Sir, We are all well aware that Alex Salmond is fully focused on Scotland becoming independent, but during his absence on a “trade mission” to China, one would have thought Nicola Sturgeon might have shown some initiative in her dealings with the three unionist parties at Holyrood, but no all we got at First Minister’s question time was the same old stuff.
When questioned by all party leaders about the building of Type 26 Frigates for the Royal Navy, she indicated the UK Government would be delighted to have them built at Govan. How much more nave can the SNP get?
Do they really believe that if they are successful in their quest to break up the UK that the Westminster Government will even consider having RN ships built on the Clyde?
In the unlikely event the Nats are successful, the contracts will simply be given to Portsmouth. The facilities there will still be operational.
In general, no matter what subject is raised by folks in Scotland about the down-side of Scottish Nationalism, there is always somebody in the SNP offices ready to refute any suggestion that Scotland would be worse off as a separate country. They seem almost robotic in supporting their leader’s unsubstantiated claims.
The latest poll figures indicate that only 25% of Scottish voters will vote in favour of an independent Scotland. SNP voters have been misled by their hyper-ambitious party leader.
I do believe that deep down Mr Salmond is “running scared” of total independence he must realise how unprepared he and his party are to tackle all the complexities of nationhood. I think he would settle for increased powers for the Scottish Parliament.
Robert I G Scott. Northfield Cottage, Cupar Road, Ceres.
Don’t waste public money
Sir, Yet again you have produced an article on the proposed St Andrews rail link (Move to drive forward St Andrews rail link bid, November 12).
Most of it is regurgitated, quoting Starlink’s Jane Ann Liston. This time, however, the St Andrews Partnership have joined the community council’s previous call for a professional evaluation.
You would think that the members of these organisations should have more sense.
Given the convenience of the car and the excellent bus and taxi services, how can they possibly think that a train service will have any more than a minimal effect on road use?
In fact the construction and running of such a line would cause maximum inconvenience to most of us, while being a constant drain on the public purse.
It is absolutely essential that no public money is spent on this folly.
D B Clark. 21 Carron Place, St Andrews.
Another top-class pitch
Sir, It was good to see Dundee High School’s international standard new pitch mentioned in Tuesday’s Courier providing another first-class facility for the local hockey community’s use.
Perhaps it is not commonly known that Dundee has boasted a top-class hockey pitch since 1997. Then, with substantial lottery funding, the city council included the first water-based floodlit hockey pitch to be constructed in Dundee at the new Dundee International Sports Complex.
The new DISC pitch and floodlighting became the second in the country to be tested and achieve International Hockey Federation (FIH) certification for international standard and it hosted the eighth Senior Men’s European Nations Cup: Qualifying Tournament in July 1998, in which Scotland took part, as it’s first international outdoor event.
I think the last men’s hockey match to be held in the city was on grass, to celebrate the opening of Dawson Park.
Let’s hope The Commonwealth Games will encourage many more young people to take up the sport and enjoy these fine facilities.
Denis G W Thornton. 20 Colliston Drive, Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
Disconnected from reality
Sir, Charles Wardrop (Letters, November 12) clearly makes the point that the sole purpose of anything to do with alleged climate change and the vastly subsidised renewables industry is to make the rich richer at the expense of captive energy consumers, regardless of their ability to pay.
What makes this worse are the patronising lectures on the virtues of frugality from politicians who are now totally disconnected from reality by their own wealth, some of it made from the renewables they promote as being so good for us.
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross.
Don’t do as I do…
Sir, Perth and Kinross Council have a clause forbidding tenants from chopping down trees they have not planted. What a pity they do not practise what they preach. Martin Roberts. 178(b) Crieff Road, Perth.