Sir, Now 80 years of age I become more dejected by the day with regard to those responsible for maintaining law and order in this country.
The decision reported in newspapers and on TV in relation to police officers carrying firearms while engaged in patrols, just adds to my total lack of confidence in our law and order decision makers.
I am asked to believe that the decision to stop police officers being armed, when on normal patrol, is a decision made by the Chief Constable. Well, although I do not expect the Chief Constable to admit that he was pressurised to make such a decision, I have my own thoughts.
I would also point out that, since the subject was raised, I have yet to speak to anyone who was in the least troubled with police officers being armed because, like me, they know that British police officers who carry firearms receive firearms training, at a very high level and carry handguns securely in holsters.
I would ask those who protest, if they go abroad for holidays, does seeing virtually all police officers armed put them off foreign holidays?
I would also ask the MPs and councillors who have raised this subject, along with protesting members of the public, whether they would be prepared to undertake the duties of the police throughout the UK, where, on frequent occasions firearms are used by those breaking the law?
Unfortunately, as the residents of Hungerford and Dunblane can remind us, criminals can cause carnage when in possession of firearms.
Ian Thomson. Moor Road, Ceres.
We don’t need these labels
Sir, It must have been a shock for the SNP to discover that such a large majority of electoral districts in Scotland rejected their political principles, particularly as a significant number are represented by nationalist politicians at Holyrood, Westminster, and on local councils.
There must now be a question in all their minds as to whether nationalist representation reflects the views of the majority of constituents within their district and, if not, whether it would be more honourable to follow the example of their leader.
Scotland and its people have always been independent, with the ability to choose friends. The country has no need for labels to explain how we feel and decide upon our future.
For myself independence is the ability to accept what you have and use it wisely and successfully. I have seen little evidence of this from our current government, only whingeing about what they don’t have and a strong tendency towards dictatorship, when they choose to ignore the will of the people.
A new dawn of political awareness is opening for Scotland and I don’t believe the nationalist political machine can sustain their independence principles for another two years let alone the 52 years until the next request for a referendum.
Alan Bell. Roods, Kirriemuir.
Raven danger to lambs
Sir, Having read the article, New action plan over sea eagles, in Saturday’s paper, I have to ask, will we see “experienced and trusted rapid response contractors” respond to the impact of ravens on lambing ewes come the spring?
The increase in raven numbers here in West Perthshire, and other places, is quite frightening. A long time ago I remember that seeing a raven was exciting. Now they are 10 a penny and not just restricted to the coast or high ground, but patrolling the low ground, too.
Lambing ewes don’t stand a chance. I’ve seen perfectly healthy lambs having to be put down due to their eyes and tongues being removed by ravens.
Emma Paterson. West Perthshire.
Crucial factor ‘overlooked’
Sir, The volcanic eruption on Mount Ontake in Japan sent thick plumes of smoke, ash, rocks and toxic gases into the atmosphere (your reports). Sadly this eruption claimed more than 30 lives.
Scientists now have stated that volcanic ash clouds have a cooling effect on the planet.
There are 200 active volcanoes spewing out toxic gases and ash clouds at any one time every day.
In 1991 Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines and spewed out more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the entire human race had emitted in all its years on earth.
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) admitted that this crucial “cooling” factor had not been taken into consideration when they issued their apocalyptic scenarios for the future of our planet.
The world has not warmed for 17 years but we have been burdened by numerous punitive green taxes and wind turbines because the IPCC were negligent.
Clark Cross. 138 Springfield Road, Linlithgow.
Time to live in the real world
Sir, I read the report on football hooliganism (September 30). Alarming in all respects, I counted more than 600 recorded crimes reported in little more than 18 months. For these types of crimes alone. Surely the Scottish Government must now review its stance on declaring crime levels are falling and start living in the real world?
A T Geddie. 68 Carleton Avenue, Glenrothes.