SIR, – I read with interest the article (Press and Journal, March 3) regarding the possible link between skiers, disturbance and the decline of the European capercaillie population. I agree that disturbance has a part to play in the breeding success of the capercaillie, especially during incubation, but disagree that disturbance is the sole factor in its decline.
Many questions are left unanswered about the decline of this great bird, especially if you turn the clock back to a time when employment and disturbance in forestry was high. Then, Scotland’s capercaillie population was at its height. The bird was persecuted summer and winter because of the damage it created in young forestry schemes, but still numbers remained high.
During the 1970s and 1980s, bird species and numbers generally started to decline, the capercaillie being one. At enormous expense, and on the recommendation of experts, steps were taken for the revival of the capercaillie population. Deer fencing was removed and deer numbers reduced, remaining fences marked and habitats improved, but with little sign of the predicted recovery.
However, one species has flourished and will continue to do so until commonsense prevails, and that is the expert, his future, without doubt, assured.
Peter Fraser, East Auchallater, Braemar.
SIR, – The technology to run vehicles on water is now a reality. For example, the American military has a hybrid vehicle designed to operate on either conventional fuel or water.
This water-based fuel technology can be extended to powering domestic households. Yet governments continue to encourage the vast global consumption of oil in the name of greed and profit while simultaneously fleecing the consumer on CO emissions under the guise of environmental cleanliness and counteracting climate change.
The utility companies also fleece the consumers, who are forced to use conventional means of heating and powering their homes.
A safe, clean, cheap and abundant form of energy exists in water-based fuel technology. Why are governments not researching and using this technology to counteract climate change and preserve precious Earth resources?
Governments are supposed to provide a caring and supportive environment for citizens where they can grow and be the best they can be – not fleeced at every opportunity. Let’s have some answers, please.
William McLaughlin,
Glencozie, Stonehill Road,
Carmichael, Biggar,
Lanarkshire.
SIR, – While walking on the beach on Sunday I met an almost identical ex-racing greyhound and she proved to have the same birthday (July 26, 1999) and the same kennel name (Harsu) as me.
Our minders conversed but were not sufficiently on the ball to exchange names and addresses.
On returning home, investigation on the web showed that we were long lost twins and, as the chances of us meeting on the beach after such a long time of a racing career and rehoming would seem to be very small, I would very much like to keep in touch.
If she would like to also, perhaps she could contact me through the address below.
Coincidentally, I met my half-brother, Harsu Prince (same father, different mother), at the New Deer Show last year, so it seems that there is a lot of rehoming going on in the north-east.
Harsu Gladiator,
c/o Robert Bain,
531a North Deeside Road,
Cults, Aberdeen.
SIR, – Like your average British citizen, I live by the decisions made by the governing bodies of this country. Today, however, I feel I can no longer sit quietly and live by the decisions which are now being imposed upon us.
I am overwhelmed by the under-investment which this city is now suffering from.
Our traffic is bottle-necked; our children will have nowhere to train or exercise (at a time when exercise and improved health for the nation is being heavily advocated); the disabled and infirm will lose their place of employment, livelihood and, ultimately, I imagine, their dignity.
We thwart multinational businesses from entering the area by small-minded nimbyism. We even want to evict the animals from Doonies Farm and sell them at auction to an unknown fate.
There is a widespread belief that we need more hotel rooms in Aberdeen, but who will want to come here in the future when there are no leisure facilities or visitor attractions, an ineffective road infrastructure, limited, under-funded and under-staffed schools?
From what I have read, if the new arts centre and Marischal College plans were ditched, there would not be a financial deficit, or is that just too obvious?
I think we should all stand up and be counted before we are all sold off at auction to the highest bidder.
Jeanette Grant,
Millside Road,
Aberdeen.
SIR, – So the Government is still determined to inflict us with ID cards, something the identity thieves will be on to in a flash.
What the Government has just failed to realise is, the bits the identity thieves will need to obtain credit cards in our names will not be securely encrypted. If they were, they would be no use to us, either.
Bob Ross,
Blackpark Terrace,
Inverness.