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Sir, – You have received several letters in the past few weeks about the effects of wind turbines on wild bird life.
I decided to look and see what the statistics were.
It turns out that there is very little evidence that turbines destroy birds.
It appears that certain winds can drive birds towards the turbines, but that most birds are able to avoid the rolling turbines and very few are affected.
Perhaps what I would say to those who believe that turbines are a huge drag on bird life and are really concerned about our bird friends should turn their attention to domestic cat reduction. Figures show that in the UK alone, between 55 and 70 million birds are killed by domestic cats each year.
Perhaps some of your correspondents have a cat of their own, and should they find a dead bird there in the garden, it is almost certain that he is responsible for causing that poor bird to find its death.
Unfortunately, of course, some people will do whatever they can to fault the efforts to provide us with renewable energy, especially when encouraged by the Scottish Government.
Robert Donald.
Denhead Farm,
Ceres.
Have the health authorities been incapacitated?
Sir, – This is a one month delay in vaccine delivery coinciding with reports of “exponential growth” in Covid cases across Europe.
This growth could now be repeated across the UK
Following the Novichok poisoning in Salisbury, Wiltshire’s Public Health Director was recognized for her speedy and effective actions in tracking the cause and ensuring public safety.
Perhaps Linda Bauld, Professor of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, could explain why our local health authorities in both Scotland and England did not appear to have taken a leading role in our Covid response – which is certainly their raison d’etre.
Or were they more involved than reports suggest?
John Birkett.
Horseleys Park,
St Andrews.
I do not recognize the country of my youth
Sir, – The division that has pervaded Scotland over the past two decades with the rise of nationalism has made Scotland a very uncomfortable place to live and I do not recognize my country compared to the days of my youth and middle age .
MPs who should know better limit themselves to barking animals and people who despise those who disagree.
And despite the outcome of a future yes / no vote, I believe it will take generations, if any, to find a solution.
“The people of Scotland” have been abandoned by this so-called “government”. Separatists are not concerned about a successful independent Scotland, it is a separation at any cost and to hell with the consequences.
Voters must carefully consider where to place their X in May.
Douglas Cowe.
Alexander Avenue,
Kingseat.
Break the spell and the magic is gone
Sir – Jim Crumley’s Loch Tay Development Plan Agenda (Courier, March 16) highlights the ongoing threat that exploitation for profit poses to our landscape and national identity.
In the 21st century, tourism is replacing heavy industry as the engine of employment and prosperity. However, what makes Scotland unique to tourists is the variety of accessible pristine wilderness that we have to offer. Break the spell and people will go elsewhere.
The riddle is not new.
In the 1970s, the 7:84 Theater Company toured with The Cheviot, The Stag, and The Black Black Oil.
In the play, a developer, Andy McChuckemup, says, “You won’t regret it.
“Our small company expects around 5,000 people a week to come here to find peace and solitude – not to forget the safari park.”
It is important to fence off areas with national park status while providing adequate and proportionate access.
It is also important to be vigilant during the planning phase.
You don’t want to be trumped.
Norman McCandlish.
Kenmore Street,
Aberfeldy.
