On this morning’s agenda are the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the generosity of churches in Broughty Ferry and the treatment of politician David Laws.
Could Europe cope with North Sea oil spill? Sir,-Isn’t there a twist of irony about the latest attempt to plug the leak of the oil from the pipeline failing, as it involves the nation with the biggest thirst for the black gold in the modern world.
Make no mistake, this is the biggest environmental disaster to hit the USA in its history and more oil has already leaked out than in the Exxon disaster in Alaska in 1989.
With the technology to explore the far reaches of the solar system millions of miles away, it seems inconceivable that America and BP cannot sort a problem of their own making 5000 feet down in the ocean.
BP have obviously been allowed to create an animal that they could not control, as all the fail-safe systems failed and oil is gushing into the beautiful clear water of the Gulf Coast killing all living matter in its path.
There are an awful lot of oil installations off the Scottish coast. Anybody thought of that scenario happening?
I suppose we will be told that all our fail-safe systems will not fail.
Ed Thomson.Camphill Road,Broughty Ferry.
Are we prepared for disaster?
Sir,-I hope the politicians and North Sea oil companies are watching what is happening in the Gulf of Mexico.
If such a catastrophic accident ever happened in the North Sea, the implications for Scotland and other European countries would be unthinkable.
I know that there will be contingency plans to tackle normal pollution but would the plans be able to cope with a potentially major disaster?
Let us hear from the politicians.
Could we cope with a similar oil spill in the North Sea?
Another thought. Will we see pollution from this spill in our waters, brought over by the Gulf Stream?
Bill Crowe.Rosedale,Rossie Braes,Montrose.
Harris song remains same
Sir,-I have noticed over the past few weeks that George K. McMillan has entered into quite lengthy correspondence concerning suitable Scottish anthems.
I wonder what his views are on the Holiday Song of Harris Academy Dundee?
Certainly not famed for its musicality, the Holiday Song has lasted throughout the years.
Renditions in various forms, from the rather staid traditional version, through to a quicker tempo accompanied by whistles, hooters and bursting balloons have been tried out to the amusement of the participants.
But perhaps the word “amusement” is the keynote?
The Holiday Song never fails to amuse, to provoke a smile and strike a happy chord.
The FP Concert on June 9 at 7.15pm in the school hall will end with a hearty performance of “Hurrah for the heath-clad mountains”, and so on.
There are still a few tickets available and a very small number may be purchased at the door on the evening.
Come along and join in.
Rosemary Matheson-Dear.Cedarlea,324 Blackness Road,Dundee.
Churches work together
Sir,-With reference to your article, Wedding plans thrown into disarray (May 31), I am glad that the couple have found a new venue for their wedding but would like to assure readers that Invergowrie Parish Church was not the only one to offer to step into the breach.
The Broughty Ferry churches all offered to help the couple and following a phonecall on the night of the lightning strike itself, the bride certainly visited New Kirk on Saturday and was given the opportunity to hold her wedding there.
St Luke’s and Queen Street Church organised a joint service on Sunday and the churches in Broughty Ferry will continue to help the congregation of St Stephen’s and West for as long as it is necessary, in whatever way we can.
Churches can and do work well together in Broughty Ferry under normal circumstances and we naturally wish to help one another and affected residents and their families in difficult circumstances.
(Rev) Catherine E. E. Collins.25 Ballinard Gardens,Broughty Ferry.
Different Laws for us and them
Sir,-Here we go again.
David Laws shows that despite all the talk, our politicians have not learned the lesson that you just don’t embezzle from the taxpayer.
The sum of £40,000 is a very large, and in any other profession than politics, the perpetrator would not just be summarily sacked but might face a prison sentence too.
How is it that politicians manage to get away with a slight demotion, with the prospect of a return to the heart of government when things have cooled down a bit?
David Laws should be reported to the police, not given a step down for a short while.
And I don’t buy into the argument that he kept quiet because he didn’t wish to reveal his sexuality.
There is no longer any stigma attached to homosexuality and there are plenty other openly homosexual politicians.
Why David Laws should feel he needs special treatment is beyond me.
(Captain) Ian F. McRae.17 Broomwell Gardens,Monikie.