Sir, Friday’s Courier carried the school league tables for 2012 – 2013. Why do we continue to call them “school” league tables when, in fact, they tell us nothing at all about schools?
Apparently, 76% of kids at Dunblane High achieved five or more standards grade credit passes while at Arbroath Academy only 14% did so. Conclusion: Dunblane is considerably more affluent than the east side of Arbroath. Well, who knew?
School league tables are nothing but a damning indictment on the socio-economic disparities that so scar our nation and on the inequality of opportunity facing our children and young people.
All three of our sons attend Arbroath Academy and will continue to do so, happily.
It is an excellent school in which the level of care and interest in all the pupils is second to none. No one surveying the utterly pointless league tables should be in any doubt about that.
Rev Dr Martin Fair. 92 Grampian Gardens, Arbroath.
Jenny got it right aboutthe debate
Sir, It is not often I agree with Jenny Hjul, but Humza Yousaf’s strenuous put-down of her column reinforces my opinion that she got it right about the independence “debate”.
The truth is there is no independence debate: there is simply a series of Utopian assertions by the SNP, and if anyone (eg, the Spanish Prime Minister, Alistair Darling, Jenny Hjul, or even a voter like me) suggests different, then the wee pretendy SNP government “rejects it”.
There is hardly ever a reasoned refutation offered, just a rejection, too often coupled with contemptuous primary-playground-level abuse.
From that point of view, Jenny Hjul did not exaggerate much, as the oppressive South African regime, as I recall, did not encourage debate either.
Mr Yousaf has every right to express his opinion. What concerns me is how long after independence any of us will go on being allowed to express any differing view.
Alasdair Maclean. 6 Clive Street, Maryfield, Dundee.
Time to stop this practice
Sir, I feel Tony Troon did well in his Thursday column to draw attention to costly and needless experiments of no use to humanity. It was done in his inimitable light-hearted style, but there is an underlying more serious concern.
The accompanying photograph showed a laboratory rat in a plastic container, and there was reference made to rats being injected with a substance “that causes arthritis in their joints”.
A complete overhaul of animal experimentation in this country and, indeed, elsewhere is long overdue.
Of course all laboratory animals are killed at the end of their experiments, many further to the useless procedures to which Mr Troon refers. Even much so-called essential animal testing can be conducted via other means.
There are government controls which regulate the use of laboratory animals but these are inadequate allowing animal exploitation to continue.
It is time to move animal experimentation into the 21st century and use animals only in situations where there are no other means available. This would be little or none.
It is bad enough having to suffer naturally occurring arthritis without having it injected into one’s joints.
Ronald Oliver. 4 Lethnot Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
Incorrectly reported
Sir, Perhaps you would allow me to address points raised in your recent round-up. I have never visited brothels or used prostitutes. This has been incorrectly reported elsewhere. A tip for all journalists don’t believe everything you read.
Godfrey Bloom MEP. Selby, Yorkshire.
Such energetic enthusiasm
Sir, I recently attended a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk at Montrose Town Hall given by local youngsters and I must congratulate all concerned for such a great family show, performed to absolute perfection.
It was so nice to see youngsters showing such energetic enthusiasm and entertaining a packed hall for five consecutive evenings.
John McDonald. 14 Rosebery Court, Kirkcaldy.
Will they pay?
Sir, I notice with interest that Starbucks are coming to Perth. Are they going to pay tax?
D A Clarke. Poloskie, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie.