I write with regard to the purchase of Balhousie Castle, home of The Black Watch, from the Ministry of Defence. One would think the Government would present it to the soldiers of The Black Watch as a gift.
After all, 276 years of service to the Crown, one would think that this would be an automatic claim.
If you keep a car for 25 years you no longer have to pay road tax! These soldiers were never out of the trenches, making our country secure.
As a gardener, I will be donating trees, shrubs, etc. and offering advice, if needed, for the walled garden. At no cost, of course.
So, Mr Brown maybe you have had a relative in this proud regiment at one time, so if you cannot foot the bill all at once, maybe you can pay it over the next 276 years. — Paul Hill, Ex 1st Battalion Black Watch (RHR).
Drove final nail into coffin
I was horrified to see Lt General Sir Alistair Irwin launching the bid to try and raise funds to keep Balhousie Castle going.
Given that as the second most senior officer in the army during the time The Black Watch were being consigned to obscurity, he did nothing to save it.
If he had stood his ground, The Black Watch would still be around and Balhousie would be safe.
As far as the rank and file of The Black Watch are concerned, Sir Alistair will enter the history book as a man who commanded the regiment as did his father, but also as a man who drove the final nail into the coffin of the world’s most famous fighting force. — Disgusted.
Time to get no smoking rules sorted
I reply to recent letters regarding smoking in the grounds of Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
It was bad enough when management at the site decided to ban smoking in open spaces, only to backtrack and exempt some patient groups.
Then they decided it would be a great idea to employ a Ciggie Clipe to harass staff.
Now it’s reported that smokers may be treated to a blast of “goona no’ dae that” from the public address system.
If only these bosses would heed their own advice. — J. Brown, Dundee.
Art collection
It beggars belief that Scotland’s greatest art treasures could be lost to overseas collectors.
Two important works by Titian have been on public show in the National Galleries since being moved to Edinburgh for safekeeping during World War Two. They form a major part of Scotland’s world-renowned collection of Old Masters.
The cost of keeping them in Britain will be an eye-watering £100m.
Britain has enjoyed a lot of Olympic success in Beijing.
Financial backing from the Scottish and UK governments can see Edinburgh and London rack up another two gold prizes. — Political Watcher.
Law trees
I disagree with R. J., who wants the trees eliminated from Dundee Law.
They serve a good purpose by absorbing rain and snow, keeping the nearby houses dry.
If the trees and bushes get removed the area would look a bigger embarrassment.
It would turn into a rubbish dump because fly tippers would dump their unwanted junk in the newly-made area.
Therefore it’s wise of the councillors to keep The Law looking the way it is. — J. C., Ardler.
Bad example set by stars
I can’t understand why the Press will insist on printing stories about Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse.
It does not set a good example to or for the young pop supporters.
After all, if you consider Pete Doherty got out of prison and swore after the treatment he received to help his drug problem, all at the taxpayers’ expense, was just a waste of time. When you read about Amy Winehouse, it seems there is always trouble no matter where she goes. — Jimmy Borland.
Park in disrepair
I read with interest the coverage of the state of Sandy Park in Balgillo Park.
It is a real shame to see a relatively new facility like this fall into such a state of disrepair
My wife and I live just along the road from Sandy Park and as my wife does not drive she would like to be able to take our four-year-old son to the park for a play.
The last time she did this there was rubbish everywhere and she was terrified of what he might stand in, so now she has to keep him in the garden.
To make matters worse, the play equipment itself is in a pretty awful condition. That is, what play equipment is left, as pieces seem to get removed, but not replaced, when they do get damaged.
It is a shame that the anti-social actions of what I am sure is a small percentage of the population spoils things for everyone else.
It was good to read that local Councillor Rod Wallace is now on the case and I will be keeping an eye on the park with interest to see what progress is made.
I know that Sandy Park is not the only such area in Dundee to have these problems, but there are lots of young children around Balgillo Park and Sandy Park would be an ideal place for them to play. — Mr Balgillo.
Annual meeting
Fintry North Youth Project and Residents’ Group are holding their annual general meeting on Thursday, September 25, at 7 pm, in the community block, 20 Grampian Gardens.
We need the support of parents and tenants in the Fintry North area, — Elaine Smith, Chairperson, Fintry North Youth Project.
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