SIR, – Much has been written recently regarding the perceived shortcomings of the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC). However, as a bystander, it seems that any thoughts of reducing the capability of Aberdeen to showcase prestigious events such as the Energy Ball, oil week and top-rated concerts would be nothing short of financial suicide for the city and, indeed, Aberdeenshire.
It is well-documented that, in the past, the Offshore Europe event attracted more visitors than the area could accommodate.
So where on earth is the sense in trying to undermine this major asset now that all the new hotel companies have at last got their establishments up and running, creating the volume of rooms that are required once every 24 months?
The AECC is something that should be cherished and, rather than constantly bleating about its costs, Aberdeen City Council should be leading the charge to attract many more events to the centre, which proves consistently that it offers world-class facilities.
Full and aggressive use of the centre would underpin the decision of these new companies to invest in Aberdeen, as well as ensuring that the city’s excellent traditional hotels would continue to be well-patronised.
J. Mann,
Meadowlands Place,
Westhill,
Aberdeenshire.
SIR, – With reference to your report (August 28) regarding the closure of the Alford Centre in Aberdeen for people with mental health problems, I think a major injustice and extreme insult has been delivered by Aberdeen City Council towards this excellently-run service.
The day centre, established almost 40 years ago by Mental Health Aberdeen, has been a focus, refuge and home for hundreds of service-users. Then, at a stroke, the council saw fit, despite Mental Health Aberdeen’s exemplary record, to cast its project aside with precious little sensitivity or consideration for all the people who have built their lives around it – service-users, its management and support workers, alike. Everyone at the Alford Centre is devastated about this.
Why is the city continually pressing the “self-destruct” button towards local charities caring for the vulnerable people in their communities?
Do we really need to look outwith the city for voluntary organisations to “do a better job”? I think not.
The city ought to be supporting and encouraging its own local charities and keeping faith with the hundreds of volunteers who give so freely of their time. and also the many lowly-paid support workers running cost-effective and economically viable services.
Bea Fyvie,
17 Summerhill Drive,
Aberdeen.
SIR, – Is it any wonder that The Three Graces refuse to reappear in public in Inverness? Recent derogatory remarks about their complexions ensured that they would go into a major 7ft huff.
After standing among the smoky chimneys of High Street for the first half of the last century, and spending the second half lying around in a windswept garden in Orkney, how could they possibly have the skin texture of Myleene Klass?
I am not at all surprised that their critics have been reported to the League of Limestone Ladies.
Anyway, elderly people of solid pedigree should not be expected to spend their remaining years standing around on a plinth in all weathers.
Separate sheltered accommodation could easily be found for them in public buildings.
Faith could help the healers in Raigmore.
Hope could be resident receptionist at the cathedral.
Charity could stand guard in the town house over what is left of the Inverness Common Good Fund.
Donald MacAskill,
Alt-Dhubhag,
Tomatin.
SIR, – Scots Tory MEP Struan Stevenson has criticised Icelandic fishermen over their mackerel quotas in their own waters, which are not regulated by the EU.
Furthermore, Mr Stevenson has been calling for an EU-wide blockade of Icelandic ships and goods, a blockade that would be illegal as Iceland is a member of the European Economic Area.
What happened to the pledge of the Conservatives to govern for “freedom, fairness and responsibility”?
Christian Allard,
Fare Park Crescent,
Westhill,
Aberdeenshire.
SIR, – If I am described as “faintly loopy" (the Press and Journal, August 27) for suggesting that St Kilda might be suitable for a community buyout by the descendants of the original inhabitants, what would I have been called 20 years ago if I had suggested Eigg, Knoydart, Gigha and Assynt might one day be in public hands?
Stark raving mad?
Iain Thornber,
Knock House,
Morvern,
Oban.