NOW that our main two political parties have decided that protecting unlimited bonuses for bankers is their main priority, it seems it’s being left to other organisations to fill the gap by providing resources for those in need.
Social enterprises and charities such as Apparel Xchange, Social Bite, The Big Issue and others are having to step up and take action to help those in need due to government failings. However, the people who rely on these organisations often don’t have the information to contact them.
READ MORE: Scottish Labour MP defends decision not to reinstate cap on bankers' bonuses
If we had flash cards with details of some of these wonderful organisations provided free at libraries, community centres, hospitals and Citizens Advice Bureaux, many of the people in dire poverty would get the support they deserve. That’s the sort of scheme which could be funded by a tax on excessive bankers’ bonuses.
Stephen McCarthy
Glasgow
THANK you for printing my “girn” about the state of the nation (ours) under the Brenglish regime (Letters, Feb 12). I did enjoy its “companion piece” from Jan Ferrie praising the great work of Lesley Riddoch, who has tirelessly highlighted the gulf in quality of life between the Scandinavian states and Scotland – and how we can aspire to something similar by demanding/voting for it – for many years.
I did mean to include in my own letter a tirade about Edinburgh Airport. Compared to, in this case, the immaculate and peaceful Gothenburg (and most other international airports in my experience), it is scruffy, borderline chaotic, and bombarded with often incomprehensible announcements, many just selling stuff. Worst of all is getting into – and out of – the terminal; the approach roads are confusing, badly signed and really poorly lit. I would expect better at some third-world hell hole, but where “Scotland Welcomes the World”...?!
We must take some comfort, though, from the fact that so many from abroad do love Scotland’s story and beauty, and long may we welcome them.
David Roche
Blairgowrie
GLASGOW’S relationship to the River Clyde has been hugely important and should remain so. But it is at further risk. You can help stop this.
Awareness of that relationship has reduced partially due to property developments along the Clyde, some even blocking public rights of way alongside the river.
One particularly location has great potential to bring back that connection while providing community-enhancing space. It is to the south of the river, just west of the Glasgow Science Centre and Tower where Waverley excursions start. It is the site of the Govan Graving (dry) Docks. Vessels entered these docks, gates would then be closed, the water pumped out allowing access to repair hulls, propellers etc. Built in the late 19th century they are A-listed, part of Govan’s rich maritime heritage (your maritime heritage) and unique in Europe.
READ MORE: Hundreds of new homes planned for historic Scottish docks
However, the current owners have submitted a planning application to build more than 300 private flats on the docks along Govan Road, at Southcroft Street and next to the tidal basin at Clydebrae Street.
They would destroy the great potential of this location and that special relationship with the Clyde, blocking views across the river. There’s also concern about parking and effects on adjacent roads.
If this application is refused, the area could be given protected status as a maritime infrastructure, heritage and community asset, open to the return of ship repairs (already started in No 1 dock) and a major maritime centre plus open community land with potential community/social enterprises that could create long-term skilled jobs and opportunities for locals, and space to relax.
You can help protect this important site. Get guidance by emailing Clyde Docks Preservation Initiative at info@cdpi.org.uk and ask how you can object to this planning application. Your objection needs to be received by Friday.
Jim Stamper
Bearsden
JUST heard again about the Royal Navy aircraft carriers’ problems. The Prince of Wales had replaces its sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth, which was also forces to cancel its deployment. The Prince of Wales has the same malfunction with
the propeller shaft, which was misaligned when installed. Hundreds had gathered to see it off and then dispersed when it became obvious it was going nowhere.
READ MORE: HMS Prince of Wales fails to depart for Nato exercise due to mechanical fault
The original budget for the two ships was £3.9 billion, but as of 2019 costs had soared to £7.6bn (according to MOD Government Major Projects Portfolio data 2019 Report). These two ships took five years to build and the first repair cost £25 million.
The Ferguson ferries are taking more than give years to build – the original cost was £97 million and has risen to £351m – two-and-a-half times the original cost.
The ships, on the other hand, have doubled in cost and each repair has cost approx £25m. The Royal Navy is the laughing stock of the world but you won’t hear that on the BBC – it’s all about the ferries, which is not a good news story but the costs are counted in millions, not billions like the ships.
Winifred McCartney
Paisley
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