Sir, What Lord Robertson was hoping to achieve with his recent speech in America only he will know.
From my perspective, he was inciting other nations, chiefly the USA, to involve themselves in the democratic processes of the Scottish independence referendum.
What does he wish others to do? Invade Scotland in the event of a “Yes” vote?
This must constitute a breach of protocol somewhere.
His inflammatory language, which suggested rivers may flow with blood in a Balkanised civil war scenario, hinting at some form of ethnic cleansing, was ludicrously over the top.
Apparently, Lord Robertson’s feverish imagination envisages Scottish independence destabilising the West with cataclysmic results, to be celebrated by the world’s forces of darkness.
I don’t know how often Lord Robertson visits Scotland, but I don’t recognise the country he describes to our American cousins.
To address an assembly with such inflammatory rubbish does a huge disservice to a Scottish society peacefully and democratically considering its future status.
Thankfully, unlike the not-so-noble lord, America and others will be more respectful of Scottish democracy and treat his appeal for outside meddling with the disdain it deserves.
Ken Clark. 335 King Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
All this will happen?
Sir, I’m feeling really confused and a bit guilty? Here I am, thinking that my wish to have my country governed by its own people was a reasonably modest proposal and I find myself being part of a“. . . communist inspired rush” to “social equality” and “fairness . . .” according to Derek Farmer, (letters April 10).
What is worse, is that in the same issue I’m told by energy secretary Ed Davey that energy prices would rocket in Scotland and the UK would suffer blackouts if we were to vote “Yes”.
Now this is confusing, as I’m aware that Scotland already exports 26% of its generated energy to England.
This is bad enough but only a few days ago former defence secretary, George Robertson, was predicting the threat of a new world war if Scotland became independent. So, any aspirations we may have to “social equality” and “fairness” would mean we are going to be held responsible for World War Three?
Now these comments are scary enough, but what scares me more is that we clearly have people wandering around who are deluded enough to say these things. . . that’s if they believe them, which is something else altogether.
George White. 2 Cupar Road, Auchtermuchty.
Test work success
Sir, It was interesting to read about the testing carried out at Dundee University on saddles, with regard to their effects on the spine of both horses and riders.
The Society of Master Saddlers, in conjunction with The British Equestrian Federation, purchased the Pliance pressure testing system some 10 years ago and with this equipment, now used in conjunction with Centaur Biomechanics gait analysis, much work has been undertaken.
However, all is not as it at first appears with pressure testing and we have found through our work that interpreting the results is not as straightforward as one would think. It is not just downward pressure that is shown, but also upward force, so that the surface being ridden on will change the results seen. Different riders can also greatly influence the results.
Most of the work we have undertaken has centred on comfort and improved performance for the horse, working on the theory that the rider can tell us if there is a problem.
Although saddlery is a traditional craft, modern testing methods have been widely used within the trade to improve design. This has enhanced the performance of the horse, as was shown at the London Olympics where we had outstanding success in the equestrian disciplines.
Kay Hastilow. Master Saddler. Registered qualifiedsaddle fitter, Gauldry, Fife.
Keep up the good work, Bill
Sir, As I advanced into Bill Howatson’s column in Monday’s Courier, I found it increasingly hard to stop myself bursting into tears. I had no idea hitherto that the column writer was a species of so little self-esteem, such that a reaction to his or her work gave unlimited joy and bliss. I hope I might help by saying he shows remarkable promise as a columnist and that he should keep taking the tablets!
I’m sure I write for many when I say that in 45 years of reading The Courier the feature writing has never been as good as it is at present. So, congratulations to Helen, Dudley, Jim, Tony, Jenny et alia. We may not always agree with your every sentiment but we certainly like to read you.
Robert Lightband. Clepington Court, Dundee.
Recognise their ‘talent’
Sir, After the Maria Miller affair, isn’t it about time we had a Members of Parliament Orchestra? After all, most members can blow their own trumpet, whilst a growing number of them appear to be becoming accomplished fiddlers!
James Martin. 32 Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath.