Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – Once again, without any warning this time it seems, the EU has implemented another Draconian measure. Our methods of power generation must comply, in a very short time, with their aims for low emissions.
They do not allow a reasonable time for alternative means to be planned and implemented.
No, they will leave this country in the invidious position of having to endure possible power cuts and the crippling effect that will have upon our economic recovery: all in the name of global warming.
Carbon distribution on this planet of any meaningful amount rests with natural phenomena no less than with the relentless subduction of the continental plates beneath our oceans.
To blame man for global warming is like blaming an ant for sinking the Titanic.
Let us, like India and China, get real and see to the economic health of our country while leaving the health of our planet to the forces that have kept it in balance for millions of years.
We may not like the way in which these forces work and there is little we can do about it, but with a strong economy we can better face any rigours they may present.
Leslie Milligan.18b Myrtlehall Gardens,Dundee.
Jewel awaiting development
Sir, – Your piece on the proposed maritime container terminal at Rosyth was welcome in highlighting the neglected issue of sea transport policy for Scotland. Unfortunately Professor McKinnon missed the target in criticising the Babcock facility in favour of Grangemouth.
What really needs to be addressed is the fact that some five million TEU containers are exported annually from Scotland but only a tenth of that goes by sea more potential business than either port could handle at present.
There are huge advantages in the use of the motorways of the seas, rather than clogging up our roads with trucks and all that means in terms of CO2 emissions and carriageway maintenance.
The economic case for transportation by sea is unanswerable and the Scottish Government should be looking at licensing a commercial superport at Rosyth or Dunbar.
The income generated from trans-shipments could be worth billions to our economy. It is worth noting that Singapore, after its independence from Malaysia, was able to pursue a maritime strategy which is now estimated to be worth £32 billion.
Another issue which needs to be addressed is the massive hidden subsidies paid to the road haulage industry with no equivalent to the coastal or international shipping trade.
Prof McKinnon might also be more generous in highlighting the advantages Rosyth has which include a reduced by three-hour steaming time, no lock gates and 24-hour access.
Feeding to the central Scotland motorway system is built into the new bridge crossing with a quick and easy slip road direct to the port. Neither would it be costly to integrate the existing internal rail system with the east coast lines.
Given the added advantage of the proximity of Edinburgh airport, Fife has a jewel of an asset awaiting visionary development.
Cllr Ian Chisholm.Lochgelly & Cardenden.
Dismay at car park price hike
Sir, – I note with dismay the latest hike in charges for parking at Ninewells Hospital and the financial pressure this places on staff, patients and especially on visitors.
As a Church of Scotland minister making regular hospital visits, I see many longer-stay patients who are elderly with equally elderly friends and relatives.
For many patients, time in hospital is bewildering and upsetting, so familiar faces are comforting and reassuring. I see first hand how much better patients feel when they have regular contact with people from home.
For older visitors on low and fixed incomes who often rely on neighbours for lifts, any increase in charges is a deterrent and an extra burden.
That is also true for church ministers.
Churches are charities and when we visit people to offer spiritual comfort and support, we too are hit with the extra charges.
It would seem that Vinci Park is blaming inflation for the rise. It would be interesting to know where their supposed extra costs are coming from, or whether the charges are on a ”because we can” basis.
Rev Catherine E E Collins.Broughty Ferry New Kirk,25 Ballinard Gardens,Broughty Ferry.
Please clean up after pets
Sir, – Riverside Park, Dundee, has been created for the pleasure of Dundee residents and visitors alike.
This facility was created from a rubbish dump that was a carbuncle on the west end landscape. It is an asset to the city.
However, the area is being ruined by a few careless dog walkers who are failing/refusing to clean up after their pets.
I often walk my dogs in the park and always clean up after them.
On Sunday I was disgusted at the amount of dog mess left on the footpath and verges. I wonder what impression this leaves on visitors to this facility.
There is a lack of dog waste bins in the park, a problem that can be remedied by the local authority who issue free bags for cleaning up after our pets.
I can only suggest to those who do not clean up after their pets, do not ruin the facility for those responsible dog owners who do.
Ken Dickson.Collace Crescent,Dundee.
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. Letters should be accompanied by an address and a daytime telephone number.