Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, I wholeheartedly agree with the comments made by Dr Peter Rice, chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, regarding the banning of alcohol sales in supermarkets.
He has voiced a belief I have had for years and can’t think why our Government can’t see this as a simple solution to the alcohol problem.
Alcohol is far too easily available in any supermarket and it is difficult to monitor these sales to underage drinkers.
I also have seen liquor stores in both Canada and Australia and think this type of store remarkably sensible to control the amount being sold and, more important, to whom it is being sold.
Avril Simpson.Field Studio,Welton Corner,Forfar.
Position is legitimate
Sir, Since 2007, the Scottish Government’s position towards constitutional reform has acknowledged that extending the parliament’s powers and responsibilities short of independence is a legitimate position to take and one that commands significant support.
It is therefore entirely consistent to take this on board when consulting the people, not least if a proposal is generated by credible parts of civic Scotland as looks likely.
This referendum is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and must reflect public opinion.
Iain Anderson.41 West End,St Monans.
You can’t be serious, Alex!
Sir, June 24 2014 is the 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn. Glasgow hosts the Commonwealth Games between July 24 and August 3 2014. The Ryder Cup is at Gleneagles in September 2014.
The SNP’s independence referendum will be held in autumn 2014. Alex Salmond’s transparency is so obvious it is laughable. Does he really think we will base our decision on flimsy sentimentality and a fleeting feel-good factor?
Stewart Whyte.25 Crombie Acres,Westhill,Aberdeenshire.
Keep HGVs off village roads
Sir, I refer to the accident on the A977 at Drum and your article on traffic speed on this route.
I believe that the so-called traffic calming measures through Drum and Crook of Devon villages have been a failure and a complete waste of money.
Most drivers completely ignore the speed limit, and if one adheres to the necessary limit you find you are tailgated and harassed by some ill-tempered drivers.
I use the pedestrian crossing in Crook of Devon in the early morning on my way to the village shop and have witnessed numerous vehicles going through red lights due to excessive speed at this crossing.
Recently a child was knocked off his bicycle by a motorist, who failed to stop.
These heavy goods vehicles should not be travelling through these villages as these roads are not suitable.
Ian Robertson.Station Road,Crook of Devon.
Royal Mail address problem
Sir, Your article ‘No faith in Royal Mail’ (January 9) prompts me to write about something that has annoyed me for years.
In the middle ages Dundee became a Royal Burgh within what was then the county of Forfarshire.
In 1947 Forfarshire became Angus, but long before, in the 1890s, Dundee had become first a city and then a county (which is why our Lord Provost is also the Lord Lieutenant).
So why does Royal Mail still think that Dundee is in Angus?
Chris Davey.Camperdown Street,Broughty Ferry.
We can’t wait another 10 years
Sir, It is with disbelief that I read the letter from Jane Ann Liston, member of the NE Fife Liberal Democratic Party, about the replacement school at Kilrymont.
Does she not remember that the Liberal Democrats in North East Fife went into the last council elections promising to back the proposal for a school at the Taybridge head and when they were elected on to Fife Council immediately voted against the proposal?
The Liberal democrats in Fife are still all over the place re: the replacement school each wanting different solutions and it is only because of the backing of the SNP councillors in Fife that we are finally going to get a school fit for pupils in the 21st century.
We cannot wait another 10 years!
Bill Connor.5 Jubilee Buildings,Tayport.
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.