IS it not lamentable that certain Scottish councils are still investing significantly in fracking? Glasgow City Council, for example, is rated as the Scottish council with the largest investment of pension funds in fracking – £388 million. Dumfries and Galloway Council is rated as one of those with the highest percentage of their pension funds invested in fracking – 6-7%. This in a region without exploitable shale where the immediate downside of high-volume hydraulic fracturing will thus remain hidden.
Is the ethical dimension to investment now disappearing in Scottish councils? Has the country not declared itself opposed to the baneful consequences of investing in shale? Why this kowtowing to the Westminster agenda? Why this wilful acquiescence in the aims of an industry determined to press on although fully aware of the global warming and climate change implications of its frenzied rush for profit? Is there really so little concern for humanity, for the planet left in Scotland? I cannot believe that councils have their voters’ support for this investment.
David Cragg-James
St John’s Town of Dalry
READ MORE: Treating peaceful activists like far-right extremists is outrageous
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here