Sir, Derek Farmer (letters, October 22, starts off by highlighting a welcome humanitarian gesture by the UK in helping with the Ebola crisis compared to the efforts of Spain and Norway which are eclipsed by the contri-butions of philanthropists like Bill Gates and IKEA.
He goes on to suggest that this shows why the UK has more respect in world than either of those two countries before claiming that issues such as this show up what he terms as the lying propaganda used by the SNP to promote its bid for independence. He finishes by concluding that some of us and I am not a nationalist fail to understand the realities of the UK’s long- term global presence and influence.
To set the record straight about worldwide respect for the UK it is a fact that not one of more than 30 countries that have gained independence from UK colonial rule have ever sought to return to being part of the Empire.
Indeed, they are content to be part of a commonwealth of nations, but only for the sake of trade. In my earlier life I served as a conscripted national serviceman in Germany and the Canal Zone and can assure Mr Farmer that there is not a lot of respect coming from occupied people.
Coming more up to date, Mrs Thatcher’s posturing over Europe means that the UK cannot even command a decent vote in the Eurovision song contest, not because the songs are necessarily bad, but because of the lack of respect felt by the other member states.
It is painful to recall that when David Cameron raised an issue some months ago in the belief that he could count on widespread support, he managed to gain the backing of Hungary but was shunned by the remaining 26 member nations.
So much, then, for that worldwide respect but we still have the special relationship with our pals across the pond and can always count on that provided we do what we are told. That is reality Mr Farmer.
Allan MacDougall. 37 Forth Park, Bridge of Allan.
Signals need to be updated
Sir, Your story on the Invergowrie train crash that happened on October 22 1979, brought back memories as I was a driver’s assistant at East-field, traction maintenance depot (TMD) in Glasgow. I travelled over the location only days after this sad event. I knew the train crew on the 08:44 Glasgow to Dundee and had worked that train many times.
The comment in your article regarding lessons not having been learnt is not the case. Trains are now fitted with train protection warning system (TPWS) which will stop a train passing a signal at danger (red) without authority.
The morning of this accident the section signal at Longforgan signal box was not showing the correct proceed position as stated in British Railways rule book. After this accident all drivers where briefed again in the correct positions of semaphore signals at danger and proceed.
Signalmen where briefed again in the correct reporting procedure when signal are defective.
What I will say, however, is that in the 21st century I find it hard to believe that many parts of our railways in Britain are still using semaphore signalling that dates back to the early steam days, yet we now have colour light signals that have only one aspect but can display a full red, yellow or green aspect using LED lights, giving the driver a clear indication, and which, in some locations, are replacing semaphore signals.
Edward Carr. (senior railwaymanger retired). 75a Edinburgh Road, Perth.
Will the V&A be city’s “trams”
Sir, Friday’s report highlighting contractual difficulties between the contractor BAM and Dundee City Council seems to reflect and parallel the sad experience of Edinburgh Council’s tram project with the same contractor.
We can only trust that Dundee’s V&A team have a viable Plan B in negotiating with BAM, considering their track record of extracting maximum financial leverage from their position as preferred contractor.
Derek D M Brown. 19 Loch of Liff Road, Liff.
It makes sense to pay attention
Sir, A recent television news bulletin referred to the excessive “on train” announcements on Virgin Trains, which created some adverse comments from viewers.
Sadly, despite such announcements, there are still many passengers who board the wrong train, miss their station, forget to take their luggage and ignore the warning about adverse weather conditions affecting coach steps and the platforms.
Like it or not, such announcements are necessary in the interest of common-sense and health and safety.
John McDonald. 14 Rosebery Court, Kirkcaldy.
No Gaelic on the website
Sir, What a waste of paint and money to change place names to Gaelic. Worse still,when I wanted to buy a rail ticket from Perth to Glasgow on line and entered “Peairt to Glaschu”, Scotrail’s website said the names were not recognised, even though I have seen them on station platforms.
Garry Barnett. The Garden House, Campsie Hill, Guildtown, Perth.