus talks of God’s spirit guiding us into all truth, (John’s Gospel Chapter 16).
In my search for truth I must enter into constructive dialogue with people of all faiths and none, everyone who seeks the very best for this wonderful world with all its beauty and diversity.
Grahame Lockhart. 15 Scott Street, Brechin.
Beware bogus bank caller
Sir, I received a highly suspect phone call purporting to be from my bank inquiring about money drawn from my account by cash machine one morning recently. I never use a cash machine and my wife said she had not used one that day.
The caller who had a slight foreign accent then switched to asking about my use of a telephone account. I said I might have such a thing, but rarely used it. He then asked me to fetch my debit card. At that point I told him I do not divulge any information about credit or debit cards or bank accounts over the phone, not even to my bank.
As I said that, the caller put the phone down, another sign that there was something suspicious about the call. He knew my name and address and, obviously, my phone number. I tried to get the caller’s number, but his number had been withheld!
I am writing in the hope that other readers so approached will know to be on their guard.
George K McMillan. 5 Mount Tabor Avenue, Perth.