Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – I believe Cardinal O’Brien echoed the thoughts of many Christians in his recent statement on same-sex marriage.
I represent six Christian congregations in Fife, Perth, Dundee and Angus, and we commend the cardinal for his bold and resolute stance.
A healthy, productive and robust society is built on strong and loving families. We believe that marriage between one man and one woman is ordained of God and, though our members include varied family make-ups, we strive for this ideal.
Although there are many different types of families, research shows that the social outcomes for children of married parents are better than those for children of non-married parents.
Given these benefits, the Scottish Government should be doing all it can to support and encourage man/woman marriage rather than wilfully dismantling its definition.
The language of discrimination and intolerance is already being used to stifle free speech on this issue, paving the way for churches to be forced against their will to conduct same-sex marriages.
Daryl Watson.Bingham Terrace,Dundee.
What sort of a degree is this?
Sir, – I read that Princess Beatrice has graduated with a BA (hons) in history and history of ideas.
Will someone please inform me just what this latter degree means exactly or is this another instance of inferior degrees universities are handing out these days?
M. Wyse.9 Denburn Court,Brechin.
When arsenic was used as a tonic
Sir, – I was very interested in the letter by Archibald Lawrie suggesting that Napoleon’s lock of hair, found in Abbotsford, should be tested for arsenic. I had the same thought.
Napoleon’s post mortem report, which is in the archives of the pathology department of Aberdeen University, clearly states that the stomach was the seat of extensive cancer.
There is, however, a suggestion that this was a cover-up.
It is worth remembering that, at that time, arsenic was frequently used throughout Europe and St Helena as a tonic.
If the specimen found in Abbotsford is used to test for arsenic then the date of when the lock of hair was cut would need to be known.
(Dr) C. K. Adam.6 Sillerhole Road,Leven.
Fife blooms a treat for sore eyes
Sir, – I must congratulate Fife Council and all volunteers and sponsors of the various gardens and flower beds and parks throughout the kingdom.
It is a real pleasure in these difficult economic times to see such lovely floral displays. The display in my home town at the war memorial is really nice and very fitting for the memorial.
Well done to every one for all your hard work.
James F. Rigby.16 Blackcraigs,Kirkcaldy.
Donald Trump is being selective
Sir, – I find some recent comments by Donald Trump regarding the siting of offshore wind turbines off the coast of Aberdeenshire quite ironic.
He says: “This windfarm should not be built or alternatively be relocated”.
This, mark you, from the lips of a man who when asked to consider relocating part of his golf course away from an environmentally sensitive and supposedly protected area refused to do so.
Mr Trump does not “do”compromise yet wants compromise to come into the equation regarding the proposed windfarm.
Do I think Mr Trump’s appeal to the Scottish Government will be successful? Yes, sadly I do, as in the north-east nowadays money talks.
Let us not forget those Menie families who have shown great resilience.
I do not believe this man is building his Menie development for the good of the economy of the area.
Why would he object to a project which is arguably going to provide more jobs than his golf course and housing complex?
R. T. Smith.30 Braeside Terrace, Aberdeen.
Needs to show supporting facts
Sir, – The Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead’s statement (September 16) that: “I am clear that energy-from-waste, and other technologies, are safe and sustainable”, flies in the face of informed scientific evidence.
What is the basis for Mr Lochhead’s dogmatic conclusion?
All incineration processes cause harmful emissions, carrying risk to human health.
If his assertion implies a presumption in favour of proposed incinerator and chemical plants as a matter of national policy, we in Scotland face a terrifying future.
Margaretha Linacre.21 Marshall Place, Perth.
Exchanging old masters for new
Sir, – The correct word for the long-term goal of the SNP is separatism, and not independence.
First Minister Alex Salmond proposes to separate Scotland from the UK, and current subservience to Westminster, in order to have it join the EU. This would mean being subservient to Brussels.
That is not independence. It’s just changing masters.
Malcolm Parkin.15 Gamekeepers Road,Kinross.
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.