Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – If ‘economics’ is the pivotal argument for separating from the UK, then its fulcrum is what money shall we use?
It’s not unusual to use another state’s currency. Many small countries use the US dollar as their currency, and Argentina also used dollars in the 1990s.
None of them ever asked for, or got, US permission. Which is a demonstration of how we might continue to use the UK pound, if we wished.
Keeping the pound would make a lot of sense.
According to research by the Financial Times, seven in every ten pounds worth of our exports is sent down south. Moreover, about 40% of tourist spending here is by our UK visitors. They appreciate not having to change their money to stay here.
But the European Union would be a problem for a separated Scotland. If we join the EU as a full member, the terms of the 1993 ‘Copenhagen Accord’ would apply to Scotland. That requires all new entrants to adopt every existing EU policy, and especially a full commitment to ‘full economic and monetary union’.
There is a ‘get-out’ device for the euro. But only for states unable to achieve sustained compliance with the Maastricht Treaty’s conditions of permanently low government debts and minimal deficits.
All EU members and EU associates are bound to take full responsibility for their own banking and insurance debts, wherever those were incurred.
Both Iceland and Eire are trying hard to live with that.
There are many other international issues to be discussed, and it’s as well we’ve got well over two years to consider them.
Andrew Dundas.34 Ross Avenue,Perth.
Get used to power cuts
Sir, – The Kinnoull and Gannochy area of Perth suffered a power cut on Wednesday January 25.
For us, it lasted more than three hours, from 2pm on. We were told power would come back on at 4pm, but it did not do so until 5.20pm.
Meanwhile, darkness was falling and the search for torches and candles had begun. Luckily, we have a gas stove and that kept the kitchen warm when the gas central heating (controlled by electricity) switched off.
We were also able to heat up some food from tins for our tea and had our meal by candlelight. We offered gas-less neighbours the opportunity to join in our meal, but they had settled for sandwiches and beer.
Was this experience a foretaste of things to come if and when Alex Salmond and the wind-power and renewables fanatics get their way?
Power cuts could become a regular occurrence.
Perhaps the power workers ought to sabotage our system on a nationwide basis to persuade more people to see the light (sorry!) and vote down Alex Salmond and his renewable energy nightmare.
George K. McMillan.5, Mount Tabor Avenue,Perth.
What will he hijack next?
Sir, – Not content with the SNP’s implied adoption of the saltire, Alex Salmond has now hijacked Burns Night and, worse, Edinburgh Castle in the pursuit of his campaign for independence.
It’s clear that he plans to use the Battle of Bannockburn to the same end prior to the referendum if he manages to put it off that long.
How much more of Scottish heritage does he plan to misuse in this way over the next two and a half years?
Some of us would prefer to enjoy our national heritage unsullied by politics.
This behaviour seems to confirm my suspicion that SNP strategy is primarily aimed to appeal to the braveheart element however much it is clothed in the perceived respectability of economic arguments.
Arthur Davis.Kinnaird Steading,Pitlochry.
Speed trap = easy money
Sir, – I must register my disappointment with those who wish to position a speed camera on Arbroath Road.
It will not improve the safety of pedestrians, this being the reason given by the council. There is a perfectly adequate footpath/cycle path from Claypotts all the way up the road, at least to the roundabout leading to the David Lloyd Sports facilities.
Plus there are two pedestrian controlled crossings a few hundred metres from Claypotts to allow access to Broughty Ferry and/or Clearwater Park.
Another few hundred metres on there is another pedestrian-controlled crossing to allow pedestrians easy access to/from Panmurefield/Balmossie Green.
Another few hundred yards and there is another pedestrian crossing to allow safe access to/from the Angus Gateway.
How spurious the argument that the measure is designed in the interests of the safety of pedestrians. Or could it be a ‘cash cow’?
Tom McDonald.57 Durham Street,Monifieth.
Jenny’s views are spot-on
Sir, – I agree wholeheartedly with the article written by Jenny Hjul on January 18. She put everything perfectly.
We should be grateful we live on this peaceful island in harmony. Why break up a union that has functioned well for over 300 years?
Jill Nelson.Aberdour House,Aberdour.
Perth needs an attraction
Sir, – My friends and I spend most of our holidays in the UK. From a tourist perspective, the proposed civic square would deter us from visiting Perth.
The knowledge that a significant building had been swept aside for a concrete wasteland would also tell us Perth was not a place to visit for culture or heritage.
In contrast, a quality market of permanent stalls would attract repeat visits and encourage us to explore the city centre and beyond.
Dr Alastair C. Disley.Faversham,Kent.
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.