Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – I write in defence of the alternative way to find your way on the hills, roads and in the sky, namely GPS.
I can’t comment on smartphones as I’ve only had experience with three types of GPS but after using them for the last seven years I feel that it is time someone stood up and said ”this is the way forward”.
I completely agree with the points made by Alfie Ingram recently with regard to the correct preparation and being thoroughly conversant with map and compass, but I feel that it is time to put my case for using this technology in whatever sport you are active in.
Personally, I’ve used GPS in hillwalking in this and other countries, cycling and also when I flew a microlight. Oddly, there is also a distinct reluctance in aviation to welcome the use of GPS in light aircraft, again preferring the use of map and compass.
With the earlier models of GPS you had to work out the grid references of your waypoints to make a route and enter the details by hand but with the newer GPS a moving map screen is available which will give you your exact position whether you are walking, cycling or flying an aircraft.
There are also computer programmes for making routes which are then transferred to your GPS instead of laboriously entering all the details by hand.
You can download Ordnance Survey maps of the UK and also the Civil Aviation maps which I used when I was airborne.
After your trip, if you wish, you can download your track if you have had to divert from your original route, and see how many extra miles you have travelled.
However, I will concur with Alfie in saying you must be conversant with your equipment, ensure the information you have put in is correct and, if you are using a GPS, carry spare batteries. I use my GPS and map first and my compass last.
As my favourite author of walking guides said: ”A GPS tells you where you are, where you have been and can show you where you want to go.”
I rest my case.
Alfred Blair-Smart.Douglas Road,Blairgowrie.
New location for the V&A will still work
Sir, – Arthur Gall’s letter concerning the V&A building needs a response. Re-running the competition is unnecessary and would set back the whole venture by years.
The proposed move allows this iconic building and the V&A to be successfully delivered for Dundee with the functionality of the building remaining intact.
The building design works well in the new location with exciting relationships with RSS Discovery and the shore with the dynamic prow still projecting over the water. The key relationships to the Discovery, the Station Plaza, west and east approaches and Union Street axis are all intact and strong.
No doubt water features are being created around the building to ensure it remains within the context of being surrounded by water.
The demand for re-running plays into the hands of those who didn’t select the KKAA design and is unnecessary.
Within the private sector, building projects are always subject to cost reviews at each stage and adapted to ensure delivery on programme and budget.
Surely, it is financially prudent to move on to the shore and be delivered on budget.
Robert Alexander.Bothy Starforth,Panmure,Carnoustie.
Resign if they feel so strongly
Sir, – I was at the SNP conference and was opposed to the resolution on NATO, so I’m on the same ”side” as Jean Urquhart and John Finnie, but I disagree with their actions.
If they feel so strongly, not only should they resign from the party but they should also resign as MSPs. After all they were elected through the efforts of activists and the party machine.
I think their resignations would not lead to elections as they are list MSPs, but they would then command the moral high ground.
Or would the resulting anonymity and loss of MSP salaries be too much for them to bear?
John Henderson.Roebrek, Linross,Glamis.
Delivered on promises
Sir, – Further to your article (October 22) regarding the proposed improvements to Barnhill Primary School, you mention the fact of previous concerns surrounding the school shared by former Baillie Wallace and Labour education spokesperson Councillor Bidwell.
Laurie Bidwell is a former convener of education and Baillie Wallace was active in support of that Labour administration and one can only speculate why neither party acted on their concerns.
A fundamental plank of the SNP’s local government manifesto for the Ferry was an extension to Barnhill PS. After consultation with the school, further needs were identified and now the SNP administration is bringing those forward.
Barnhill PS had been promised much by previous administrations who then failed to deliver.
I am delighted to be part of the SNP administration which has delivered on manifesto promises.
Councillor Kevin Cordell.City Chambers,Dundee.
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. Letters should be accompanied by an address and a daytime telephone number.