Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – I would like to endorse and support Jim Ritchie’s (no relation) idea of converting Noranside Prison to a proposed rehabilitation unit for injured soldiers.
My son Jack, who is a Scots Guardsman, was seriously injured in Afghanistan two years ago and the trauma endured not least by Jack and my family cannot be overstated. The arduous journeys to Birmingham and Surrey were extremely stressful over a prolonged period.
Jack is now moving on with his life and career and has been unconditionally supported both morally and financially by The Scots Guards Association (SGA). The SGA committee’s diligent work in assuring that their soldiers achieve the very best of attention after being injured in conflict was and is excellent. They are in regular contact seeking the well-being of Jack and his continued progress.
I am, however, struggling to understand Angus South MSP Graeme Dey’s opposition to this project and would welcome his alternative proposals for the redundant facility.
Mark S. Ritchie.26 James Street,Carnoustie.
Scare tactic won’t work
Sir, – Michael Moore MP claims Scotland has been running at a deficit for over 40 years and thus she could not be independent.
Well, I have news for Mr Moore. Rather than scare Scots, as is his undoubted intention, it will merely re-emphasise how cack-handed we have been governed by Westminster.
How do Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Norway, et al manage without the breadth of natural resource we possess? An independent Scotland would currently be the sixth wealthiest nation in the world and with 40 years of an oil fund we would be seeing out the current financial crises rather better than the current UK position, where punishing the most vulnerable in society seems to be the only policy being offered by the ConDem coalition.
Kevin Cordell.2 Nevis Place,Broughty Ferry,Dundee.
“Alarming” for whom?
Sir, – According to Maria McCaffery, chief executive of Renewable UK, the number of wind turbines being refused planning permission by local authorities is “alarming” (BBC News Scotland business report, Oct 25).
Alarming for whom? I can only think she must mean the jobsworths of the renewables industry.
For those who want to see the march of wind turbines halted it is excellent news.
Everyone, not least politicians of every persuasion, need to wake up to the real intention behind such outpourings from Maria McCaffery and the renewable industry.
They would love us all to believe they are in the business of “saving the planet'”. Such high-minded ideals are far from being at the forefront of their thinking.
Renewable UK is the trade association for the British wind and marine energy industry. Their aim is to promote a product for financial gain.
We can also forget the idea that construction of turbines, in respect of wind speed and output, will only happen on the best sites.
As long as the levels of subsidy this industry receives continue paid for by the hard-pressed consumer not a hillock, molehill or watery wave is safe from the onslaught.
Neil McKinnon.Tulchan Garden,Glenalmond, Perth.
Aida cast must be congratulated
Sir, – After seeing Apex Production’s Aida I must congratulate the cast.
The acting, singing, costumes, lighting and orchestra were all of a very high standard and the whole staging of a very difficult score to direct came off beautifully. The dancing in particular was very impressive.
Some people thought it was a professional company on tour and that Dundee was their first stop.
Dundee and area is very lucky to have such wonderful talent and I can’t wait for their next production.
Earl G. L. Scott.38 Blackness Avenue,Dundee.
Decision is a witch hunt
Sir, – Dundee CAB’s decision at their agm not to re-elect to their board of directors Gordon Wilson is a witch hunt with a bias that deserves full media exposure and investigation.
To imply Mr Wilson’s opposition to same-sex marriages within the established churches would influence his professional judgment is an insult to his integrity.
During his career as a politician and solicitor Mr Wilson would certainly have had dealings with individuals he may have personally found offensive but, such is his calibre, this would not have influenced his judgment.
Many people share Mr Wilson’s views on same-sex marriage, so does this therefore mean they are not welcome to seek advice from Dundee CAB?
R. H. L. Mulheron.28 Cowgate,Tayport.
Reasonable to reach own view
Sir, – David Randall complains about the dismissal of Gordon Wilson from the Dundee CAB. Surely it is quite reasonable for a voluntary organisation to reach its own view about whether an individual’s behaviour or values are compatible with its own, within the limits of discrimination law?
Churches, for example, do this all the time, and enjoy specific legal protection to allow them to practise a far greater degree of discrimination than other charities.
Motes and beams, I think.
Alistair McBay.Lawmuirview,Methven.
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.