Sir, The wording of the question for the 2014 referendum was agreed a long time ago as: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” which basically means that we are to be asked whether Scotland should be governed from Westminster or Holyrood.
The referendum result will alter the lives of our children, their children and so on for countless future generations.
Some people writing in the local press seem to think the referendum is all about Alex Salmond.
I understand that there may be rumours circulating in Westminster that the First Minister is an immortal alien, but I can assure readers that he is in fact human, and will definitely not be around by the time my great granddaughter will be old enough to vote.
The question is, will she be voting for a democratic government in Edinburgh elected by Scotland, or for a barely democratic government in London elected by the whole of the UK?
Andrew Collins. Ladyburn House, Skinners Steps, Cupar.
What would be fair about that scenario?
Sir, Robert Smith believes that anyone born in Scotland should be given the right to vote in the referendum.
This matter has come up in your columns before and I make no apology for paraphrasing the comment I made then.
Consider the opposite. I left my native Wales in 1953 and first came to Scotland in 1957.
Leaving aside the Scottish referendum, where I am very grateful to have been offered the chance to vote (though I certainly do not regard it as an entitlement), does Mr Smith seriously suggest that if it ever came to a referendum in Wales I should be given the chance to vote on the future of a country and fellow countrymen I left 60 years ago and to which I am now never likely to return?
I should have the same rights as someone who was not born in Wales but has spent his whole life there, maybe in public service, perhaps even as an Assembly member? What on Earth would be fair about that?
Laurie Richards. 100 Crail Road, Cellardyke.
Phones and foodbanks
Sir, One reads (September 13) of “Foodbank ‘tragedy’ anger” then on September 18 that 94% of adults own a mobile phone.
I’m sure it would be too much to hope and expect that no-one who can afford to own a mobile phone is also claiming the need to use a foodbank, or have they got their priorities crossed over?
Mary Smith. Silver End Cottage, Maryburgh, Blairadam, by Kelty.
A fantastic night out
Sir, We spent a fantastic couple of hours on Monday night at “Jackie The Musical” in the Gardyne Theatre, Dundee. There were 20 of us in total, with ages ranging from 18 to 85.
The energy and enthusiasm of the cast was a joy to watch and the music from the 60s and 70s enthralled the audience, who eventually were up on their feet singing and dancing.
It was a heart-warming sight to see both young and old joining in to create an incredible party atmosphere.
Well done to the manager Alan Dear and all his staff. Keep up the good work.
Jeff Stewart. Director. The Hotel Broughty Ferry, 16 West Queen Street, Broughty Ferry.
We need both points of view
Sir, With just one year until the independence referendum, the church, together with people of other faiths and God, must seek answers from the Yes and No campaigns as to their policies on justice for the sick, the neglected, the forgotten and the rejected, in Scotland and in the wider world.
Our deeply divided society is in danger of imploding, and people of faith and none, that is all who share the same fundamental concerns for people on the edge of society, must hear clearly what both campaigns will do to make our society one where every individual is valued equally and has the opportunity to grow positively.
On September 18 2014 people will then be more confident as to where to put their cross.
Grahame Lockhart. Myrtle Cottage, 15 Scott Street, Brechin.
No need for a new cinema
Sir, All this talk of a new cinema in Kirkcaldy is annoying. The ABC Cinema is sitting all boarded up since it was closed by Odeon cinemas. Why waste money on a new cinema (that will no doubt be a modern monstrosity), when there is a perfectly good cinema in situ simply needing restored?
Why do they always have to build and allow our historic buildings to rot away?
Darren K Rankin. Burntisland.
Missing the connection
Sir, With the autumnal equinox behind us, heralding the approach of winter in the northern hemisphere, we can now look forward to months of saturation TV advertising for the purchase of a new sofa with delivery before Christmas being guaranteed.
Based on many years of such advertising, the festive season is apparently the only time of year that we should ever seriously consider making such a purchase. I am obviously missing something here and perhaps someone could enlighten me because I simply cannot understand this ongoing association between Christmas and new sofas.
In fact, for a variety of reasons, it is probably a time of year when I would least consider this.
Roy R Russell. 1c Smithy Road, Balmullo.
Grateful to these professionals
Sir, There has been much criticism of late of the NHS but after a recent experience I offer some sincere support.
On a weekend break in the Loch Rannoch area at the end of last month during a pre-dinner walk with my dog I suffered a serious fall.
Having been found in great distress and pain, the ambulance was called. On arrival the paramedics were calm, attentive and professional. In constant communication with their base, it was decided that I should be taken to Ninewells. Under the circumstances of my location an air ambulance was the best option.
Despite the failing weather and light, a trip of some 20 minutes, instead of perhaps up to three hours, was welcomed to avoid further distress.
On arrival at the hospital I was met with nothing but attentive and professional care. From the registrar to the radiologist my treatment was explained and at no point did I feel ignored.
The Orthopaedic department was well run and the nurses friendly and patient. Due to complications in the operating theatre I spent some time in the intensive care unit.
At what was a frightening time I was reassured and my family kept fully informed. After a week I was discharged and although still in a plaster cast, given time the prognosis seems good.
The medical professionals I met would probably say they were just doing their job, and maybe they were, but it was a fine job professionally carried out and I for one will remain forever grateful to them.
Ramsay Johnson. Blairgowrie.
Cheeky ladies at the Palais
Sir, The letter from George K McMillan in Monday’s Courier about the alcohol-free days at the Dundee Palais, brought back fond memories for me. As the son of its bandmaster, proprietor and renowned violinist Andy Lothian, I spent many evenings in my formative years acting as a doorman at 31 South Tay Street.
George is correct in stating that the Palais was an alcohol-free haven, (as was the case in all post-war ballrooms in the city). That is, of course, assuming that we, as doormen, were able to uncover the hidden stash often to be found in handbags of ladies who surreptitiously sought, with an endearing smile, to pass by the vigilantes keeping the alcohol at bay.
On the whole it seemed that we were generally successful in ensuring that inebriation was kept outwith the Palais doors. To this end we were aided by the 100ft-long entry corridor, which at 9.30pm, when the pubs all closed, acted as a kind of test as to whether entrants were sober or not. Any male banging into both sides of the corridor on his way to enter the ballroom was summarily dismissed by pointing back down the corridor, which was generally enough to ensure compliance.
The only occasion I recall my father discussing as a serious incident was in the mid-50s when a large number of Polish and UK armed servicemen, no doubt somewhat frustrated at the shortage of ladies that evening, decided to vent that frustration on one another. In a moment of brilliance my father ended the battle by changing the quick step to the Polish National Anthem at which point all the military personnel ceased their conflict, stood erect and many saluted. The ladies’ choice that then followed ended the hostilities. And the ballroom emptied peacefully at 11.30pm.
Andi Lothian (former doorman and son of Andy Lothian (Senior) bandmaster and proprietor of the Palais Ballroom.
Outstanding welcome
Sir, I visited the mosque in Perth under the open doors scheme and the welcome received by everyone was outstanding. The hospitality with food, various teas and coffee was way beyond what one would expect.
The information regarding the various prayer times was instructive, as were the details regarding Ramadan.
Well done and thank you.
Jim Balneaves. 4 Tayside Place, Glencarse, Perth.