Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, In response to your leading article regarding the possible resumption of commercial fishing for salmon off Greenland, it is necessary to ask why the local Inuits do not wish to renew a biennial agreement.
It presently restricts them to fishing only for their own consumption.
Scottish salmon leave our rivers in May and June and the vast majority head for feeding grounds off Greenland before returning.
Commercial fishing off Greenland and on the high seas stopped in the 1970s.
It is difficult to explain to an Inuit subsistence fisherman that he should not be allowed to sell his surplus catch. He is well aware that in Europe, and in Scotland especially, such fish are caught, killed and often smoked to adorn the tables of the best restaurants.
Anglers in Scotland cannot sell their catches, but netsmen can.
I have attended several North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation meetings and watched the bullying tactics of the EU and Canada.
Three years ago, the Faroese (who also have agreed not to exploit the passing salmon) made it clear that their continued embargo on fishing was dependent on others, such as Scotland, practising what they preached.
Recently, the Irish banned all drift netting for salmon.
In Scotland, there has been no move by government to help our salmon, and in the face of such hypocrisy it cannot be any surprise that the cancer of distrust has now spread to the quotas for mackerel.
Salmon angling in Scotland is worth millions of pounds each year. There is no doubt that if commercial netting were to start again off Greenland and the Faroe Isles, it would have a devastating effect on our fragile salmon stocks.
H. Campbell Adamson.Chairman Esk District Salmon Fisheries Board,Millden of Stracathro,Brechin.
Excess noise insufferable
Sir, Am I getting to the age where I feel that any noise that interrupts my thought pattern is above what is considered a safe decibel level?
Is it unfair to expect to sit in one’s home in relative peace and quiet without needing to raise the volume on my radio/tv because some silly, self-important boy-racer drives past in a car with a loud exhaust?
Noise from refuse trucks is almost unbelievably loud.
An alarming rise in bus noise nuisance has occurred in the past five years. They may be quieter inside but as they accelerate the noise created is far beyond that of a comfortable decibel level.
Noise pollution is just what it says, pollution. I urge the authorities in Dundee to cease turning a deaf ear to these constant breaches.
Arthur Gall.14D Pitalpin Court,Dundee.
Changed life of Dundee boy
Sir, I read in The Courier about the passing of retired consultant plastic surgeon Mr John Kirk.
I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a brilliant man.
I was born with a cleft palate, hare lips and deformed nose.
I had consultations with Mr Kirk every six months until I was 12.
I remember when I was eight or nine calling him Dr Kirk and my mum corrected me saying Mr Kirk was more senior than a doctor.
From then on I called him Mr Kirk. I am totally grateful for the work that he did for me.
Basically, he changed my life.
J. A. Kane.Rosefield Street,Dundee.
Double standard in Perth
Sir, I refer to the decision by Perth & Kinross Council to offer the Pullars building on Mill Street, Perth, for sale for redevelopment.
You report (August 3) that, “it will be as a quality shop that the council will be hoping the building will be eventually used, with a desperate lack of retail space in the city centre”.
Yet the only reason that the council gives for wanting to demolish City Hall is that there is no retail demand.
Also, while ensuring that the Pullars building is to be properly advertised and marketed, the council refuses to do so with City Hall.
It refuses even to allow access for interested parties to view the interior.
So much for transparency and openness in local government.
Vivian Linacre.21 Marshall Place,Perth.
Alternative base for closure
Sir, If Prince William is being treated the same as other members of his squadron, they do not seem to have much to do and have loads of free time.
Would it not have made more sense to close his RAF station instead of Leuchars?
Alister Rankin.93 Whyterose Terrace,Methil,Leven.
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.