SIR, – Firstly we wish to thank you for providing coverage of the nativity which was held at Doonies Farm on Sunday.
May I point out that the article states that the farm was bought by Friends of Doonies. We have not bought the farm nor will the purchase of the property be an option available to us.
Friends of Doonies is a group of volunteers which is registered as a charity. The sole purpose of the group is to save Doonies Farm from closure by the council, to develop the facilities onsite and allow the site to become financially self-sustaining.
We were granted a license to run the farm from July 1, 2008, for six months. We are presently trying to negotiate a long-term lease with Aberdeen City Council, which will always be the landlord.
I think it is important to emphasise that no member of the group is or will benefit financially from their involvement. We just hope to develop Doonies into a source of education and employment for the future and provide a visitor attraction that the people of Aberdeen can be proud of.
Jeanette Grant,
c/o Doonies Farm,
Nigg,
Aberdeen.
SIR, – Having read the words of Charles W. Brown, I get the impression he grudges the £15million “gift" to Aids victims in Africa. Divide the sum by 60million, the approximate UK population, and it comes to 25p per person. I will gladly send a cheque to Mr Brown covering his contribution, and any dependants, for fear of his Christmas being spoiled.
L. Fraser,
Mayne Road,
Elgin.
SIR, – Clearly the police were prejudiced with regard to Jean Charles de Menezes.
Conformists repeatedly argue, with respect to ID cards, for example, that innocent persons, who have nothing to hide, should not be worried.
It should be clear by now that such an argument is lost.
Mr G. J. Cooper,
Station Brae,
Ellon.
SIR, – Isn’t a crucial question being overlooked in the hullabaloo of HBOS being “swallowed up by Lloyd’s TSB”? (Press and Journal, December 13).
Doesn’t it “remain to be seen” if the deal is as good for Lloyd’s TSB as for anyone else?
We tend to forget the TSB part of Lloyd’s TSB has a proud Scottish history like the Bank of Scotland part of HBOS.
Its roots are in the working-class savings movement of the early 19th century, hence its traditional ethos.
Certainly from the recent financial turmoil, Lloyd’s TSB seems to have been prudent and conservative in its banking.
But it is taking on a huge debt burden from the Halifax part of HBOS with, of course, government backing.
We will not see the return to the “austere savings” tradition but we may hope for a “misanthrope” who can say no.
Ellis Thorpe,
Albany,
Old Chapel Walk,
Inverurie.
SIR, – You know, I thank my lucky stars in this cold, cold, winter.
Just think how much worse it would have been without global warming.
Eric R.S. Davidson,
Bruce Street,
Macduff.
SIR, – I should hate to come across as a pre-Christmas Scrooge, but in light of your euphoric coverage of the new First ScotRail timetables (‘Highland delight at bumper bundle of new rail services’, Press and Journal, December 10) I would like to point out that services between Inverness and Nairn/Forres/Elgin have actually been made worse.
While the new services for communities north and south of Inverness are to be welcomed, it is disappointing to see that the first train into the city from the east has been shunted back, so it will now not arrive until 7.48am, giving only a slim chance of catching the 7.55am service south to Edinburgh/Glasgow.
Frankly, it’s ridiculous that you can’t get into Inverness any earlier than 7.48am. And the last train out is at 9.20pm. Useless if you fancy a night at the theatre or cinema.
Bizarrely, you can travel into Inverness from Nairn at 11.45pm. On a Sunday, you can’t get in before midday.
It’s also worth pointing out that the users of the lines north and south of the city get subsidised tickets. I’m told it’s pennies to travel to and from Beauly. Yet the same distance to the east we’re forking out £6 a day.
First ScotRail tells me that its services are subject to regular review in the light of customer comments. So come on Nairn, Forres and Elgin, speak up!
Jason Rose,
Portland Terrace,
Church Street,
Nairn.
SIR, – They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
So here goes:
What’s a polar bear’s favourite dessert?
Nijello Lawson.
Cold is best. Yummy.
T. Lee,
‘The Bear’s Lair’,
Lossie Cottages,
Elgin.