Friday’s scribes write about subjects such as sea eagles, Dundee FC’s troubles, a plaudit for Ninewells Hospital, Tayside beavers, RAF Leuchars, and HGV drivers.
Sir, Your report Sea Eagles think it’s Christmas at Reserve (January 13) describes birds of prey feasting on ducks and geese at the Vane Farm reserve, Kinross, attracting visitors to relish in the slaughter by these “magnificent” birds of prey, being introduced, at taxpayers’ expense to Scotland.
It is nature, red in tooth and claw, but reminds me of the attractions of the ancient Roman gladiatorial arena and the modern bullfight.
Nature is, admittedly, amorally cruel but man’s sadistic streak is clearly being stimulated by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, whose essential, stated role is bird protection.
Can they please tell us why their favoured large birds of prey, sea eagles, are any more magnificent than ducks, geese or, indeed, sparrows?
There have also been complaints, unconvincingly repudiated, of predation of domestic poultry and farm lambs.
No doubt the RSPB will claim that tourism to Scotland is encouraged but should we be importing yet more killers to the countryside?
Bob Ferguson.North Muirton,Perth.Dundee FC still footballing giantSir, George Maxwell (January 12) is right in his summary of how creditors are treated after a football club goes into administration.
However, I must take him to task about how Dundee FC brought troubles on themselves.
If a millionaire benefactor offers a club money to spend on players, any provincial club would welcome him with open arms. So Dundee actually spent money they assumed they had, rather than money they did not have.
He also states that the city of Dundee cannot support two teams. He quotes figures for the Scottish Cup matches and while I agree United’s crowd was shameful, not least as they are the cup holders, it was at least 3000 less than they normally get.
Dundee’s gate was affected by poor road conditions and the fact that the match was televised live. Dundee had almost a third of the attendance of Rangers in their televised cup tie.
Dundee FC have an average of 5000 to 6000 fans at home games more than any other First Division side. Dundee played Ross County in front of 5700 fans. On the same day, St Johnstone were at home to Inverness, playing before 4200 spectators.
Indeed, Dundee FC are probably the seventh or eighth best-supported club in Scotland.
David Ferguson.23 Mericmuir Place,Dundee.Professional driving standardsSir, I have no idea as to the conditions last Friday evening on the M90 and will accept Mr Rzepecki’s account (January 12) but what I cannot accept is his assumption that his assessment of the conditions was correct and those of the HGV drivers (half a dozen or more) were not and that their
actions amounted to “lunatic behaviour” which was “criminally insane” and “positively dangerous”.
It could be argued that professional drivers have acquired many years’ experience in all types of driving conditions and that their assessment of conditions that evening may have been more in tune with the situation then those of Mr Rzepecki and his convoy.
Drive to the conditions is what I think the police advocate, something we should all bear in mind when out behind the wheel.
Nigel Austin.10 Shepherd Lane,Arbroath.Ninewells is second to noneSir, I refer to another article about the shortcomings of Ninewells Hospital (January 11) and would like to redress the balance.
People seem quick to criticise but slow to praise. My husband was recently a patient in ward 10 and is currently receiving chemotherapy.
In both cases, the professionally delivered standard of care has been exemplary, with medical staff showing great expertise and friendliness.
All areas appeared to be well equipped, pleasantly decorated, welcoming and clean. I am sure there must be many, many people with equally good experiences of Ninewells, however, it would appear that good news is not nearly as newsworthy as bad.
Carole Morrison.4 Provost Road,Tayport.Ethnic cleansing of Tay beaversSir, I read (January 10) that one member of an illegal family of immigrants had been taken into custody. The rest escaped.
It seems to me that the persecution of the Tayside beavers is a form of ethnic cleansing, which should be resisted. The beavers are doing no harm to our natural heritage.
They appear to be strong and healthy and better able to survive in our climate and environment than the beavers being deliberately introduced by Scottish Natural Heritage.
I am sure that the people of Tayside are happy to take these little invaders to their hearts, to naturalise them and to see their presence as a very special gift. The Tayside beavers have favoured us with their presence so let us stop trying to eliminate them.
(Dr) Hilda D. Spear.20 Kelso Place,Dundee.High value of RAF LeucharsSir, With regards to the possible closure of Leuchars, I think it would be wise for our politicians to think of what the air crew have done in the past few years. They regularly see off Russian infringements of air space. If this facility goes due to cash cuts does that let in Putin’s air force?
He tests us regularly and to what point? We may be fools to save a few quid to risk our sovereignty
Sandy Alston.40 Buchanan Gardens,St Andrews.
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