This morning our readers discuss how to protect Scotland’s native biodiversity, the alternative vote electoral system, the failure of nuclear power, not-so-needy beggars and climate change fatigue.
Save biodiversity by culling non-native species Sir, Once again we hear the cries of indignation from so-called conservationists regarding the death in captivity of a beaver.
Was this a European beaver or an American beaver? In either case, it was a creature that was not where it should have been.
Right now throughout Scotland, and indeed the whole of the United Kingdom, genuine conservationists and ecologists are fighting a prolonged battle to rid the country of non-indigenous invasive species which are destroying our native biodiversity.
To name but a few on the animal front, mink, grey squirrels, sika deer and now beavers threaten native species and habitat.
Fish, such as escaped farmed salmon genetically threaten our wild salmon, signal crayfish threaten our natural crayfish as well as our fish stocks.
Plants such as rhododendron, ponticum, giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam and Japanese hogweed are costing both the public purse and private landowners millions of pounds annually in damage and eradication costs.
For many years I have taught students that, “if it doesn’t belong there, don’t put it there.”
The only sensible approach to non-indigenous species is total eradication, and this should be taught not only to adults but to schoolchildren from an early age.
Only then will our natural wildlife be protected.
Eric McVicar.Strontian,Argyll.
AV can work well in Britain
Sir, There seems to be a great deal of apprehension with the forthcoming voting system in relation to the introduction of AV, the alternative vote system.
Having spent several years in Australia where they utilised this system, I found it simple and easy to follow.
I see no reason why we Scots could not do likewise.
During my stay in Australia, I became an observer at the counting of votes and saw very few spoiled papers or problems arising from AV during this process.
If our powers that be avoid all the gobbledygook in the presentation of AV and simply present it to the public it should prove an incentive to vote as it ensures that each vote counts, unlike our current system where it is possible for the successful candidate to have much less than half the support of voters.
James Kerr.42 Norwood,Newport.
Failed experiment of nuclear power
Sir, Following recent events, I find it incredible that there are still some who try to defend the indefensible over nuclear power.
For many years, other more enlightened people have been cautioning us against nuclear use, for the very reasons which have been manifested in Japan, Three Mile Island and Chernobyl.
As the very brave Japanese workmen do their best to contain the disaster, the shoreline at the plant has radiation thousands of times above normal and it will get worse in the future.
If the exclusion zone at Fukushima had ever been needed at Torness, our capital city would be inside it.
Now that would be a problem. I am now aware that in the event of radiation leaks my grandchildren would have to take iodine.
Does anyone know what supplies Scotland has for all our population young and old?
Brian Macfarlane.Bridge Cottage,Main Street,Carnock.
Begging under false pretences
Sir, I was attracted by the letter from John McDonald of Kirkcaldy (March 29) regarding Eastern European women begging money for their children.
I had a similar experience in Fife. An Eastern European woman always sat outside shops during some very cold days. When you passed, she held out a paper cup for money.
My Christian values and teaching made me go into the nearest bakery and purchase a bacon roll and a hot drink for her. She was grateful and thanked me in broken English.
A few days later she was further down the street and asked for a cup of tea as I passed.
I stooped down to speak to her and she told me she had two children. I purchased food and drink for her and fruit for the children.
When I came home I phoned the Salvation Army, but the captain told me to watch what I was doing.
Seemingly this lady can speak good English, receives benefits from the state and is constantly moved on from various supermarkets in Fife.
I was told she was seen lighting up a cigarette from a 20 pack.
I felt angry and let down. I always give to the poor but not so readily next time.
(Mrs) Catherine Ross.18 Nairn Street,Leven.
Let’s wake up from green dream
Sir, Global warming hysteria is dying down as polls, news coverage, policy u-turns and lack of government interest mirrors a steep decline in public concern about climate change.
Climate fatigue, public dismay at costly “renewable” energy schemes and the refusal of the US, China and India to harm national interests are seeing green policies binned.
Changes are so gradual and even the very slight warming of the 1980s/90s has ground to halt so unless significant warming appears soon, the “catastrophe” game is over.
It is also clear that the Fukushima incident will force the two greenest industrial nations, Japan and Germany, to replace their nuclear power with coal and gas-fired plants.
Sadly, the Scottish Government’s commitment to expensive and unpopular green schemes could wreck our economic recovery and cause great distress among poorer pensioners.
(Dr) John Cameron.10 Howard Place,St Andrews.
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.