Here are some of your views online.
Don't forget you can read more letters and the best in news and sports coverage in the Fife Herald every week.

Outrageous
headline
Sir, — 'Ghost Town' (Fife Herald, June 20). What an outrageous headline, worthy of the most contentious of our national press, and bordering on incitement to panic. That's of course if Cupar could be roused to that state!
The Herald headline appeared to be based on the ramblings of just two owners of local businesses, namely a pet food shop and a café. Can anyone take seriously the complaint that an enlarged Tesco would impinge on these two businesses any more than it has already! To give such prominent headline coverage as 'Ghost Town' is, I feel irresponsible and goes to excite and support the interests of the minority.
I am sure I am not alone among the residents who would welcome an early and rapid approval of this matter. It has been dragging on far too long! I remember that some six years ago I wrote to this paper supporting the development of the currently totally inadequate Tesco site and extolling the citizens of Cupar to 'wake up' and fully support the new development.
I am totally fed up, not only with the procrastination of officials, but the obstacles being placed before this prospective development, with so many red herrings being placed in the path of its final progress. I'm fed up also with the moans, groans and selfish negative reaction always presented by a minority purporting to be the saviours of the town.
Not much has happened to the town centre in the last 15 years; many of the properties haven't even had a fresh coat of paint. Those that have, are the responsibility of the newer, livelier entrepreneurs who have invested serious money in their own and the town's future. I have noticed that a previous vociferous protestor has opened other premises outwith the town centre yet maintaining a presence in the town. A bold and astute move, especially if the development is approved.
For the rest there is an air of stagnation which seems to arise from those longer term businesses that do nothing but complain about being overtaken by newer and more aggressive outlets in the town centre. They should not complain of any new venture in the town just because it supposedly undermines their individual business. That, fortunately (or unfortunately) is life!
Cupar must beware of inflammatory headlines and also beware of those who shout loudest. Of course, it is right that people's beliefs should be treated courteously, but it is a great mistake — made out of ignorance — to assume that those who shout the loudest (or produce the biggest headline) are the most representative. — Yurs, etc.,
F. PLUMB,
3 Well Place,
Cupar.

Don't destroy
our park
Sir, — I disagree with Fife Council when they state that the best way to spend £1.5 million is to destroy the Haugh Park and place the war memorial in the middle of a car polluting roundabout. Was it not consultants who advised Fife Council where to place the present traffic lights and which are now going to be moved at a cost to us of £60,000? There are better ways to spend £1.5 million such as developing the riverside and tidying up the shabby buildings. The boarded up building by the fishmongers in the Bonnygate is a disgrace.
I was under the impression from Fife Council that the by-pass plus 1250 houses was going to solve Cupar's traffic problems. Obviously not. It sounds as if this roundabout is, as Councillor Bryan Poole says, "a knee-jerk reaction".
Unless the increase in traffic year-on-year is tackled, then the roundabout through the Haugh Park will become just as congested over a few years. Future generations will still have our traffic problems, but no park to enjoy.
Imagine Cupar without its lovely park and the well-positioned war memorial. No picnic tables, flower beds, bandstand, or children play area. Councillor Roger Guy suggested that the proposed roundabout should be marked out so the area of destruction could be seen. It is no surprise that this has not been done.
Fife Council's biggest supporter is apathy. Unless people defend their park, given to the town to enjoy, there will be no use in complaining once the diggers have moved in as the dental building proves. — Yours, etc.,
DOUGLAS PROVAN,
78 St Michaels Drive,
Cupar KY15 5BS.

Bloom
support
Sir, — Well it's that time of the year again when all the wonderful flowers appear throughout the town by Cupar in Bloom team. It is clear to see that we are now more recognised by the public, as the usual comments did not happen this year.
I planted the war memorial on Monday, and had the usual toots from passing motorists, and a wave, but not a word about should I be doing this. The same at the Cross, but many folk said if I had a spare five minutes, I could make a start on their garden . . . no chance. On Sunday, it was time to tackle Ferguson Square. This is where my poor husband becomes a bit like a pack horse, as the trips from our garden to the Square transporting the many plants, are numerous, but the comments of appreciation were encouraging and very complimentary, it is great to know that the people of Cupar are as pleased and proud of the town as we all are. Many thanks to all for their kind words and support. — Yours, etc.,
VICKY COULL,
Cupar in Bloom.

Enjoyable
occasion
Sir, — On behalf of Ladybank Festive Committee, I would like to thank those who made Pageant Day such an enjoyable occasion, especially Mr Thomas Malcolm, of Premier Travel who sponsored the marquee and family night disco and also to Fife Council for their assistance towards the costs of running the event. Thanks also to George Manson who, as always, did a great job with the commentary; to Kirsten Oliver and Adam Simpson for doing a good job of being Gala Queen and King; and all the entertainers for a good weekend.
Thanks also to the children of Ladybank who tidied the Victoria Park each day and Alistair McNeill of Scotia Wings for providing two three-wheeled Honda motorcycles for transporting the King and Queen through the street and leading the procession. We hope to have another great pageant next year. — Yours, etc.
MAREAN LATTO,
Secretary,
Ladybank Festive Committee.

Entitled
to salary
Sir, — I write with reference to the report in the June 13 issue of the Fife Herald, headed 'Provost is top of council earnings table'. Councillors are democratically elected to their office and are entitled to claim a salary and any appropriate expenses. To use the words "pocketed", "took home" (used twice) and "got" in a report relating to these monies is a juvenile piece of journalism, verging on the insulting.
I suggest your reporter, from his or her salary, purchases a thesaurus before embarking on another such piece. — Yours, etc.,
MRS K. A. HENDERSON,
91 Robertson Road,
Cupar.

Honest
gentleman
Sir, — May I through your letters page, thank the very honest gentleman who picked up my wallet which I had dropped in the 'Co-operative Store', on Saturday, June 14. He handed it in "intact" — unfortunately the young male assistant did not ascertain his name — or I could have thanked him in person — so I hope he will read this and know how grateful I feel, he has renewed my faith in human nature.
Best wishes and my sincere thanks 'Sir'. — Yours, etc.,
MARGUERITE K. DOYLE,
Address supplied.

Ancient
name
Sir, — I was astonished to see in the Collessie news column (Fife Herald, June 13) the word 'shilisdairs' used as the name for the 'yellow flag' or wild iris.
'Shilisdair' is a phonetic version of the Gaelic name for the wild iris — 'seilisdeir'.
If that name is still used in Collessie, not only by the writer of the column, then it is a very ancient name indeed. — Yours, etc.,
MARGARET I. MACPHEE SMITH,
Tigh na Sgoile,
Lawhead of Radernie
By Cupar.

Drinking
in the park
Sir, — I am writing in response to Bryan Poole's letter 'Youth behaviour' in the Fife Herald on Friday, June 6. I walk my dog in the Haugh Park twice a day, and one recent Sunday morning I was once again disgusted to see the litter left behind by drinkers the previous evening.
It's the same most afternoons and evenings lately, and I feel not enough is being done. I have phoned the anti-social behaviour number numerous times about youths drinking in the park, but nothing is done. I have seen the police talking to these youths and moving them on . . . why aren't they enforcing the law which clearly states its an offence to drink in public i.e. a £500 fine.
I spoke to an officer on Sunday afternoon who told me about the scheme they are trying on Fridays and Saturdays where alcohol only be sold to over 21s. At least it's something, but this won't stop them — they drink in the park every afternoon and evening. This trial is only lasting six weeks, but I would like to see it extended to seven days a week on a permanent basis. I'm sure the public who use the Haugh Park deserve better. — Yours, etc.,
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Lack of
civic pride
Sir, — Cupar has so many advantages in terms of its beautiful surrounding countryside and fine old buildings and parks. In at least one respect, however, it really does disappoint. Over the past 20 years a very great number of British towns have developed their watercourses as impressive and pleasant water features with carefully managed walkways. They were not always so.
In Cupar, the river is still treated as an open access rubbish tip. If you walk from Millgate, through the Orchard, to the park and the Marie Curie Memorial Gardens you will find that the river itself is disfigured by the floating bottles, cans, footballs, rubber tyres, and even wooden pallets. The parkways are spoiled with discarded food and drink packaging, including broken beer and cider bottles, and dog excrement.
Why is this so? I don't pretend to know the answer but it has to be, to some extent, because there is no sense of civic pride among the users of these facilities and there is inadequate provision for disposing of litter in these areas. A general lack of civic pride is evinced by the trail of disgusting litter left through the town by the retreating hordes of Bell Baxter school pupils after lunchtime, even though there is more than adequate provision of waste bins.
Possibly it is because the town centre bins are underused the authorities fail to adequately furnish the riverside pathways with waste bins for rubbish and dog excrement. Specific to the 'Orchard', this area was developed by local schoolchildren and should be a place of great beauty and tranquillity. Instead it is a no go area for respectable local residents in the evenings when it is taken over by drinkers and drug users. These are the people who break bottles and scatter rubbish all over the pathways, planted areas and in the watercourses. The police visit occasionally but fail in the management of this situation.
This is all very sad. I visit so many places where the rivers and canals really are among the most beautiful features and treasured by local people. Cupar reminds me of a bygone time when it was not so. — Yours, etc.,
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Unacceptable
proposal
Sir, — I read of the latest Fife Council proposals for the Haugh Park (Fife Herald, June 13). It is quite unacceptable to have a road running through the park.
The proposal would have several effects. The trees on the outside of the park would be cut down as well as the trees in the avenue in the park. How does the felling of trees help with global warming?
The new children's play park, which has just been completed, would need bulldozed. This facility is greatly appreciated by the local children.
There could not be concerts in the refurbished bandstand — even if it was left standing — due to traffic noise from the new road. It is totally unacceptable to have the war memorial in the middle of a roundabout.
The loss in amenity in the park with a road running through it would be greatly missed. The proposals need to be rejected at an early stage. We also need a 'Save the Haugh Park' organisation to stop the Fife Council vandals implementing their proposal to wreck the park. — Yours, etc.,
ALEXANDER WYND,
Marnoch,
15 Tarvit Avenue,
Cupar KY15 5BW.

Event for
all ages
Sir, — Regarding the letter about 'Frightening costumes' in Cupar Children's Gala (Fife Herald, June 13), as a parent of a Gala Committee member and grandparent of a three-year-old also frightened by the 'Drumming Ants, I can give a balanced reply.
Firstly, through unforeseen circumstances the pipe band booked to lead the parade cancelled at the last minute. Many calls and contacts were approached, but to no avail. Rather than have no music heading the procession, it was decided the Drumming Ants would be asked to lead and help save the day.
Secondly, my three-year-old grandson reacted in exactly the same way and burst into tears as the one mentioned in the letter last week. Yet, my two other grandchildren, aged approximately two years, were fascinated. My nine-year-old granddaughter informed me they were "cooool". The community of Cupar has expressed more compliments than complaints. Please bear in mind Cupar Children's Gala has to cater for all ages.
Lastly, yet again, Fife Council, which does not run Cupar Children's Gala, gave wrong information, and the Gala Committee cannot be accountable for Fife Council. If the concerned parent had contacted www.@cuparchildrensgala.org.uk he would have seen there was no theme this year allowing groups to express their own ideas and individuals to participate.
It is not too late for the concerned parent — preparations are already underway for next year. I am sure if he contacts the Gala Committee his time and opinions will be gratefully appreciated. I can vouch that Cupar Children's Gala Committee work extremely hard throughout the year. All have family and commitments of their own, yet freely give of their time and ideas, not to mention the stress, exhaustion and injuries sustained to make the gala a success. I am not only proud of my daughter but all the committee and appreciate their hard work and achievements. Good luck for next year. — Yours, etc.,
L. A. TAYLOR,
11 Kinloss Crescent,
Cupar.

Gala was
best ever
Sir, — Duffus Park was certainly the place to be on Saturday, June 7, for Cupar's Children's Gala. 'Best Gala there has been' was the verdict, not just from the youngsters, but mums and dads, locals and visitors alike. The parade was spectacularly led by giant ants playing various types of drums, mind-boggling to say the least!
The non-stop entertainment at the park catered for young and old and was second to none. This all was only made possible by the new team of 'youngsters' who now form Cupar Gala Committee. Hard work, new ideas and dedication — they did Cupar proud and the sun certainly did shine for them, as they deserved. Very well done. — Yours, etc.,
M. C. NEVILLE,
Gala Committee supporter,
Braeview,
Chance Inn,
by Cupar.

Fantastic
day
Sir, — I am writing to congratulate the Cupar Gala Committee for a fantastic day. Whilst I appreciate the weather played a huge factor, the stalls, street entertainers and arena displays were original and very entertaining. It was easy to pass the day away. It seemed like the whole of Cupar had turned out to support the event.
Congratulations again to the committee and all volunteers. — Yours, etc.,
JEN CAMPBELL,
109 Balgarvie Crescent,
Cupar.

Edward
House
Sir, — In response to the letter from Mr Beveridge (Fife Herald, June 6), may I offer a different view on the proposed development at Edward House?
I am one of a number of Falkland residents who support the development, mainly as it offers an increase in the number of residents and from the aspect of the quality of accommodation a new building can provide. Any initiative that will enable more elderly residents to remain within the village in comfort and safety is a benefit for the long term; added to this is the additional employment opportunities that will be created. The elderly are an age group often ignored in forward planning and this should not be allowed to happen here.
I cannot comment on the meeting described by Mr Beveridge, nor can I supply any statistics regarding the balance of feeling in the village. I can, however, make a point regarding the loss of 'charming character' as depicted by the previous correspondent. All those who approach Falkland from the direction of New Inn are greeted by the following: A 1970s housing estate; a 1980s housing development and the 'stunning' backdrop of the factory.
Pleasant as the aspect of Edward House may be, it is obscured by trees and overshadowed by its' less attractive neighbours. — Yours, etc.,
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Edward
House
Sir, — Ref. Mr Beveridges's letter (Fife Herald, June 6), it is true that the vast majority of those present on December 11 opposed the original application for Edward House; this is not surprising, people simply do not turn out to support something, but will do so to oppose. There were about 100 people present, out of an adult population in the village of over 1000.
The applicant made substantial changes to his plans and on April 8, at the subsequent meeting to consider them, the views were more balanced. The community council voted by four to two to object.
Since Fife Council's decision to approve, I have had a lot of people saying how pleased they are, because of the job opportunities provided and, particularly, because of the fact that care facilities for themselves, relatives and friends will be available in Falkland. — Yours, etc.,
ANTHONY GARRETT,
1 Royal Terrace,
Falkland KY15 7AX.

Frightening
costumes
Sir, — Whilst I would like to convey my thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed to the Children's Gala Day in Cupar on Saturday, June 7, I do wonder if a little more thought could have gone into the costumes for the drummers. My own three-year-old son was terrified and cowered behind myself and my wife as the admittedly talented, stilted drumming ants progressed their way along the Bonnygate.
According to Fife Council's website the 'theme' for this year's gala was 'circus'. To me that implies acrobats, jugglers, clowns and bright colours — not black, alien-like beings. It reminded me in some ways of the very first time I watched the 1958 film 'The Fly' — sheer terror when Helene Delambre revealed what her mutant husband, Andre, actually looked like after an experiment went wrong.
Even after we had patiently explained to him that it was people dressed up, he was (and is) still a little worried. I appreciate this might seem humorous to many, but given there were so many younger children present, I do feel that brightly coloured costumes would have been the order of the day, more in keeping with Disney/Pixar's 'A Bug's Life' or Dreamworks' 'Antz'. — Yours, etc.,
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Community
spirited
Sir, — On behalf of the children of the Yvonne Gray Dance Studios, I would like to publicly thank Mr Roy Finnie for allowing us to use one of his lorries for the float parade last Saturday.
Mr Finnie's company was featured on your front page last week in the article highlighting the plight of haulage companies during the fuel crisis. Despite this, Mr Finnie was happy to donate a lorry and a driver so our children could enjoy the gala.
The children had a great day and the Gala Committee did another great job this year. It's a fabulous community day — so next year, let's see more community groups taking part! — Yours, etc.
YVONNE GRAY.

Nuclear
comparison
Sir, — Like Harry Lawrie (Letters, May 30), I thank the Fife Herald for allowing this energy debate to continue (a sentiment I am not sure is shared by the rest of the readers). As Mr Lawrie recognises it as a debate, he really should read the letters from the opposing side. I think I've made it clear I don't think wind energy will "fully resolve energy requirements", and my last letter was mostly about other solutions to climate change.
I don't know who his experts are, or what he thinks their evidence is to prove wind energy is not a convincing part of the solution. He doesn't say. Perhaps they are related to the expert who proved a bumblebee cannot fly?
He simply ignores the reality that wind energy has helped Denmark to reduce its carbon emissions. That was with a poorer wind resource than Scotland, and mostly older technology.
His answer to changing our electricity generation is nuclear energy. It is truly ironic that he complains about wind turbines being at public expense (leaving aside who he thinks should pay for the energy we use). The energy from new nuclear build costs way more than that from wind turbines. Anyone interested should read the Nuclear Power Joint Fact-Finding report by the Keystone Centre (www.keystone.org) and, for a more forthright opinion, the work of Amory Lovins at the Rocky Mountain Institute (www.rmi.org), in their spring newsletter for instance.
I also find it interesting that Mr Lawrie raises "the example set by France" because they have now installed a greater capacity of wind turbines than the UK! In comparison, perhaps he could tell us how they are getting on with the two nuclear reactors they are building in Finland and France? — Yours, etc.,
GORDON PAY,
75 Bonnygate,
Cupar KY15 4BY.

M.E. group
thanks
Sir, — I would like to thank all the volunteers, patients, carers and friends who supported the M.E. coffee morning held at Age Concern, Cupar, on May 24. The sum of £582.50 was raised for research on M.E. at M.E. Research UK (Perth and Ninewells) and for the local support group. We particularly appreciated the support from the people of Cupar, St Andrews and the area, who came along on the day.
It is pleasing to note that awareness of the condition is improving all the time. Now that the Scottish Public Health Network is pressing ahead with a needs assessment of M.E. in Scotland, the day of proper NHS provision across Scotland, not just Fife, is a realistic expectation. — Yours, etc.,
CATHERINE LEWIS,
Chairman,
M.E. Support Fife.

Chilly
pool
Sir, — Can Cupar swimming pool please explain why the water has to be so cold? I was there with my two-year-old son recently, and while the pool was lovely and quiet and the facilities were clean, the temperature of the water was enough to put me off making a return visit.
I know that anyone going in for a few lengths or more would soon heat up, but not a child who cannot swim and needs to be moved around constantly to keep warm. — Yours, etc.,
L. ALEXANDER,
Cupar.

Cuparmuir
housing
Sir, — It was an interesting experience to find myself an object of derision, but bearable when comments are based on a lack of information. So I will try to assist Mr Kydd (Fife Herald letters, June 6).
In 2004 with affordable plots only worth 10-15 per cent of mainstream plots, I offered my land to two housing associations for totally affordable housing. Kingdom came to see Trynmuir first and Hillcrest the next day. Hillcrest was so keen that an application to Communities Scotland for funding was submitted that very afternoon and subsequently granted. Kingdom applied shortly afterwards. I would not have 'lined my pockets' with very much from that, but Fife's planners advised Hillcrest not to submit an application as, primarily, developments had to be a mix of affordable and mainstream houses.
However, the situation is not just about money. I live in a small rented house and have also seen the despair on the faces of people who, having come to a housing site office hoping to be offered an affordable home, were told that they would have to go on a long waiting list. I will never forget that despair.
Fife's figure for the current affordable homes requirement stands at 336 in the Cupar housing market area. This will be re-assessed in the next 12-18 months and is expected, understandably, to rise. Only nine affordable homes have been built in the last three years; numbers expected in the next few years will not meet requirements and the need for these homes is now!
Mr Kydd states: "The site at Cuparmuir will be developed eventually, that is inevitable, and I would welcome and support this." Refreshingly accurate and a truly common sense assessment; but then there is a reservation: "The village needs time to assimilate new residents." So I have to ask: "Assimilate into what?" Cupar Muir has always relied on Cupar's facilities, clubs, etc. as it has none of its own and this will continue very comfortably. So this means that only the timing is wrong. But while the application may be too early for Mr Kydd in his comfortable home in Cupar Muir, it is certainly not too early for families in inadequate housing.
The final paragraph repeats the envy of the first two and leaves me wondering if Mr Kydd has any charity in his soul. Young families are in desperate need of homes, and homes with gardens in particular. Some 18 or 20 such homes could be available soon at Trynmuir without spoiling the village in the least. — Yours, etc.,
NEIL M. MUNRO,
9 Lomond Crescent,
Falkland KY15 7AJ.

Youth
behaviour
Sir, — With the longer summer evenings upon us I've been taking the opportunity to walk round and about Cupar. I have to confess this has two purposes. From a selfish standpoint it gives me some badly needed, albeit pretty relaxed, exercise. From a community perspective, it allows me to follow up some of the concerns that come my way from local people and local community groups/organisations.
On this second point I regularly receive comments about 'Cupar on a Friday night!' I'm certain that in comparison with many towns on a Friday, Cupar is one of the better places to be. However, having said that, it is pretty apparent as you walk about the town on a Friday evening there are a small, but significant number of groups of 'young people' either drinking alcohol in public places — which is a breach of our bye-laws — or 'well under the influence' of alcohol, which undoubtedly affects their behaviour and just as worryingly makes many of them very vulnerable e.g. a couple of weeks ago two young girls, quite obviously under the influence of alcohol, walked straight out in front of a car and but for the actions of the driver could have been very seriously injured.
I know from speaking to Fife Council employees that the new playpark and play equipment in the Haugh Park have been mis-used on Friday nights and broken bottles/glass has to be cleared up on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. I know also from speaking to Cupar Hearts officials that their dug-outs and fencing is also damaged regularly, and particularly on Friday nights.
So what can be done? There is no simple solution, but Britain/Scotland does seem to have a very different approach to 'alcohol' than mainland Europe — so there may well be a cultural issue which has to be tackled. More immediately and locally it strikes me that we need to examine and explore actions we can take. What is there for teenagers to do in Cupar on a Friday night for example? Would Bell Baxter High School becoming a community school and being open in the evening and weekends provide positive alternatives? Are the authorities — the police; Fife Council/community services; voluntary organisations — working together as well as we could be? What about parents and their responsibilities for the welfare of their children?
As one of the local councillors for our area, I would be interested to hear from local people if the concerns I have are shared by others. Would there be support for a meeting of 'interested local people' with the police, Fife Council/community services and voluntary organisations to explore what can be done locally?
I would be happy to be contacted either via the Fife Herald or at bryanapoole@btopenworld.com or telephone 01334 656720. — Yours, etc.,
BRYAN POOLE,
Independent councillor.

Cynical
ploy
Sir, — Doesn't it restore your faith in humanity reading Mr Neil Munro's letter in the Fife Herald (May 23) expressing his concern at the lack of affordable housing and from the goodness of his heart, offering to provide land at Cuparmuir to help in his own small way, address this problem.
What utter and complete tripe! Does Mr Munro think the residents of Cuparmuir and indeed readers of the Herald are buttoned up the back? Mr Monro is a landowner seeking to line his own pockets by selling land which he has neglected over many years and is raising the need for affordable housing as a cynical ploy to try and get planning permission.
He knows that if an application for private housing was submitted for this site at this time, it would be rejected out of hand, hence the application for an affordable/ private development. The area designated for the affordable housing would be of limited value to a private housebuilder, as much of it could not be utilised due to overhead power cables and woodland planting,so you put the affordable housing in there to maximise the profit.
Yes, there is a need for affordable housing and both the Scottish Government and Fife Council being of the same political persussion are encouraging this type of development. Fife Council has the means of making a substantial reduction in this need by selling off or transfering over to Kingdom Housing or Fife Housing Association some of there derlict or under used sites in Cupar.
Three sites spring readily to mind: The former St Columba's school , the former Bell Baxter school and, of course, there are several acres of land at Ladyinch which, despite being designated as open space, has seldom been used for public or school use over the past 25 years to my knowledge. In fact, it is so popular and important a green space the council keeps it padlocked to keep the public out. These three sites are all in the centre of town, near schools, shops, health centre and all the other amenities and their development would make a significant difference to the housing needs.
The site at Cuparmuir will be developed eventually, that is inevitable, and I would welcome and support this as it would get rid of an eyesore as you enter the village, but its development is premature.
The village has been subject to two major housing developments in the past two years and that development is still ongoing. The village needs time to settle down and assimilate the new residents given that recent new builds will have increased the number of houses by approximately 40 per cent.
I hope the elected councilors will be more diligent in considering this application, consider the building which has and still is ongoing in the village and see this for what it is, a blatant and cynical attempt to circumvent the Local Plan by offering affordable housing as the carrot to get the high return on this site from private housing. — Yours, etc.,
ANDREW KYDD,
Cuparmuir.

Views
ignored
Sir, — There is much disappointment and anger in Falkland that Fife Council has granted permission to demolish the Victorian mansion, formerly known as Lomond Vale, and currently Edward House nursing home. The councillors who voted to approve this have no connection to Falkland, and despite massive objection from the public, Falkland Community Council and the Scottish Civic Trust, they gave the green light.
Much of the anger stems from the fact that councillors are supporting each other for political unity, and voting to support the party rather than the local issue. At a public meeting, where about 100 people were present, over 90 per cent objected, along with the community council. Councillors on the planning were also present, but rules forbade them from taking part in the debate, so why have they not paid any attention to the vast majority of local people, who are those closely involved?
How can democracy work, when the views of over 90 per cent are simply ignored, for what appears to be party politics. Falkland is to lose part of its charming character when this Victorian house comes down, only to be replaced by a totally out of character new building which will greet visitors and tourists as they approach the town. — Yours, etc.,
BOB BEVERIDGE,
Old Town House,
Falkland.

Post office
closures
Sir, — No-one likes to see post offices closing, but as a society we are using them a lot less as more and more services become available online. Eight out of 10 pensioners, for example, now have their pension paid directly into a bank account and among new retirees the figure is nine out of 10. One million people a month renew their road tax online — a service that didn't even exist a few years ago. And about three quarters of the population have one or more Direct Debits to pay bills.
As a result, the Post Office has been losing custom and losing money. There are now about four million fewer customers a week compared to a few years ago, and the network is losing half a million pounds every single day. In fact, if it wasn't for subsidies by the Government, thousands more branches would be under threat.
Across north east Scotland, Tayside and Fife, 1.3m residents are currently served by 416 branches. We propose to close 42 and replace a further 37 with an outreach service. Under this proposal, 99.9 per cent of the population will see no change to the branch they currently use or will remain within one mile by road of an alternative outlet.
I know that no-one wants to see any closures, but it is important to remember that the vast majority of most Post Office branches will be unaffected — even after the closures are complete there will still be around 11,500 post offices.
The future for the post office network cannot be about turning the clock back and wishing away the changes in technology and communications that have taken place in recent years — changes that most of us have taken part in, in one way or another. It must be about developing new products and services which attract custom and about ensuring the viability of the network which remains after the current closures. — Yours, etc.,
PAT McFADDEN,
Minister for employment relations and postal affairs.

RNLI
thanks
Sir, — Cupar branch RNLI would like to thank all those who contributed to our collection at Tesco on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24. Thanks to the generosity of customers we raised the magnificent sum of £2457.15, our best effort yet.
Thanks once again to all those who were kind enough to support Cupar branch and, ultimately, the lifeboatmen and women of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. — Yours, etc.,
GORDON SUTHERLAND,
President,
Cupar branch RNLI.

Violation
of liberties
Sir, — I have just came through our capital's airport (Edinburgh) and I cannot believe the state of paranoia that we have succumbed to. The amount of checks carried out on British citizens returning to the U.K. is tantamount to the extremisms of the Stalin Regime. I have travelled to the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China and have not gone through the levels of security that Edinburgh Airport has adopted for its own citizens.
This is disgraceful and a complete violation of our civil liberties. I cannot believe that we should treat our own citizens worse than we treat foreigners from the Soviet bloc, Arab nations, or known terrorist nations, when we return home from holiday.
Why are we (as citizens) recorded when we leave our own country and recorded when we return? It is not so long ago that when we came back to this country we were given a rapid transfer through passport control and the non-E.U. visitors were subjected to extra security. This has now completely reversed and it is easier to get into this country on a foreign passport than it is to re enter on a British passport.
Our holiday movements within the E.U. are of no concern to the government and this is not information that is required to counter terrorism and can only be used to intrude into our private lives. (which has become the prime object of this paranoid Labour Government).
I find it disgraceful that we are subjected to these kind of checks when returning from holiday. These are intrusive government checks that we attribute to dictatorships and despot regimes that this government despises on a daily basis and which Amnesty International fight tirelessly against and not the actions of a free and democratic society. We are displaying the paranoid and despotic lunacies of a government under threat of removal.
The last time I came through Edinburgh airport, a foreign visitor tried to use her mobile phone while waiting to go through customs and two extremely aggressive policemen with machine guns strode towards her shouting orders and pointing their guns at her. She was terrified and totally confused and had no idea what they were saying. I know what they were saying: ''Welcome to Scotland', courtesy of our caring sharing police force.
We gave our policemen the gun and we have given them the obnoxious onerous and belligerent attitude to treat us all as potential terrorists, through the lunatic leftist decisions made by this governments will to appease everyone, to the detriment of its own citizens.
I find this slide into George Orwell's world frightening and totally unnecessary. This is not the country that I grew up in and it is not the country that I want to live in. — Yours, etc.,
BILL McKNIGHT,
Hill Street,
Cupar.

Turbine
debate
Sir, — Thanks to the Fife Herald for regularly allowing the debate about the varied opinions regarding the subject of wind turbines to continue. If Mr Pay's solution to the concern of climate change is via the proliferation of wind turbines (Fife Herald letters, May 23) then this country is increasingly heading in a downward spiral.
The present policy to erect tall columns inclusive of rotating blades, with all the disruption and costs incurred is continuing to be challenged by many experts to prove that this is not the most convincing solution.
Unfortunately present politicians appear to be adopting the windfarm policy, but after they move on, as they usually do, the public will eventually realise that this was not the most proficient method to fully resolve energy requirements by having to be dependent on a certain range of wind speeds.
Although the opportunity was available, sadly this country has lost a decade of power generation involvement by not following the example set by France via the provision of proven nuclear power. Scotland having had the additional bonus of a hydro-electric power source availability if utilised. These options have either been by-passed because of a lack of investment in the right direction, or due to the usual 'friends of the earth', or similar, protests against nuclear power in particular.
What is extremely disappointing is Scotland has (had) a country where many visitors appreciate the natural pristine scenery, including the Scottish people who still have a pride in this country but who are increasingly concerned that it is continually being spoilt by the obsession to install these obnoxious structures, ironically at the public's expense. — Yours, etc.,
HARRY LAWRIE,
35 Abbots Mill,
Kirkcaldy.

Yellow
lines
Sir, — In response to Mr Beveridge's letter and column (Fife Herald, May 23), I can say that the topic of yellow lines in Falkland was first considered three years ago and has been on the agenda ever since, as reported in the community council minutes, published in your columns and on the notice board in the centre of the village.
I can't remember exactly how it arose, but suspect it was from members of the public, as is usually the case.
As reported in the local column last week, the community council is aware of the controversy and will discuss the matter at its next meeting on Tuesday, June 10, at 7.15 p.m. in the Newton Hall, (where we always hold our June and November meetings). — Yours, etc.,
ANTHONY GARRETT,
Chair,
Falkland & Newton
Community Council,
1 Royal Terrace,
Falkland KY15 7AX.

Panic
measure
Sir, — Earlier this month the Labour Party announced its latest u-turn — not on the issue of a referendum on independence, but on the 10p tax and compersation for those hardest hit. First we got the tax con — and now we get the compensation con.
The shadow chancellor, George Osborne, made it clear that Conservatives support any effort to compensate those hit by Gordon Brown's axing of the 10p tax rate — but the fact that Labour has failed to address the root cause of the problem demonstrates how out of touch they really are.
The help which the Labour Party announced is for one year only. It is a one-off payment, a one-off solution for tax rises that will hit families every single year. Alistair Darling and Labour Party have not put in place a long-term plan to compensate people, and it would seem Labour have only acted to 'save their skins' — would that be because of a pending by-election in Crewe and Nantwich?.
This is a panic emergency budget from a divided, dithering and disintegrating government that has completely lost control of events. What the Labour Party and Mr Darling fail to point out is the fact that 1.1 million low-earners across the UK, many in north east Fife, on incomes between £6635 and £13,355, will still lose out by up to £112 a year. — Yours, etc.,
MILES BRIGGS,
Conservative MP candidate,
North East Fife.

Fife
roots
Sir, — I am contacting you to see if my story of my Fife roots is of any interest. My late father Cecil Kennedy Bennet was born in Ladybank and met my mother in National Service and settled in her hometown of Wolverhampton. A big regret of ours is that we never visited Fife as a family.
I have myself been to Fife many times since his death and only recently my wife and I took our mothers there for a few days. This was my mother's first visit to Fife and she was overjoyed to be in Ladybank. We had stayed for a few days in Anstruther.
Last year I made plans to walk the Fife coastal path. In mid-March of this year I returned to Leven where I had got to on my last visit and walked to Crail. On our most recent visit, our walk was from Crail to Shorehead in St Andrews, the birthplace of my great grandmother Isabella Cramond Traill. Later this year all being well I shall return to Shorehead and complete the coastal path to the Tay Bridge.
It was only two years ago that my wife and I had found the grave of my great grandparents and it was quite emotional to be standing there for the first time. I had felt a strong connection to St Andrews before I found that my great grandmother came from there. A strange feeling came over me when approaching along the coastal path. Many times Isabella Cramond Traill would have looked south along that coast; if only she had known that one day her great grandson would walk over the hill to her place of birth.
I shall return to Shorehead and complete my ancestry walk for my dad and my roots in Fife, and obviously I shall be thinking of Isabella. — Yours, etc.,
ROBBIE KENNEDY-BENNETT,
Wolverhampton,
Via e-mail.

Volunteers
required
Sir, — I am writing to appeal to your readers to help the British Heart Foundation by volunteering at their local BHF shop in Cupar. Volunteers are absolutely essential to the success of the BHF and they really do help save lives. Last year, thanks to our volunteers, BHF shops raised a staggering £14 million to fight heart disease — Scotland's single biggest killer. We urgently need more volunteers in the Cupar BHF shop to raise vital funds and help us continue our work into heart research, care and education.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life — all you need is enthusiasm and a desire to help. We always need drivers to pick up stock, volunteers to prepare donated items and help on the shop floor and experts to lend a hand with our wide range of books and music.
These are just some of the roles that need filling, so there's likely to be something to suit everyone. Please join us — we really need your help to save more lives. — Yours, etc.,
KEN BLAIR,
Chief executive,
BHF shops.

Parking
protest
Sir , — As an employee of a business in Ladywynd, Cupar, I am grateful to your paper for exposing the culprit who has caused so much disruption in the past few weeks (Fife Herald, May 9).
Does this person live in the real world? Did he look at the parking available before he moved into his home? Did he really think that he has a right to use two parking spaces 24/7.
Parking restrictions are there to suit everyone, not just one selfish individual. Ladywynd is a narrow street which has many businesses, residents and occasional users who all respect the right of others to use the road and park here too. There are many businesses and residents in this narrow one-way street and thanks to this person we have all suffered.
As a result of his one-man protest, we have had to put up with the road closures and our vans and deliveries unable to turn into Ladywynd due to a car parked close to the top of the road. Not to mention the wasted police and traffic wardens' time.
As for his follow-up plan to measure markings in adjacent streets I can only comment — Get a life! — Yours, etc.,
JACKIE WILSON,
43 Meadowside Road,
Cupar.

High-handed
attitude
Sir, — The statement by the Fife Council's spokesperson in last week's Fife Herald that it is a case of "poor driving if drivers cannot negotiate the fountain" in Falkland is the very reason that I am critical of the council. When are they going to accept that it is simply not impossible for the large lorries to negotiate the fountain without mounting the footpath and thus endangering pedestrians?
Why not simply come along and watch? I have many photographs to prove the point and even the council spokesman has received a photo from me, which clearly shows a lorry with its nearside over the pavement and just three inches from the church railings, whilst its offside is just one inch from striking the fountain.
The remark that "detailed consultation" took place with the community council is a clever way of passing the buck. I have clear evidence of the danger here, and other business persons in the vicinity share the same concern. No members of Falkland Community Council live in this area.
I have one question: Who brought this yellow lines situation up? Was it a member of the public or a councillor? Since last week's report the historic fountain has now been struck and damaged. The council and community have created a danger here, which did not exist prior to their high-handed attitude that they are right all the time and everyone else is wrong. Will they admit that things would have been better left alone? I doubt it. — Yours, etc.,
BOB BEVERIDGE,
Old Town House,
Falkland.

Affordable
housing
Sir, — I am the owner of Trynmuir Croft, Cupar Road, Cupar Muir, which is currently the subject of a planning application by Kingdom Housing and Campion Homes for a mix of 50 per cent affordable and 50 per cent mainstream houses. Of the affordable homes, there are likely to be 50 per cent low cost ownership and 50 per cent rented, a few flats but mostly houses, all with gardens.
I have been taking an interest in the reactions to the application and hope to correct some misapprehensions which are apparent in the minds of objectors. There is a need for these houses in Cupar Muir, identified in the Draft Local Plan of March 2005, where 40 per cent of the 50 houses to be built were classified as affordable, i.e. 20. However, despite Councillor Roger Guy's efforts at the planning committee in August 2007, none will be built but this number could be accommodated. If Fife Council and Kingdom Housing see Cupar Muir as a suitable place for afordable housing, it seems reasonable to go along with these experts.
Coalescence of Cupar Muir with Cupar is another vexatious issue, but a Fife proposal to extend Cupar westwards along Brighton Road (since shelved) prompted me to arrange a meeting with Bill Lindsay, a team leader with Fife Council, who visited the site, viewed it from all angles, including from the Garlie Bank, and stated: "I accept the benefit of affordable housing and am not as persuaded as previous inquiry/appeal findings in relation to coalescence". (E-mail to me dated May 26, 2006.) Given that his language has to be supremely diplomatic, the comment could well be interpreted as dismissing the previous findings as rubbish. This development will certainly not link the settlements.
Concern over bats and red squirrels is expressed, but I can assure those concerned that as a member of the Bat Conservation Trust owning an ultrasonic bat detector I know that no bat roosts will be damaged. As for squirrels, there are no red squirrels left. In the last 20 years they have been superseded and recent sightings have all been of greys. 'Tis sad but a normal phenomenon.
In recent correspondence over the Local Plan, many people have objected to the numbers of new houses proposed but always there has been the caveat that many affordable homes are required and should be provided. Perhaps those who need an affordable home or sympathise with such needs could write in support of this application to Fife Council, the reference number is 08/00980/EOPP.
About 20 affordable homes can only help a little but they all count and these could be provided quickly. — Yours, etc.,
NEIL M. MUNRO,
Falkland.

Cupar
illuminations
Sir, — As a resident of Bank Street in Cupar who was involved in a discussion with NHS Fife less than two weeks ago, I was bitterly disappointed to discover that the dental centre contractors have gone ahead with the installation of lighting, despite the residents group being told it would be consulted first. Once again they have shown total disregard for residents in the area and the so-called process of consultation.
There were four lights on last night (Monday); we thought there was just going to be one light with double lighting, and I understand there are at least three more to go up adjacent to our properties. The place is like Blackpool illuminations!
If this was not bad enough, the new car park which opened this week is obviously not big enough — even before the dental clinic opens.
This week, since the removal of many of the police cones, cars have been parked solid along Back Lebanon and up Bank Street causing a danger to other motorists and pedestrians. Has the NHS given any proper thought to what this area may be like when the dental centre does open?
The residents group is having a meeting in the County Buildings next Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. This is open to all members of the public and we hope as many as possible will attend. — Yours, etc.,
NORMA BARR,
Rosehill,
Bank Street,
Cupar.

Impact on
house sales
Sir, — If any house owners in the surrounding area of Ceres are still not convinced about the concerns as regards the ongoing discussions in connection with a proposed windfarm in the vicinity of Gathercauld, Ceres they should note the following extract from a letter issued by an estate agent / solicitor in south east England to a family hoping to put their property up for sale:
Quote: "Whilst I understand the difficulty of the situation you are placed in with the problems caused by the wind turbines, until such problems have been resolved I am not able to place a current market value on the property as I do not believe any prospective purchaser would want to inhabit the property, or, indeed in the current climate, whether any mortgage lender would be prepared to lend on the property. I am therefore sorry to say that I find myself in the rare situation of having to decline any instructions to market the subject property, until such problems have been resolved to the satisfaction of any prospective purchaser or their mortgage lender."
Hopefully Fife councillors and the planning department will take cognisance of the above content on behalf of local house / property owners prior to making their final decision as regards the possibility of a windfarm. — Yours, etc.,
HARRY LAWRIE,
35 Abbots Mill,
Kirkcaldy.

Energy
solutions
Sir, — If we're not a bit scared about our causing climate change, maybe we're not grasping the situation? If that is scaremongering, maybe that's what we need. To rephrase the question Harry Lawrie doesn't answer (Fife Herald letters, May 16): Does he think how we generate electricity doesn't need to change? And is he simply going to ignore the evidence from Denmark that wind energy has reduced their carbon emissions?
In that spirit, I'll forget the 'ugly windmills' for now and move on to a subject Graham Lang mentions in the same letters page — planning and housing. This is certainly one aspect of the planning system I think far from perfect. Forget for this moment the question of how many houses and where. How are they going to make the most of passive solar gain, and the best use of solar thermal and PV panels, if the planners can't even get the houses pointed in the right direction (south)!
Similarly, if it looks like a car dependent American suburb, it'll probably work like one. America does actually have examples of how it can be done better (as long ago as Radburn in 1929). Not the only way of doing things, Greenways Interlaced with Cul-de-Sacs (GIC, pronounced 'Gee I See!', apparently) can work well. (www.greenwayneighborhoods.net).
Getting to the point. Global warming is a big problem, but not to use the solutions we know work, even if they are not perfect, may be our bigger problem. — Yours, etc.,
GORDON PAY,
75 Bonnygate,
Cupar KY15 4BY.

Planning
consultation
Sir, — As I understand it, planning is about controlling development in the wider public interest. Without the interest and participation of members of the public the system cannot maintain the public confidence it requires to function efficiently. Members of the public are encouraged to engage in the process by taking part in consultation. Their views are sought and should be welcomed by officials and taken into account as a part of the decision making process.
Planning Advice Notes (PANS) provide advice on good practice and supplement Scottish Planning Policies (SPPS) under the framework of the evolving Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006. Through PAN 81 on Community Engagement - 'Planning with People', the Scottish Executive has issued advice to local authorities and developers on how communities should be properly engaged by them in the planning process.
A good example of responsible engagement with the community can be seen at Newburgh where Stephen Homes propose applying for planning permission for a development. The company has been completely up front with the community in describing and discussing its proposal and will submit a planning application in due course.
A bad example or perhaps three bad examples can be seen at Ceres. Lomond Homes Ltd. has applied for outline planning permission for a site that is not in the Adopted Local Plan without any meaningful engagement or consultation with the community, while G & G Contracts have similarly applied for outline planning permission for a site that was thrown out of the draft Local Llan at an earlier consultation stage.
The third example is, of course, EnergieKontor's application to develop a wind power generating station at Gathercauld. Their idea of consultation is a tacky document outlining their proposal and giving a short order deadline for community feedback and a public exhibition of short duration in a location not convenient for many effected residents. In neither case were the results of this so-called 'consultation' published or any influence on the proposal acknowledged.
This is not how the Scottish Executive want things to be and communities need to be properly consulted. — Yours, etc.,
GRAHAM LANG,
Ceres and District Environment
and Amenity Protection Group,
Westermost,
Coaltown of Callange,
Ceres KY15 5LD.

Energy
debate
Sir, — In response to Mr Pay's invitation to debate the subject of energy (Fife Herald letters, May 9) I would respond as follows.
There is a planning system that, according to Mr Pay, is imperfect probably because it doesn't give consent to every windfarm that comes its way. Jim Mather, the energy minister, says not any site at any price.
In terms of scaremongering, any information provided in connection with the windfarm applied for by EnergieKontor has been backed by considerable research and is based on independent expert opinion not working for the wind industry and so cannot be criticised in that way.
The windfarm industry provides questionable information, not least claims on savings of CO2 which has been their biggest selling point in terms of any battle taking place against climate change and could amount to scaremongering on a massive scale. EnergieKontor claim savings in their non-technical summary, available to the public free of charge, which are based on all units of wind energy replacing units of electricity from old dirty coal fired power stations when people know it should be against a broader mix of generation. These claims breach advertising industry guidelines as they cannot be substantiated. In any case there are doubts at government level if wind turbines produce any reduction at all.
The current use of energy is wasteful. Apart from profligate domestic use and poor insulation, the biggest waste in Fife must come from the electricity distribution system itself through the present infrastructure. If that was to be improved by being more efficient there would be valuable local benefits with less pressure on the countryside to accommodate inappropriate developments like the one applied for at Ceres. — Yours, etc.,
HARRY LAWRIE,
35 Abbots Mill,
Kirkcaldy.

Gaelic
education
Sir, — While this issue may not be in the forefront of people's minds at present, I thought you might be interested to know that, currently, there is not a single school in Fife that offers pupils the chance to learn Gaelic.
Now, one could be excused for thinking that this is no big deal in Fife, where speaking of Gaelic has not been widespread for many centuries (if, indeed, it ever was) but, as a parent, it has not escaped my notice that the Gaelic language is currently receiving far more official recognition than was the case, say, half a century ago. This means that it is likely, very shortly, to be expected that every public body in Scotland should have some ability to deal with people in Gaelic. Indeed, this is laid down in the Gaelic Language Act passed by Holyrood under the previous administration.
Thus, I am anxious that our schoolchildren should not miss out on the undoubted employment opportunities that this will present to those with some proficiency in Gaelic.
However, Fife Council's education policy is, of course, demand-driven — as, indeed, it should be. The official line is that, while they would in principle support Gaelic education, there is currently insufficient demand to justify its provision.
So, I am appealing to your readers – particularly those with children of school age – to get in touch with Fife education department and ask for the provision of Gaelic in Fife. If demand is sufficient, I understand that the costs involved in hiring the necessary staff can be largely met by grants from the Scottish Government. — Yours, etc.,
JOHN MORTON,
Ty Uchaf,
3 Bow Butts,
Markinch KY7 6DY.

Coping with
autism
Sir, — As the parent of a child with autism, I am very worried about what will happen as they get older. Autism is a lifelong condition, yet as 'I Exist', the new report from the National Autistic Society, has found many adults with the disability struggle to get the help they so desperately need. Many feel isolated and ignored and are entirely dependent on their families for support.
I want to see the right services and support in place so people with autism can reach their true potential — the right help at the right time can have a profound effect.
That is why I'm supporting the NAS 'think differently about autism' campaign. I urge people to visit www.think-differently.org.uk and help put pressure on local and national government to do more to transform the lives of adults with autism. — Yours, etc.,
MRS ALYSON NICOLL,
5 Calder Court,
Anstruther KY10 3SD.

Energy
efficiency
Sir, — Maybe we can through the good offices of the Fife Herald have a debate on energy? I agree with Bob Beveridge (Herald letters, April 25); energy efficiency is crucial, and there are things we can each do. Much energy use is in our own homes and cars. We do some of the things along the lines he suggests. I even use an unpowered lawnmower. Many people are prepared to do their bit, as is indicated by the increasing rates of recycling.
Government at all levels could do more. We can build homes, without a significant increase in cost, that only require 10 per cent of the energy to heat an average home. Currently cars are less than one per cent efficient at moving the driver from A to B. We need things to change: this is what we have governments for.
However, it's argued by economists that energy efficiency doesn't reduce energy consumption! Energy efficiency is good for the economy, and the economy in turn is good at consuming energy. We can say it's necessary for sustainable development, but we can't say it's sufficient to achieve it. We can try to break the link between our economy and energy, but we can also reduce the carbon emissions, and other pollution, of energy. So, let's not "forget the ugly windmills".
I'll agree with Harry Lawrie (Herald letters, April 25) that our 'renewables obligation' system is not the best way to go about things. The feed-in tariff system is generally recognised as better. This is used on the continent, and is again being used in the US. There's no good reason why our government shouldn't use it. We could better support wave and tidal power, and domestic PV. It is however (in theory) much more a subsidy than our current market based 'renewables obligation' system.
I'll not agree European countries have confirmed wind power will not resolve energy requirements. Nobody suggested it alone will. Statistics from the Danish Energy Authority (www.ens.dk) show their carbon dioxide emissions have decreased in recent years (unlike the UK's), and that this is in no small part due to wind energy. The DENA (German Energy Agency) Grid Study, widely misquoted as arguing against the cost effectiveness of wind energy, did no such thing. The summary of the essential results is available in English on their website (www.dena.de).
He asks if I consider the concerns of local residents at a proposed windfarm. Yes, and there's a planning system that's there to do so, though I'll not claim it's perfect. I'd point out many of the concerns are due to scaremongering by opposition groups. May I ask in turn, does he consider our current use of energy has no local consequences, either here or elsewhere in the world? — Yours, etc.,
GORDON PAY,
75 Bonnygate,
Cupar KY15 4BY.

Windfarm
ownership
Sir, — I refer to the letter 'Windfarm arguments' (Fife Herald, May 2) and offer the following comment. The Edinbane windfarm on Skye is yet to be constructed. The windfarm referred to would be Ben Aketil, a 10 turbine development by Falck Renewables. The 'obvious comparison' between the landscape on Skye hosting this development and the landscape around Ceres is not obvious to me. Ben Aketil windfarm is on a wild, hilly open area of moorland. There are more differences than similarities, not least in the density of population and the proximity of turbines to households.
I am not sure that you could have bought shares in the local Edinbane Co-op. As has happened elsewhere with this developer's projects, a company in the form of a co-operative was set up and through their membership individuals have a share in the windfarm. Interest is paid on the amount invested, depending on performance. In terms of sharing ownership in any permitted windfarm at Gathercauld, EnergieKontor has said that local people will have the opportunity to buy shares. Maybe the Spar shop in Ceres could handle the issue.
Meanwhile, no prospectus is available but it has been indicated by Guy Wilson, the Bremen-based director of the company, that the terms of the investment would be similar to other developments they have in Germany. In July 2006 he said that the investment term would be for 20 years. He also said that the investor's capital is not repayable at the end of the term, there is no income in the first year but a dividend, again dependent on performance, of around eight per cent starting in the second year. With some developments in Germany the yield has been half of that and EnergieKontor has been in the embarrassing predicament of having to buy back windfarms from disgruntled investors.
Since 2006 all costs associated with development of windfarms have soared and even the availability of turbines with the capacity proposed by the developer may be problematic. The business model in 2008 is now much riskier than it was and I do not foresee a flood of interest from local people willing to put their savings at risk or, for that matter, from seasoned investors.
Even the Scottish wind resource is fickle and a risk that has to be considered. Looking at Ofgen's figures for the performance of 41 windfarms in Scotland from Shetland to the Borders in 2006, the average is from 28 per cent of installed capacity in the windy month of January to 20 per cent of installed capacity in the less windy month of June. Wind supply is not surprisingly the key factor governing returns from windfarms. The industry specific Keiler-Hauser Index notes that recent years have been characterised by below average wind supply and have adjusted their statistics to reflect this trend. This is noted in EnergieKontor AG's last published accounts. — Yours, etc.,
GRAHAM LANG,
Ceres and District Environment
and Amenity Protection Group,
Westermost,
Coaltown of Callange,
Ceres KY15 5LD.

Dental
fiasco
Sir, — The residents of Bank Street and Back Lebanon attended a pre-arranged meeting in the County Buildings with councillors, NHS Fife, Turner and Townsend architects and the planning department on Tuesday, May 6, in connection with the dental centre. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues which we have been raising since November 2007 and as always we are trying to resolve amicably.
Well done to our local councillors Bryan Poole, Roger Guy and representatives from NHS for attending.
The architects and planning department were most conspicuous by their absence. We wonder why!
It would be appreciated if anyone could help us on this matter, or are we facing a 'brick wall' (no pun intended) once again? — Yours, etc.,
NORMAN and NORMA BARR,
Rosehill,
Bank Street,
Cupar.

RNLI
thanks
Sir, — The RNLI house-to-house collection for this year took place at the end of April in Gauldry,Wormit, Newport, Drumoig and Tayport and the total amount raised was £2242.
The RNLI is a volunteer organisation and a charity whose aim is to save lives at sea around the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland as well as inshore. It has an active fleet of 332 lifeboats, and a relief fleet of 112 additional lifeboats. The fleet also includes four active and one relief hovercraft.
Every lifeboat launch costs the RNLI money in fuel and service payments. Individual crew members also lose time and working hours when they are called out. To maintain the reliability and durability of lifeboats they have refits at regular intervals.
The RNLI is funded entirely by voluntary donations and legacies and running costs average around £335,000 a day. For every £1 raised, 85p is spent on operations and 15p is spent on generating income.
Many thanks to all who gave their time to participate in the collection and thanks to everyone who made a donation. — Yours, etc.,
DAVID WINCH,
Collection organiser.

Pavement
problem
Sir, — I would like to thank Councillor Margaret Kennedy for her success in getting the pavements sorted in two places, enabling mobility scooters to have access on and off the pavement or the road.
Thank you from myself and other users. — Yours, etc.,
EVELYN DUFF,
3 Winthank Court,
Kirk Wynd,
Cupar.

Generous
donation
Sir, — On behalf of the local branch of the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association (SMNDA), I would like to thank Cupar Round Table for there generous donation of £250 and their continuing support of our branch. — Yours, etc.,
JOHN MACKIE M.B.E.
Chairman SMNDA local branch,
9 Crawford Park,
Springfield KY15 5SW.