I am unhappy about the unemployment rate among young people in Dundee. I don’t blame the young folk, as they must be disheartened by the system.
They are given courses to attend at college just to pass time as there are not many companies taking on apprentices.
Some young people want work but are disheartened when they find out the opportunities are not there.
My nephew is approaching his 18th birthday. He attended college whilst at school, one day a week for a year, doing six blocks in joinery, bricklaying, plastering and plumbing.
He decided to go into joinery as he has always enjoyed this. Once leaving school he successfully completed a pre-apprentice joinery course at college. He also passed the CIBT test.
He has since fitted a kitchen for his mother and built fences and benches for neighbours.
He is currently employed as a bricklayer’s labourer, after unsuccessfully approaching many companies for an apprenticeship. Although on a good wage, he is still willing to give this up for a chance to have a career as a joiner.
The Government should have in place courses for young, willing people to complete their choice of apprenticeships. — B. I.
Where was loch in Lochee?
I read recently the name Lochee means “eye of the loch”, referring to the town’s location on the banks of Loch Balgay which was drained in the 16th century by the Duncan family for farmland.
Can you settle a friendly dispute? I assume the loch must have been at the geologic lowest point in Lochee, which I guess is the point at which South Road meets Coupar Angus Road. However a colleague reckons the loch must have been where City Road meets Milnbank Road. Can any reader clarify the issue?
Also how big was the loch? Could one of your graphics experts publish an image of Lochee with the loch superimposed on it? — Paul Morgan, Lorne Crescent, Monifieth.
[After asking his colleagues, a spokesperson for Dundee City Archives said there was some debate to the location of the loch.
“One suggestion came from a colleague who had relatives in Lochee as a youngster in Herons Lane. Across from the bottom of the lane was an area they called the Boag or Bog, which had a mission in it (at one time called the Bog Mission).
“That whole area would have been an ideal collection point for water right along to Buttars Loan and beyond.”
Exclusion documentary planned
I am a Dundee-based ex-teacher putting together a documentary film about school exclusion.
I worked in an exclusion project in Fife for a number of years with young people classed as having behavioural difficulties, all of whom were permanently excluded from mainstream education.
It was the most enjoyable and rewarding job of my life. Since taking up film-making, I am eager to work with young people again and particularly those whose views on education are rarely heard.
I would like to hear from anyone with a view on exclusion — pupils, ex-pupils, parents, teachers, jannies, youth workers.
The film will be a mixture of interview, dramatisation and debate.
I can be contacted by email at joonbroon@gmail.com or by post: 43 Station Road, Invergowrie, DD2 5AP. I would be especially like to hear from my ex-pupils at Braeview Academy or Kirkton High. — June Brown (nee Hosie).
Cost of protecting special relationship
This is the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war and one of Gordon Brown’s first acts on becoming Prime Minister was to sanction a massive increase in the bombing of Iraq.
This war is immoral and illegal — up to 1.2 million have died so far, and every day more children are orphaned and live with the horror of this bloody war.
And there is the cost to the UK — estimated at £10 billion.
We were told Saddam Hussein was the enemy of mankind because he used torture. Now we witness President Bush endorsing torture.
This is the president who prides himself on being a committed Christian, who starts every day with prayers.
Does the British Government protest? No. The “special relationship” must never be upset. — Dermot O’Sullivan, Dundee.
Carstairs patients
An NHS spokesperson said there are no patients from Carstairs Hospital in Tayside. This is disputed by NHS staff I know.
Perhaps the spokesperson is unaware of patients from Carstairs being looked after in secure wards in Liff and Strathmartine Hospitals as well as Murray Royal in Perth. Carseview is also used when necessary to house patients from Carstairs. — L. A.
Caravan stolen
Our caravan, a Swift Lifestyle, was stolen on Sunday, March 9, between 2 and 4 pm from Harestane Caravan and Storage, Harestane Road, Dundee. A reward is offered for proven information. Contact Downfield Police Station. — Charles Robertson, Findowrie Street, Dundee.
Fall incident
My mother fell on Pitkerro Road on Sunday, March 9, near Iceland, around noon to 1 pm. She was taken to Ninewells where she had an operation for a broken hip. Anyone with details of the incident please contact me. — Billy Robinson, Dundee (01382 380221).
Accident witness
I was involved in an accident on Monday, March 10 at around 3 pm, at Laird Street/Catterline Crescent junction. Anyone who saw this accident please contact me on 01382 380265. — Mrs Irene Brewster, Crossroads Cottage, Tealing, by Dundee.
Little pressure
Re the letter by Worried about unpaid community charge. The council system appears to be unworkable when demand letters are sent out even after the debt has been paid.
It also seems ironic that the council can apply to have the money deducted from benefits when their own employees were due thousands of unpaid tax and very little pressure was applied to reclaim the outstanding amounts. — B. C., Monifieth.
50th celebration
The University of Leicester is celebrating its 50th anniversary of receiving its Royal Charter. April 25 is Celebrate Leicester Day.
If you are a graduate of the University of Leicester, you are welcome to join us on this day and attend special alumni-only events including the AGM.
For information about the events visit: www.le.ac.uk/50years/cld. — Karl Brown, Alumni Relations Officer.
Sadly missed
I agree with Lisa Millar’s letter about Susan Somers, the vet killed in an accident with a horse. She had a friendly approach.
I met Susan last December at the PDSA when I was presenting a cheque, and she was very welcoming and friendly.
She made me feel great, when I was nervous. She will be sadly missed by those who knew her. — Daryl Beech, Easy Walkers.
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