Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – I must commend The Courier for the fair and extensive coverage of Linda Ross’s protracted battle with the city of Dundee education department. There has been very little other press and media coverage of these issues, although these reported exposures were very much in the public interest.
I was very shocked to read that another teacher at Sidlaw View Primary School reported 23 incidents of physical and verbal abuse, during the period when Mrs Ross was deputy head teacher.
It was also alleged by other members of staff that complaints to Tayside House went into a “black hole”.
How can this be reconciled with the council’s stance on reports of indiscipline at this school being “exaggerated”?
Even now, council officials are dissembling and daring to dispute the findings of the employment tribunal.
Surely enough council taxpayers’ money has already been wasted on the victimisation and character assassinations of Mrs Ross and her husband?
Instead, the time has come for proper compensation to be awarded, along with apologies.
Any council inquiry should concentrate on ensuring this obvious abuse of power and public money never happens again.
Public service employees should be encouraged to report concerns to their superiors without fear of reprisals.
Those persons in receipt of vast salaries to lead and manage council departments should strive to work with their staff in order to effect improvements.
Jennifer Helen Allan.18 Grangehill Drive,Monifieth.
Biomass appetite for wood
Sir, – In his letter (September 16) in support of renewable energy, Stuart Allan quite rightly expresses concern that the UK “will always be dependent on being able to acquire foreign material in an ever more competitive market” to fuel our energy plants.
Does he therefore concede that it would be extremely reckless to rely upon the importation of over five million tonnes of wood per annum from “unknown” sources to feed Forth Energy’s proposed Scottish biomass power stations for the next 25 years?
Norman McLean.Primrose Bank,Dundee.
Borders must be respected
Sir, – While I agree with the last three paragraphs of John George Phimister’s letter (September 15) , I could not support any expansion of Scotland south of the border unless the people there wanted it.
I was recently in the former Yugoslavia, where continued peace depends on all sides respecting the borders and not expanding.
I would love to be able to end my days outside the jurisdiction of Westminster and Whitehall, from which I have long felt alienated. But any future separation should be modelled on that of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
My wish for separation is because of my intense revulsion against the political right, whether Lady Thatcher’s or Tony Blair’s, and London’s corrupt financial institutions, rather than because of any narrow nationalism.
Robin Ball.27 Morgan Street,Dundee.
Peace ruined by jet-skiers
Sir, – Having enjoyed a Tay cruise on the Taymara vessel Badger, I find the suggestion by a jet-skier that either it or its sister ship could be responsible for the death of a seal impertinent.
My late wife and I enjoyed the tranquil setting of Broughty Ferry harbour, and spent many a happy hour there until the jet-skiers arrived.
They offended our eardrums, so goodness only knows what damage they do to the sensitive hearing of seals and dolphins.
I would suggest that if the same behaviour was shown on the roads, the police would have something to say.
The Taymara’s vessels are valuable tourist attractions and should be welcomed on both sides of the river.
R. H. L Mulheron.28 Cowgate,Tayport.
Bank ads are a real turn-off
Sir, – I don’t know about other people, but when I watch TV commercials for banks I often feel a little sick.
A spokesman (usually a highly-paid actor) voices over sickly sentiments about how wonderful banks are in improving their services and how sincere their desire to improve life for all of us.
As we have a large share in some of them now, it’s all good to know.
Recently I received my monthly statement from my local bank, which is less than 100 yards from where I work. It was posted in Bangor, north Wales.
The statement had to go through two countries to get to me, assuming it did not travel by air.
The carbon footprint does not bear thinking about.
We are not allowed to phone them in the branch: yet another step in their progress to business efficiency.
Come back Sir Fred, all is forgiven!
Peter Macdonald.53 – 55 High Street,Newburgh.
Crematorium needs a clean
Sir, – Why is it that around 80% of the wooden foot straps holding the seats together in Dundee crematorium are so dusty?
You can write your name on them. Is this a health and safety issue because they are so heavy?
M. Palmer.16 Spencer Crescent,Carnoustie.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.