Sir, – Regardless of next year’s Scottish elections SNP supporters will still be demanding another independence referendum.
Why not promise one but with the precondition that there is a two-year trial independence run to feel what independence would be like?
All funds given by Westminster to Scotland are stopped and all funds given by Scotland to Westminster are stopped, since this is what would happen on independence.
No Barnett formula or extra funds to Scotland.
The multi-millions of constraint payments made to developers for switching off Scottish wind turbines would be paid by Scottish electricity users not, as happens at present, where 90% is added to the English electricity bills. After two years will the flame of independence still be burning?
Clark Cross.
Springfield Road,
Linlithgow.
Something needs to be done about wild camping
Sir, – This weekend saw another influx of campervans and “wild campers” to the beaches of the East Neuk.
In times past, caravanners and campers would travel to camping and caravan sites that were registered with local councils and for a small fee pitch-up and be able to use the amenities at the site.
Not so today.
The small free car park at Ruby Bay in Elie has been jam-packed.
There are no toilet or washing facilities provided, so not difficult to imagine where calls of nature are being met in the long grass and bracken that are part of the beaches’ flora.
We hear much about matters of health and safety from government.
How healthy and safe does government imagine it to be for families visiting the beach areas to have to navigate through the detritus left behind by campers and caravanners?
From the size and brands of the means of transport being used, it is abundantly clear that occupants of vehicles travelling to the beaches are not exactly living on the breadline.
So why is government and Fife Council not doing something about what is becoming a social scourge?
At the very least they could be installing warning notices of prohibition and penalties for illegal and anti-social activity and initiating spot-checks by Coastal Trust rangers.
It was locally announced some time ago by Fife Council, that charges would be levied on campervans using local car parks, but nothing has been done.
My hope is that instead of obsessing over Westminster put-downs and the incessant focus on constitution, just for once Holyrood might concentrate on the more basic and long-overdue need to educate and encourage our citizens to have more respect for requirements of social behaviour and the rules that are necessary to be followed to ensure it.
Derek Farmer.
Knightsward Farm,
Anstruther.
Confirmations for top judges
Sir, – A fundamental issue underlies the controversy over the Court of Appeal’s decision to allow Shamima Begum to return to Britain to appeal against the home secretary’s decision to deprive her of citizenship.
Most people have a belief in the nation state which would have been recognisable to Elizabeth I, Benjamin Franklin and Winston Churchill.
In this view citizens have certain rights, which are not shared with foreigners and traitors.
Most politicians, the media and crucially the higher judiciary reject this view as backward and illiberal.
The Human Rights Act enables the judiciary to ignore the beliefs of the people and the will of Parliament.
The only legislation which would make any difference to this contempt for democracy are the repeal of the Human Rights Act and open parliamentary confirmation hearings for all appellate judicial positions.
Otto Inglis.
Ansonhill,
Crossgates.
Little downside to taking care
Sir, – Dr Cameron’s letter (Science is ‘dominant religion’ of our time, Courier, July 16) sadly maligns both science and religion.
Scientists have, for many years, correctly warned us that another pandemic is due.
They also warn us of other serious threats, eg increasing global temperatures, and of growing resistance to antibiotics.
Religious leaders are also asking that we take more care of our planet, and not squander our limited resources. There seems little downside to exercising a bit more care.
As an example, in transport, it is healthier for us to walk or cycle for short journeys, but right now in Scotland, 34% of us get into a car for a journey of less than one kilometre, adding to urban pollution.
I would argue that we need to listen to these warnings and take early action.
Any later attempt to remedy things will cost significantly more money – and harm potentially many more lives.
Iain MacDonald.
56 Grove Road,
Broughty Ferry.
Birthday clap is total claptrap
Sir, – In a North Korean manner, we’re being asked to clap for Nicola Sturgeon on her birthday and in recognition of her pandemic management skills. What?
Only very few suggest she hasn’t tried her best – but well in excess of 4,000 have died from Covid-19 in Scotland.
Management of health and the lockdown are devolved to Holyrood and Ms Sturgeon placed herself at the very centre of Scotland’s virus response.
There’s no blaming Downing Street.
Yet Scotland has the third worst death rate per million in the world and, compared to other small European countries like say Denmark, Finland and Slovakia, has performed abysmally.
Maybe we should have a minute’s silence to remember the dead and those who battled to save them.
Let’s hope Ms Sturgeon enjoys her birthday, but clap for her? Forget it.
Martin Redfern.
Melrose,
Roxburghshire.
Ring the bell so all can stay safe
Sir, – I notice here in Forfar, especially around the lovely loch, many more walkers of all ages.
Added to this are the many runners and cyclists, again of all ages.
We’re enjoying some thankfully excellent weather as we acknowledge each other and in doing so, show support as we pass by.
There seems to be an unwritten code where we wait, stay socially distanced and alert each other if some of us are wearing earphones etc.
However, I do note that some are not using a bike bell when cycling and therefore may frighten walkers who are unaware of them.
I appreciate that some of the cyclists are going faster but if they just use the bell, we will all share the space equally.
The sale of bikes has gone up exponentially and this is heartening as we’re trying to encourage people to either learn this as a new skill or take it up after many years, perhaps since youth.
Sharing outdoor space is not a new concept as we see in Canada and other countries where the cry can be heard “Keep to the left” or right as the case may be.
Let’s share the beautiful spaces we have in Scotland and stay safe.
Ringing a bell doesn’t have to herald anything bad, just a wee reminder that you’re behind us.
Linda Clark.
Forfar,
Angus.
