Sir, – I was absolutely gobsmacked reading that 37 elderly and vulnerable people were tested positive for Covid-19, and still sent to care homes, with the excuse that it was better for their wellbeing (The Courier, August 17).
Are there more, as not all health boards have given the information?
Who in their right state of mind made these decisions?
I’m totally lost for words, to express my shock.
“We have to protect the vulnerable” was, and still is, a mantra we hear every day.
Sending people, untested to care homes “to make space” was already a huge mistake, although I have some other expressions for it.
Hiding behind “we acted according to the knowledge” and “the science” does not add up.
Common sense should have told them not to do so.
But sending people, tested positive, to care homes is stupidity.
That is not protecting the vulnerable, that is bringing death and destruction to care homes and their carers.
Especially as the elderly were not allowed to be sent to hospital, when falling ill, according to the government guidelines, as shown in the TV programme Disclosure a few weeks ago on the care home scandal.
It is evident that a thorough public inquiry has to start immediately into the whole handling of the Covid-19 crisis here in Scotland. No more postponing, no more hiding behind words or current situation.
The truth needs to come out now, for all the victims and the relatives.
It’s high time this SNP government is taken to task about all the (deadly) mistakes they have made from even before the start of the pandemic.
Starting with the lack of PPE and the stocks, that were available, being way past their use by date.
The longer it takes to start this, the more chance evidence will disappear into oblivion.
Maaike Cook.
Cash Feus,
Strathmiglo.
‘Democratic outrage’
Sir, – It’s difficult to know where to begin in response to Derek Farmer’s latest anti-Scottish tirade (Letters, August 18).
He asks what is the point of devolved assemblies, stating his own preference is total London control of our country.
As Mr Farmer is a confirmed Conservative voter, I can understand why he would wish it so.
Scotland hasn’t voted for a Tory government since the mid-1950s, with the likes of Mr Farmer relying on the English electorate to consistently deliver for the Tory minority in Scotland.
As for competence and making different decisions from London, a process he describes as “tweaks”, the current health crisis and the devolved assemblies’ different approaches once powers were devolved in order to do so, alone prove the value of not being fully governed by a London establishment playing Covid-19 “Whack a Mole”, as described by Boris Johnson.
The BBC recently re-ran the Andrew Marr documentary series, History of Modern Britain.
Required viewing for anyone in Scotland, Mr Farmer included, who still believe we are well served by the Westminster establishment.
Featuring a succession of political and economic bungling incompetence, world beating in its breathtaking regularity, the edition covering the Thatcher years is especially enlightening.
Mr Farmer and his fellow Tory-supporting correspondents may “bleat” all they wish about the SNP, but having governments we don’t elect foisted on us election after election by a neighbouring population is a democratic outrage, a malign situation soon to be put right, with Scots rediscovering their rightful place in the world.
Ken Clark.
c/o 15 Thorter Way,
Dundee.
Target ‘reckless’ cyclists
Sir, –With all due respect to Police Scotland, their latest wheeze – life-like cut-out bobbies with speed cameras – is clever, especially if they move them around to different hot spots. So may I suggest it could release more officers for, amongst other duties, a crackdown on reckless cyclists?
Cycling is, rightly, increasingly popular, and has been boosted by the pandemic.
But as road traffic returns to normal it will – given the severe limitations of our narrow streets and pavements – return to being a scary business for both cyclist and motorist.
No doubt local authorities are now trying to introduce safer “lane separation” etc. But simple rules will make cycling safer for all concerned.
These would require: 1 A high-viz waistcoat, ‘bandolier’ or some such, 2 efficient lights, 3 a ‘bell’ or other warning device, 4 a helmet is obviously a “no-brainer” when sharing a road with motorised traffic, but may have to be “legally”, optional.
Such rules are easily enforced – an initial warning by a (real, not plywood) police officer, followed by a fine for a repeat offence will quickly concentrate minds.
While at it, the officer (and traffic wardens should be empowered too) can check brake lights, bell etc actually work.
It is unfair and unreasonable of cyclists to put the onus for avoiding a collision entirely on drivers, and pedestrians, especially when so many of them perversely, dress in dark clothing with no lights.
If the Scottish Parliament does not have the powers to introduce or enforce such legislation, that is absurd. If they do, let’s show some initiative and get on with it.
Lives can be saved.
David Roche.
6 Conachar Court,
Perth.
Celebrate skateboarders
Sir, – Skateboarders should be free to roam anywhere their boards take them in Dundee Unesco City of Design.
The creative use these guys have made and are making of the public spaces round Slessor Gardens and V&A Dundee should be celebrated not restricted.
No way should Dundee be introducing so-called “grind blockers”.
Such impediments are a health and safety hazard as well as cramping acrobatic skill and style.
Shocked, too, that Edinburgh has installed them at Bristol Square in the area across from the Usher Hall.
I hope The Courier and your libertarian columnist Jenny Hjul will join the campaign to rectify that mistake.
I cheered when I first spotted these guys on the summer solstice with their boards and mentioned to them that DCA Dundee had been used by skateboarders before it was converted into an arts centre.
The marks on the granite benches next to V&A Dundee have been described as “minimal” by the gallery itself.
Bill Newcombe from the City Centre and Harbour Community Council is entitled to his view.
It is not mine.
Neil Robertson.
4 Glamis Terrace,
Dundee.
‘Shameful slur’ on Davidson
Sir, – I refer to Mike Donachie’s piece in The Courier on August 16 (“Scots Tory Ruth Davidson is just another crony”).
It is a shameful slur on a lassie from Fife who has made good, against all the odds.
At present, she is the only politician capable of dealing with the slanders and propaganda of the SNP that are so largely ignored in our media.
Derek Farmer.
Knightsward Farm,
Anstruther.
