Letters Page

Published:

SNH and windfarm development

SIR, – I would like to make one small correction to your story (October 2) headed “SNH and Sepa back new windfarm”.

The headline might well be read to imply that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is actively supporting the development of Dorenell windfarm.

That is not the case. A key reason SNH withdrew its holding objection is because golden eagles which once bred in the proximity of the site have not done so for five years. Therefore, the windfarm site on the outer edge of the Cairngorms National Park cannot be designated a special protection area for eagles, which would have attracted an automatic objection. The five-year rule is of SNH’s own making.

The reason the birds no longer breed in the area, according to SNH’s own 2008 report, A Conservation Framework for Golden Eagles, is “largely due to the continued illegal killing of eagles”.

We are now in the bizarre situation where SNH knows that this area was and still could be a prime breeding area for eagles and it knows they have been killed, but its hands are tied by its own legislation. Instead, the landowner is likely to pick up millions of pounds in turbine rental payments because the birds have gone and SNH can do nothing about it.

Fiona McHugh,

Auchinhandoch,

Dufftown.

Selling offa public park

SIR, – I understand from my community council's website (Old Aberdeen) that Sunnybank Park, also known as St Machar Outdoor Centre, is to be sold and that this was decided at an Aberdeen City Council finance and resources meeting on September 17.

I am still waiting for some clarification as to which bits of this park are to be sold off for development or if, indeed, all of it is to be sold. In the meantime, I need to ask how on earth it is possible that Aberdeen City Council is allowed to simply sell off a public park just like that with no public consultation, in direct contravention of its own strategy: a designated urban green space, hundreds of years old and utterly irreplaceable.

This park is loved and used by all generations (especially until the council closed the bowling recently) and is on the doorstep of two areas of regeneration – Powis and Froghall – whose kids go to nearby Sunnybank and St Machar schools and all play in Sunnybank Park.

It seems an unfair and crazy decision.

Helen Love,

67 Sunnyside Road,

Aberdeen.

Curiosity regarding job title

SIR, – I would like to thank Ross Davidson for his comments (Letters, October 5) on the story (the Press and Journal, September 29) about my jar of pickled pets.

With regards to his curiosity regarding my job title, I can confirm that we (GIS technicians) are a relatively new “species” that first came about just over 10 years ago.

Due to advances in technology, map data is now stored electronically, thus doing away with the time-consuming task of searching through multiple plan files and drawers for the appropriate map data (no longer are we in a “pickle” trying to find or even read old, worn, paper maps).

All map data is stored electronically, allowing ALL employees to access and view them at the touch of a button.

The GIS technician’s role is to ensure this data is accurately maintained and updated.

A vast majority of businesses and organisations involved with subsea or land information now use GIS (Geographical Information System). We are a growing “species”.

I’m sure, in time, we will evolve once again as technology progresses.

Thanks again to Mr Davidson for his highly amusing letter.

Joanne Davidson,

GIS technician,

planning and environmental services,

Town House,

Low Street,

Banff.

Crofters failing to claim grants

SIR, – Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham had a go at crofters for not claiming the grants available (the Press and Journal, September 30).

There is nothing crofters would like better, but due to the red tape and the fact that one of the most important grants, the Rural Development Scheme, has to be done online puts people off. How many crofters does she think have access to, or the desire to use, a computer?

The majority of people claiming this grant have to go to an agricultural adviser. This can cost hundreds of pounds and there is no guarantee that the crofter will get into the scheme.

Only a few get in. It is not about producing livestock, as in the old days, but about the environment, building ponds and planting trees and hedges to attract wildlife and so on.

We have been paying people subsidies to set land aside, not to be cultivated. We are paying subsidies to people who no longer have stock on their land and we are not paying subsidies to people who now have stock but didn’t have it in 2001-2002.

I cannot believe what a shambles the crofting rules and regulations are. Crofting is in the blood and is a way of life unlike any other, but it is being destroyed by people who have no idea about crofting.

Catherine Cameron,

The Old Dairy,

Lairg.

Columnist’s byline picture

SIR, – Although I was always taught to never judge a book by its cover, I have to admit the unsightly mugshot of your Monday columnist, Iain Maciver, was a bridge too far.

Very belatedly, and probably as a result of the dark nights, I have found myself, out of sheer boredom, reading his weekly musings.

Shock. Horror. They are actually quite entertaining for a man from the Western Isles.

Iain often talks of his “Cameraman”: does he ever take photos? Is he kitted out with the latest digital palaver?

If so, why not get him to update the Press and Journal's picture byline of Mr Maciver?

I'm sure if Cameraman had the right digital software – that can creatively enhance things – he could submit a more passable image.

Think of all those P&J readers who are missing out.

Dan Mackay,

2 Royal Bank House,

Victoria Place,

Wick.