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Huntly represented on Armed Forces Day

SIR, – I read with some amazement the letter from Major Crichton Maitland (Press and Journal, July 1) and his criticism of the town of Huntly in regard to Armed Forces Day. Towns the size of Huntly, much as we used to revere our local regiment until political idiots in Westminster decided to disband them, do not have the wherewithal to pay for such occasions.

However, I can assure the major that Huntly was not unrepresented at the parade in Aberdeen, where several veterans, myself included, participated in that parade, representing, among others, the Gordon Highlanders. Also taking part was Huntly and District Pipe Band. Far from not marking the occasion, I believe Huntly was as well represented as any small community in the north-east and I believe the major owes the town an apology for his misguided comments.

If he really wants to see how we honour our soldiers past and present, he should come to Huntly on July 30 for the Gordons Homecoming event.

Bob Ness, Scott Court, Huntly.

Beauly-Denny power-line inquiry

SIR, – In contrast to Helen McDade (Press and Journal, July 2) I believe the economy, enterprise and tourism committee should be congratulated for calling for the Beauly-Denny power-line upgrade to go ahead as soon as possible.

The proposal is for a new power line with fewer transmission lines and 25% fewer pylons than the existing line to be erected, and for the old one to be dismantled. This will enable electricity from new windfarms in the north of Scotland to be transmitted to areas of population in central Scotland to power schools, hospitals, street lighting, factories, homes, etc, in place of electricity generated from non-renewable fuels which also emit climate-changing greenhouse gases.

My concern is that influential and respected organisations such as the John Muir Trust are not processing the threat to the environment posed by global warming and the need to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions using existing technologies such as windfarms and power lines.

Mike Martin,

Broadfold Drive,

Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.

Max Scratchmann book on Orkney

SIR, – Well done to MP Alistair Carmichael for stopping the publication of a book by Max Scratchmann ridiculing Orcadians. I have visited Orkney for many years and have lots of friends there. I think the people and the landscape are lovely, so I was shocked to read in your paper some of the quotes from the book.

Max Scratchmann says going to Orkney (from Manchester) was like “tumbling headfirst into the 1950s”. This is one of his many insults to the Orcadians, who are as modern as anyone in Britain, although they hold on to some traditions to show tourists what life used to be like. Has Max Scratchmann tried to get to know the Orkney people? Has he no respect for the wealth of talent to be found – artists, crafts people, musicians? Has he even heard of John Rae, Eric Linklater or George Mackay Brown?

Has he attended the Jazz Festival, the St Magnus Festival or the Festival of the Horse? No “legless” people there.

Orcadians are quiet, friendly, hospitable people who can do without people like Max Scratchmann in their midst.

Christine Fordyce,

Craigard,

Foveran, Ellon.

Campaign for votes for prisoners

SIR, – You report (Press and Journal, July 2) the attempt by some of Scotland’s most violent and dangerous prisoners to be allowed to vote, and that the justice minister says giving the vote to prisoners is “inevitable” because of a European Union body’s ruling. This is just the latest in a long line of dangerous and stupid “laws” and “rulings” coming from the EU Parliament, “commissions” and “courts”, and showing that Britain needs to come out of them.

I cannot help also thinking that if the death penalty was in force for such brutal killers as the campaign leader, “limbs in the loch” Beggs, the issue of whether he and his ilk should get a vote would be moot.

Andrew Lovie,

Market Street,

Aberdeen.

A thank you for couple’s kindness

SIR, – I would be grateful if you could please extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to Charlotte and Crispin Worthington, of Stromness, two exceptionally kind people.

I have now returned to my home in Banbury, in Oxfordshire, after a 27-day fundraising journey to kayak, cycle and walk the 1,180 miles from the Isles of Scilly, in south-west England to the lighthouse at Muckle Flugga, in Shetland. On June 24, my fellow kayaker, Michael Punter, and I arrived in Stromness, having paddled through the low mist.

We found a landing area to park the kayaks and, as we were bringing them out of the sea, a gentleman came round to have a chat with us. When he heard about our challenge, he and his wife invited us into their home. They offered us hot drinks, a full cooked breakfast and a shower. They were Crispin and Charlotte Worthington.

I cannot thank them enough for their hospitality and kindness. They will be a constant reminder of my journey.

Andrew Fairbairn,

Orchard Clare,

Overthorpe, Banbury.

Queen’s visit to parliament

SIR, – I am not at all surprised at those ignorant MSPs who let us down by ignoring our Queen and letting all the children who turned up down as well.

The wee faces of the children meeting the Queen would have meant more to her than those who decided to have an away day. Let’s hope they got no expenses for staying away.

Rena Teasdale,

Braemorriston Road,

Elgin.