Letters Page

Published:

Please post Christmas boxes to the Gurkhas

SIR, – My son, Patrick, is currently serving in Afghanistan as part of 45 Commando, Arbroath. Anyone wishing to send out shoe-box-size Christmas goodie boxes to HM Forces might like to consider the Gurkhas currently serving in Afghanistan who recently lost two men in action.

The Gurkhas will invariably not receive anything from family and friends and are usually forgotten about.

The maximum package weight is two kilograms and postage is currently free. The Royal Mail website is royalmail.com. It gives details and also BFPO restrictions of what cannot be posted. There is also a small Customs form (CN22) to complete at the post office. The last postage date to get there in time for Christmas is December 5.

Please post at any post office to: Captain A.P. Todd, 2 RGR BG, Op Herrick 9, MSQ DC, BFPO 792. Capt Todd will distribute the goodies among his Gurkhas. Please don’t let them down.

Pat Murphy, Rosebank Place, Aberdeen.

Democracy and freedom of speech

SIR, – I believe the vast majority of the public do indeed abhor the BNP and the racist undertones it presents, but I would like to take to task Frank Doran MP on part of his quote in the Press and Journal (November 20) when he states that “People are entitled to express views and opinions”.

How wrong can you be, Mr Doran? People are now afraid to speak out publicly and challenge such issues. Anyone voicing an opinion or concern on immigration would be deemed racist. An opinion on the illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan would be deemed anti-establishment, unpatriotic and failing to support the alleged war on terror.

In fact, we are very close to the stage that anyone willing to put their head over the parapet to voice an opinion in public is deemed to be politically incorrect and insensitive, and is ostracised. Any valued and meaningful opinion of the people has been systematically removed with the threat of prosecution.

Democracy and freedom of speech will soon be no more under this Labour Government.

Eric Simpson,

Townhead Gardens,

Inverurie.

Providers of SQA kilt-making award

SIR, – Having read the story published on November 15, I wish Keith Kilt School every success in its efforts to attract funding to secure the future of its training.

However, I have to point out that the school is not “the only place in the world where people can receive an SQA award in hand-made kilt-making”.

My own business, Drumbeat, at Inveraray, is also approved by the SQA to provide this qualification, as are a number of other Scottish kilt businesses.

The major difference between most of us and the kilt school is that we operate as kilt-making businesses rather than as a training centre and therefore have to finance the training ourselves rather than benefit from European or Scottish Government funding.

Frances Nolan,

Drumbeat, Newton,

Inveraray.

Councillor quitting Lib Dem group

SIR, – I refer to your excellent coverage that Councillor Debra Storr has quit the Liberal Democrat group on Aberdeenshire Council (Press and Journal, November 20). Your accompanying photograph of Ms Storr leaving the Liberal Democrat group and heading for the independent group will bring great joy to many in the north-east.

Let’s look at the facts. Almost a year ago, Ms Storr, along with three other misguided councillors, rejected – out of hand and without any discussions with the developer – a major project of almost £1billion which would have created almost 1,500 jobs.

It then took the combined efforts of Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish Government, at great expense to the taxpayer, almost nine months to clear up the mess.

Maybe instead of looking for sympathy and trying to play the martyr, Ms Storr would be better looking at her own track record – which, in today’s recession, looks decidedly grim.

I hope the next pictures you show of Ms Storr will be of her leaving the independent group at Aberdeenshire Council and joining us all in the real world – but maybe that’s just asking a bit too much.

James Noel,

Leggart Terrace,

Aberdeen.

How many make use of gardens?

SIR, – It would appear that the idea of raising Union Terrace Gardens is steeped in much controversy.

However, how many of the detractors who are against the scheme resurrected by Sir Ian Wood make use of the gardens below the level of Union Terrace and Union Street?

I have looked down on the gardens many times and you are lucky if you see half-a-dozen people making use of them.

Raising Union Terrace Gardens would make it more accessible and useable to the vast majority of the public and greatly enhance the stature of Aberdeen city and help give it a heart and soul.

James Murray,

George Street,

Aberdeen.

Aiming to find out about rifle range

SIR, – I am seeking information about a rifle range that once existed at the foot of Barra Hill, between Inverurie and Oldmeldrum. It appears on the Ordnance Survey map records between 1870 and 1926 but may have existed outwith this period. In the early days, it extended over a range of 1,000 yards, with firing stances every 100 yards. At maximum range, the shot actually traversed the Inverurie-Oldmeldrum public road. By the early-20th century, the range had been reduced to 800 yards, putting it clear of the road – perhaps to make allowances for the speedier newfangled motor vehicles.

I suspect the rifle range may have fallen out of use after World War I, but perhaps some of your readers may have heard older family members or friends talk about it. I would be delighted to hear from anyone with any information, old photos or other documentary evidence concerning its existence.

Bill Howard,

Old Schoolhouse, Kirkton of Bourtie, Inverurie.