This morning our correspondents discuss the SNP and independence, adopting Canadian-style snow laws, the sacking of a church minister, climate change and the possible closure of RAF Leuchars.
SNP’s misleading independence questions
Sir, Bob Taylor (December 13) may be correct that, constitutionally, an independence referendum by the Scottish Government would not be binding on Westminster but surely the latter would be morally bound to accept a vote for separation?
However, this would not necessarily be a foregone conclusion. For example, the SNP’s referendum bill proposed a convoluted question asking whether the Scottish Parliament’s “powers should also be extended to enable independence to be achieved.”
This appears to allude to devolving more powers to Holyrood, an option viewed more favourably by the electorate than full independence, thus, the question is arguably loaded to encourage voters to endorse a separate Scottish state.
Indeed, the SNP recently commissioned an opinion poll using a similar question whether Holyrood should have the powers and responsibilities to enable independence and the Nationalists used the result of this to suggest a “surge” in support for independence, thus indicating that the question, as posed in the referendum bill, could also encourage voters to endorse independence by the back door.
Stuart Winton.Hilltown,Dundee.
Legal danger in snow laws
Sir, Your article (December 13) about Canada-style snow bylaws was very interesting and I completely agree with the views expressed. However, I see problems in trying to bring in this sort of legislation or even voluntary action to clear snow.
The first obstacle is attitude. Many people under the age of 40 appear to be accustomed to, and happy with, the assumption that “they” (presumably the local council or government) should do nearly everything for them, including clearing snow from the roads, pavements and even their garden paths.
The second problem is more serious legal liability. Let me expand a bit on this.
In the 1950s and 1960s my grandfather and later my father kept a shop on the main street in Forfar. The first duty of the day was to wash down the shop front and pavement. If there had been snow or frost, it was cleared from the pavement and sprinkled with salt.
Then, about 60 years ago, a woman fell due to a small amount of snow or ice (not ours), sustained a painful but minor injury and sued the shopkeeper concerned.
As I later understood the situation, we were told that clearing the public footpath was a council duty and we should let them get on with it and take all responsibility.
So, assuming that a Canada-style bylaw was brought in, what would be the position of the property owner or occupier? Would he be subject to the proposed penalty for not clearing the snow and the possible consequences of a passer-by being injured?
J. B. Dorward.27 John Street,Forfar.
Absence of compassion
Sir, In reply to news items that have been written regarding Rev Mike Erskine my husband and I feel that St Andrews Presbytery should be ashamed of their decision to sack a minister who was obviously well liked and respected by his congregation.
We are aware that we can merely judge this case on what is reported. But surely the views of Mr Erskine’s congregation should have been taken into account?
The Presbytery has stated that “this was a church matter”. Have they forgotten that the church is the people?
This travesty has shown that the wishes of the vast majority of Crail and Kingsbarns parishoners have been ignored.
We would challenge any member of Presbytery to answer where was their compassion and forgiveness?
Carroll and Jim Finnie.17 St Bunyans Place,Leuchars.
Ignoring the evidence
Sir, Dr Lindsay (December 10) claims that only environmental fanatics have warned that climate change could mean some places will become wetter and some colder.
He will have to add the Economist magazine to the list of green fanatics. A recent issue explained how this could happen in the United Kingdom.
It is nonsense to imply that there is no science behind such warnings. The Met Office has said lower levels of Arctic Sea ice could result in greater flows of freezing air south into Europe.
Dismissing such observations as fanaticism suggests that the “sceptics” are prepared to believe only the science that gives comforting answers.
James Christie.2 Dryburgh Crescent,Perth.
Life after RAF Leuchars
Sir, A recent letter writer highlighted the possible demise of RAF Leuchars and came up with another way of maintaining the dreadful noise and pollution levels in the area by replacing military jets with holiday fun flights.
I, for one, do not feel ultra safe knowing that I have military jets just over the river and I am not averse to making my way to Edinburgh if I get an urge to be in Malaga.
A farm worker in Fife was convicted of shining a £4 laser pen at one of the multi-million pound Leuchars jets. According to the sheriff, he could have brought down the aircraft.
If that is the case, we should be worried about value for money and the effectiveness of our defences. One wonders if boys throwing frisbees or sticks up into conker trees should also be taken off the streets when jets are around.
If the pen theory is correct, then desperate cost cutters might be tempted to replace the whole expensive airbase with a dad’s army placed around the coast with £4 pens.
However, I would settle for something less original, which would see us protected from somewhere down south.
B. Pringle.Westpath House,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.