Letters Page

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Oppositionto devolution

SIR, – In all the talk about a referendum on independence, there is one option that is never mentioned, which is to return Scotland to the way it was run before devolution.

Even the Conservatives who opposed devolution have never made any attempt to discover the depth of feeling in the population against the present setup.

Those who voted “no” in the last referendum are unlikely to have changed their views and, considering the shocking expense and unnecessary conflict with Westminster, no doubt others who voted for devolution now regret doing so.

If there is to be a referendum, then it is only fair that those who oppose devolution should be allowed to express their opinion.

William W. Scott,

23 St Baldred’s Road,

North Berwick.

Performanceof first minister

SIR, – Does Alex Salmond ever listen to a recording of himself on first minister’s questions?

He replies to questions by Wendy Alexander so negatively, and seems to delight in raising his voice in such a bullying attitude to put her down.

He doesn’t raise his voice to Annabel Goldie or Nicol Stephen.

It is sad that he cannot reply in a statesman-like manner with substance in his replies, rather than adopting a bully-boy attitude.

One would expect a more adult performance from a first minister.

J.A. Gordon,

119 Muirfield Road,

Elgin.

‘Disgusting’ state of beach

SIR, – I went for a walk on Aberdeen beach on Saturday. The lower prom and sand adjacent to the toilets and shelter were disgusting, with litter and broken bottles.

I have been going down there for years and have never seen a police presence at weekend evenings on the lower prom deterring the drinking and littering.

Where is Aberdeen City Council’s cleansing department? Presumably, there is a director of cleansing on a six-figure salary. His head should roll and he should be replaced by someone up to the job.

Thanks to our esteemed council, the beach is about the only attraction we have left in Aberdeen and it cannot even maintain this and keep it clean.

Apart from haemorrhaging our council tax, can any reader tell me what this council is good at?

Roger Houghton,

15a Victoria Street,

Aberdeen.

Wood-processing plant’s grant

SIR, – I refer to your story (May 8) headed “Plant grant a burning issue for mill boss”. I was shocked to read of the Black Isle developments which are favouring an already well-established business. Why did it get such a grant? Admittedly, we gratefully received a 50% grant for the purchase of our woodchip boiler. Would £3million not be better distributed among 30 businesses which can instal a boiler and then use biofuel, rather than just offer a handout to one business? Has anyone heard of supply and demand, of helping those who need it?

My bemusement increased as I heard of Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s Archie McCreevy’s inability to gather the overall picture on biofuel. He stated: “Balcas will be supplying their own product, which is distinct from that of Raddery Sawmill.”

What does he mean by distinct? It’s all bio-fuel.

It was said that Balcas had other components to its operation, which “offer significant advantages to the Highland economy”. What are these advantages?

It is my understanding that a drying procedure will be in place to assist with the production of the wood pellets – meaning an increased emission of CO.

Our supplier, Raddery Sawmill, uses a natural drying process with minimal carbon footprint. Our latest moisture content on delivery was 24%. Beat that, Balcas. Naturally, of course.

Caroline Gregory,

managing partner,

Lovat Arms Hotel,

Loch Ness,

Fort Augustus.

PR services for councillor

SIR, – With reference to Joe Morrans’ letter (the Press and Journal, May 9) headed “Turning image around”, I can confirm that, because the contract is between Fan Hitter PR and Councillor Martin Ford, all invoicing is made directly to our client at his home address.

I can also confirm that Mr Ford has no intention of seeking to have any of the costs he has incurred for the services of Fan Hitter PR reimbursed by Aberdeenshire Council or any other public body, as it would be wholly inappropriate for him to do so.

My response to Mr Morrans’ comments regarding Councillor Ford’s image is that I would never make any attempt to “turn his image around”. After all, his image is one of a man who has integrity, principle and a sense of justice; that is by far the best image for anyone to have.

Perhaps other individuals should consider adopting some of these qualities to help improve their own image.

Caroline Weintz,

managing director,

Fan Hitter PR,

First Floor, George House,

36 North Hanover Street,

Glasgow.

Memorial to Holocaust victims

SIR, – I was pleased to read (the Press and Journal, May 12) that, at last, the UK has a memorial to the 1million mentally and physically disabled people who died at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust.

These people were some of the first victims of the final solution; they where loaded into the back of specially adapted vans and gassed with the exhaust fumes.

Yes, the first of 11million victims.

Let us hope that, one day, we will have a memorial to all the other minority groups who died in this genocide.

David McGrath,

151 Galloway Drive,

Culloden, Inverness.