Sir, I, and most others, applaud the decision to retain the Glenrothes GP Out of Hours Service.
Reports suggest that the original decision to stop the service was “clinician” based.
Having attended some of the public “consultation” meetings, it was clear to me that it was an NHS executive management decision, more than “clinician”.
Several members of the audiences opposed to the closure were themselves medical practitioners, who, bless them, made their views that the service should be retained known, in no uncertain terms.
Thanks to them alland, of course, to all the elected members of our parliaments who led the charge.
A T Geddie. 68 Carleton Avenue, Glenrothes.
He wouldn’t be so stupid
Sir, I do not know if President Assad of Syria is a good man or a bad man. I do not, however, think that he is a stupid man and the suggestion that, in full view of the whole world, he would order a lethal chemical gas attack on his own people is very hard to believe.
And I remain confused. Are civilian deaths by gassing worse than civilian deaths brought about by being blown to bits by an American or UK missile? I certainly know where, by far, the highest totals are in this regard. The vote next September cannot come soon enough
David McEwan Hill 1 Tom Nan Ragh, Dalinlongart, Sandbank, Argyll.
Could face sanctions
Sir, As Russia and China both support the Assad regime in Syria, Britain could well be running the risk of economic sanctions by these countries if we attack their ally.
This likely outcome seems beyond the concept of some politicians, who assume that we can meddle in the business of other countries without fear of reprisal.
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross.
The show was spellbinding
Sir, I feel I have to write about the absolutely fantastic Dundee Schools Musicals show I saw last Wednesday at the Gardyne Theatre in Dundee. The show was spellbinding. All the cast were totally believable in their roles and “Kim” showed maturity beyond her years in her understanding of her tortured character.
If I was to single anyone out, it would have to be the young man who played “Engineer”. What a towering talent. He commanded the stage whenever he put his foot on it. Fantastic! I have seen Jonathan Pryce in this role but he would easily have given him a run for his money!
Well done all cast and production crew. Another triumph. Can’t wait until next year.
Suzanne Milne. 55 Threewells Drive, Forfar.
Linda opened door for others
Sir, Just before I left California in the mid-1960s, I went to a post-rodeo concert by the Stone Poneys with an aficionado friend who said I really had to hear their female lead singer.
A beautiful teenager appeared on stage and captivated the audience with her fabulous singing of an eclectic mix of songs which I suppose today we would call folk-rock.
This was Linda Ronstadt at the start of a career in which she would sell over 100 million records worldwide and reach new heights as a top-grossing concert performer.
She was a consummate artist who opened doors for women in many musical genres and remained for decades in the vanguard of the ever-changing American scene.
It is sad to learn that Parkinson’s disease now confines her to a wheelchair.
Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.
No real basis for change
Sir, At the last election for the Scottish Parliament only 22.2% of the total electorate chose an SNP candidate as their first preference. As a result, 53 SNP candidates were elected.
A further 16 were elected through the multiple choice system. This required the re-use of votes cast for the original 53 members. By my reckoning this means, at best, only around 25% of eligible Scottish voters actually wanted an SNP Government. Surely this does not provide a basis for changing to an independent Scotland.
This assessment is based on figures obtained from The Courier and from the Policy Information Department of the Scottish Parliament.
AA Bullions. Leven.