The Grassy Beach leading from Dundee to Broughty Ferry.
One afternoon recently I, along with my wife and two sons, decided to work off some of the Christmas excesses with a walk along the Stannergate/Grassy Beach area of Dundee into Broughty Ferry.
As pleased as I was to see the recent construction improvements to the footpaths and shore defences, I was honestly shocked at the amount of dog excrement on the paths that have made this walk turn into, quite frankly, a health hazard.
Both my sons had to clean dog dirt off their bikes and my wife and myself off our shoes and that was before we had even reached the sailing club.
What irks me is that the area is not prone to stray dogs, so the fault must lie to a large degree with the dog walkers in this area.
Until this situation is brought under control or monitored on a regular basis, I suggest that dog walking be banned in this area to enable what is an excellent walk, with beautiful views of our fine city, to be restored to what it once was. — Disgusted, Dundee.
No surprise over wages
I have to laugh at the figures of the GMB which showed that Dundee has some of the lowest average pay in Scotland.
The city has suffered from poor wages decade upon decade.
What a farce for the GMB to claim Dundee’s average wages are £25,000 and for the city’s Labour MP Jim McGovern to claim that as some kind of victory.
What the truth is, and everyone in Dundee knows, we are living on the breadline, taxed to the hilt, with no thanks to Gordon Brown and his ilk. — K. J. Donnelly.
Independence
Letter writer C. M. su ggests that Scotland cannot be independent as the oil is running out and getting cheaper.
Only gloomy times lie ahead.
Strange then that when the credit crunch hit, Gordon Brown went to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and sundry other small, oil rich and independent nations.
Scotland has let the world pass us by for too long. Others may have no faith in us but the world has too many examples that show we can succeed and should have faith in ourselves. — The Watchman.
Inspiration to everyone
I was delighted to read that Scottish cyclist Chris Hoy is to be given a Knighthood in the New Year’s Honour List.
Chris’ achievements in Beijing this year, where he won three gold medals, go beyond sporting success.
His triumph and that of the whole Olympic team is an inspiration to a whole generation of youngsters who should look at the example he is setting.
What the cyclist has shown this year is that if you work hard enough and make a commitment to something you can achieve great things and that is a message everyone should take to heart.
Our youth need positive role models to which to aspire.
Of course many deserving people have received honours in the new list, but few will be seen as more deserving than Chris Hoy. — Proud Scot.
Teacher can hold head high
I read about Dundee school teacher Mike Barile’s recent convictions for assault on two pupils.
I have never met Mr Barile but I followed his case with interest.
I feel very sorry for him.
Despite the fact he’s been found guilty of two charges, I think he came across as a very decent, honest, hard-working man.
Some people claimed in court that Mr Barile “lost it” but I do not believe that.
On the contrary, I believe that Mr Barile showed remarkable restraint and self-control.
My view is supported by the fact that Mr Barile did not injure anyone and also Sheriff McNair’s comment that the offences were minor.
Despite the fact Mr Barile committed what I would call technical assaults, he did so because of the circumstances around him.
He did the brave and honourable thing — he remained in his classroom and tried to teach mathematics for the benefit of his pupils.
The cowardly thing would have been for Mr Barile to walk out the classroom and go off work with stress and sue Dundee City Council for lots of money.
My message to Mr Barile is — whatever the outcome of his appeal is walk down the street with your head held high. — Kenneth Brannan.
Bus drivers have to do tough job
I reply to Car User who has urged Dundee bus companies to decrease fares instead of increasing them due to the fall on oil prices.
I am not a bus driver but I have full sympathy for them.
Trying to keep the bus on time with all the cheek they have to endure from certain passengers must require patience and a level-headed attitude to continue on the journey.
Perhaps the reason people are waiting on some services is due to the vandalism on our buses and bus shelters?
Vandalism will also be met with huge costs on the bus customer, so if you see it report it and then the cost will come down. — Reg Varney.
Woolworths
The demise of Woolworths is a big loss. It will be p articularly so in Lochee which is a rather poor shopping precinct with a number of stores closing in recent times. — Dryburgh Reader, Dundee.
Gift card found
I found a gift card on Christmas Day on Balgillo Road, Dundee. If you can describe it I will gladly return it.
I can be contacted on 01382 779810. — Finder.
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