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 St Andrews Citizen every week.

Rat of
the week
Sir, — Rat of the week is the person who smashed into my car, a VW Passat, in the car park of Morrison's Supermarket in Largo Road, St Andrews, around 3.15pm on Sunday, March 7.
I say smashed, because it was not just a bump. The rear wing of my vehicle was left hanging off and the bumper broken in several places. The rear light casing and the boot was also damaged and the latter jammed.
There is absolutely no way that the person responsible did not realise he or she had been involved in a collision.
So, what did he or she do. Hang about to apologise and speak to the unfortunate and innocent owner of the damaged car?
No, the driver — and passengers in the offending vehicle if there were any — took the coward's way out and drove off and departed from the scene.
I am now left with a bill of more than £1000 to have my vehicle repaired. How can people like this sleep at night?
I would be grateful if anyone in the car park area who may have heard or seen the accident, or who has any information, would contact the management at the supermarket. — Yours, etc.,
NAME AND ADDRESS
SUPPLIED.

Rail
concession
Sir, — I fear it is LibDem Cllr. Donald MacGregor who has problems with his facts.
In last week's letter on concessionary rail fares, he claimed that raising rail fares between Fife stations and the adjoining major cities of Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth from £1 to £3 for a return journey (my suggestion) would 'theoretically result in a huge decrease in usage by Fife residents'.
That is an assumption, Cllr. MacGregor, not a fact, and an assumption not supported by anyone I have spoken to on this matter.
I, too, am a regular user of the concessionary service between Leuchars and Edinburgh and can bear witness to the large numbers of concessionaires who travel off-peak to and from the capital and Dundee. I have yet to speak to anyone unwilling to support the scheme to the realistic level I have proposed.
It appears that it is Cllr. MacGregor and Fife council's LibDem transport convenor, Tony Martin, who are totally out of touch with the needs and aspirations of the elderly and other users of rail concession fares. It also seems obvious that the Fife Council proposals are going to produce a far greater decline in rail travel among those it was supposed to benefit.
Let's hope the LibDems are still as keen to claim ownership of this botched scheme when next they face the electorate. — Yours, etc.,
Ted Brocklebank MSP,
The Scottish Parliament,
Edinburgh.

Rail
concession
Sir, — Mr Ted Brocklebank, one of our list MSPs, writes before investigating the facts.
The introduction of a rail concession restricted to Fife only is as a result of Scotrail's computer 'model', applied to all concession schemes in Scotland, according to which a sensible increase from 50p per single journey to £1 or £2 would theoretically result in a huge decrease in usage by Fife residents. That would mean that Fife Council, instead of saving around £500K which the council intends to put into demand-responsive transport to help those who have problems with travel, would have been been required actually to increase the amount they paid to Scotrail!
Whether we believe their model or not, if Scotrail are not prepared to negotiate, what is to be done?
I am a keen user of the concessionary service and will regret the changes. Scotrail staff (at least at Kirkcaldy where I talked to one of them) have not yet been informed about how the new system will operate, how for example passengers seeking to go to Edinburgh will be dealt with on arrival at Inverkeithing, etc.
It's not so bad if you are going to Dundee as you can get the bus every 15 minutes during the day. — Yours, etc.,
Donald Macgregor,
15 Kinkell Terrace,
St Andrews

Flying
the flag
Sir, — Last year saw St Andrews performing splendidly in the 'Britain in Bloom' competition and achieving top marks for its environmental and sustainability efforts.
Much work was done by just a few volunteers, including Jill Hardie and Roddy Yarr, but the outcome was also the result of remarkable co-operation between several groups, including Fife Council, the community council, the university, 'Stunning St Andrews', the Preservation Trust, the Pilgrim Foundation and local schools — notably Canongate.
May I bring to readers' attention another co-operative effort.
The St Andrews-Loches Alliance is delighted to be providing its experience and local contacts in France to support a visit to Loches by the University Symphony Orchestra later this year. The visit, by 30 or so musicians, will take place from May 30 to June 5 and promises to be a very special event for both the members of the orchestra and the locals in Loches.
Members of the Alliance have already received invitations to take part in a group visit during the orchestra's visit, but any reader who might be interested in flying the St Andrews flag in Loches should contact me for further details. The orchestra is travelling by coach and there might even be a few places in the coach at very reasonable prices.
The Alliance annual general meeting (already advertised in these pages) is at 7.30 p.m. on March 9 at the Byre Theatre. — Yours, etc.,
JOHN MATTHEWS,
Chairman,
St Andrews-Loches Alliance.

Parking
charges?
Sir, — I find it extremely
Sir, — With reference to the proposed parking charges in St Andrews, I have asked Fife Council for the following information.: the number of paying places and free places and the size of the population for Leven, Cupar and Glenrothes.
I am particularly interested in Glenrothes as, from memory, I can't think of any paying places.
I am curious to see how much a Fife House staff member, unable to gain access to the office parking spaces, would have to pay. — Yours, etc.,
David Wallace,
South View,
Blebo Craigs.

******************

Sir, — I have a strong concern over the new parking proposals.
I would expect the result of losing parking spaces in the town area, and creating a maximum length of time, would drive people away to do their shopping and play their golf elsewhere.
I think the other more likely outcome is that visitors will park further out of town as they do at the time of The Open Championship.
During the last two Opens, we have had cars parked all day in Moir Crescent which they are allowed to do, but they do create an aggravation and a danger to residents in such narrow roads when residents have to wend their way through all the cars parked and work their way out of the drive ways.
This can also bring a certain security concern.
I would expect more and more roads on the outskirts of town to be used as car parking, particularly those on bus routes into town, i.e.. a form of park and ride!
I think the proposals will create more problems than they will solve for most sections of the community that I can think of.
The only way to solve the car parking problem is to provide/get/acquire more space for parking and I suggest the current in-town arrangements be left alone until the council can find a "real" solution that fixes the problem.
I wish them well in the understanding that this is a difficult problem. — Yours, etc.,
Donald G Phimister,
18 Moir Crescent,
St Andrews.

********************

Sir, — Following your articles with regard to parking, schools, the Kinness Burn and Green Belt, etc., it would seem that our local MP and councillors do not appear to look after the interests of their constituents to the same extent that MPs and councillors from other parts of Fife do.
We see millions of pounds spent in other areas, and the difference in parking charges throughout Fife has already been mentioned on numerous occasions.
I feel sure that Fife Council looks upon St Andrews as source for raising revenue to be spent elsewhere, as it certainly is not spent in St Andrews.
I recall seeing plans for a multi-storey car park at the Petheram site. All the money collected through existing parking meters would pay for, this building, which would also blend in with the existing university buildings. — Yours, etc.,
Pete Rogers,
St Andrews.

Landmarks
in the dark?
Sir, — I find it extremely sad that no progress looks likely to be made (your headline, January 22) on the illumination of St Andrews' iconic landmarks of the cathedral and St Rule's Tower.
The lighting was installed by Scottish Enterprise, a considerable undertaking, executed with care and the full approval of Historic Scotland, providing a magnificent focus for evening St Andrews at the end of both North Street and South Street.
If the lighting scheme, or a reduced version of it, is unlikely to be brought back into action, it might be removed by Historic Scotland, and that would end all chances of reinstatement in the foreseeable future.
I am aware that Scottish Enterprise was not committed to pay for running costs, but it should have ensured that other parties would take over that responsibility before allocating such a major sum of public money for its installation.
Come on St Andrews, do something. — Yours, etc.,
ROBERT STEEDMAN,
Muir of Blebo,
Blebocraigs.

AIDS
orphans?
Sir, — You report (Citizen, January 22) that a speaker had told the St.Andrews Rotary Club that "only a small percentage of the people of Zambia are HIV-positive."
The latest UN data shows that 15 per cent of the population are carrying the virus. Although this prevalence is less than that afflicting a number of countries in Southern Africa, it nevertheless means that upwards of one million Zambians are infected, that this results in at least 50,000 deaths a year, and that there are 600,000 AIDS orphans in the country. — Yours, etc.,
Dr George Cowan
Orchard House,
Balone.

Politician or
statesman??
Sir, — I forecast that Gordon Brown will lead the Labour Party to victory in the upcoming General Election. He has all the qualities that he will need to captain our nation's ship through the perilous oceans that lie before us. He has proven this in 2009 when he steered us through the troubled waters of failing global finance, taking us to safe anchorage.
Gordon Brown was born in Govan, a district of Glasgow, son of John Ebenezer Brown - a Godfearing Church of Scotland minister.
Gordon spent his early formative life among the down to earth good folk of Govan and became affectionately known as the ''Son of the Manse.''
He was schooled at Kirkcaldy High and was selected for educational hot housing. At age 16 he enrolled in Edinburgh University and promptly earned himself his PhD in history.
He became MP For Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and subsequently Prime Minister.
Sadness visited the Browns at the loss of Jennifer Jane, their first child, like a little star that flashed across our sky before disappearing into the constellation.
I look for compassion in our national leader – Gordon Brown is such a one. Was it not he who made time to write letters of comfort to the grief stricken parents of our fallen soldiers, both men and women, in the far away land of Helmand Province?
One last point. Politicians are many – statesmen few. Are we blind to this man of compassion who moves among us. — Yours, etc.,
Ahimsananda,
Ladywalk House,
Ladywalk,
Anstruther

To grit or
not to grit?
Sir, — Like everyone else, we in Bow Butts, Crail, have had to endure the snow and ice without the benefit of gritted roads and pavements.
However, relief was at hand brought by the thaw.
The thaw also brought Fife Council roads department personnel who had, up till then, been conspicuous by their absence.
I was startled to see a mini snow plough whizz past my window on a road where most of the snow had melted.
A white van with trailer, the mini snow plough and another vehicle, attended by a group of workers, proceeded to spread grit on roads and pavements whether they needed it or not.
Had the council ordered too much grit and were now getting rid of it, or did they foolishly believe the Met Office forecasts? I think we should be told. — Yours, etc.,
J. M. Anderson,
72 Bow Butts,
Crail.

Safe
access
Sir, — Up to last week, the road and pavement where I live had received no grit at all since the snow began, and the bins were not emptied for four weeks.
These things I understand. It is a minor road although busy with cars and dog walkers.
From Sunday to Tuesday of last week it was more dangerous than at any other time because of water on the ice, but our requests for help failed to produce any action although the gritting crisis must have been over.
A very little attention would have cured the problem.
It is doubly worrying that our council thinks it more important to provide a lorry to collect old Christmas trees.
Has anyone compared the cost of NHS treatment and absence from work with the cost of providing safe access? — Yours, etc.,
Elizabeth Lawson,
15 Bonfield Road,
Strathkinness.

Friendly and
considerate
Sir, — The recent bad weather was a ruddy nuisance (if not worse), but most of the people in St Andrews seemed even more friendly and considerate than usual, especially those in shops and cafes.
I would like to thank all those who continued to provide good services such as bus drivers, council workers, taxi drivers and, in particular, postmen/women and all the staff at the Community Hospital.
If you are near a bus stop and want a change of scenery and a warm place to sit, don't forget places like museums, art galleries, libraries and community centres.
At the Cosmos you might be able to make yourself a cheap cup of coffee/tea (as long as you wash up afterwards) and/or sit for ages.
Using a bus pass to meet a friend or sharing a taxi would keep down the price of sharing a cuppa in a cafe.
Going out might give you some exercise and reduce the cost of heating your home to a comfortable temperature, especially if you stay as long as you want somewhere like the cafe at the new hospital.
When the weather improves, you continue saving money and reduce pollution and wastage of resources by using public facilities, especially transport.
Then we and future generations may enjoy many more happy new years. — Yours, etc.,
Chris Lesurf (Ms),
Via e-mail.

Proposed
'Shaping'
Sir, — The advertisement 'Shaping the Future of St Andrews West' which appeared in two issues of your newspaper, should be given much thought.
The picture in the advertisement seemed to show a large area of fertile land which, currently, I would suppose, produces annually many tons of potatoes, possibly hundreds of tons, and many tons of cereals, possibly grassland for grazing animals destined for meat production, possibly vegetables for human consumption. Once this land is built on, all that annual food production will cease, depriving future generations of a source of food.
When land is producing crops, the plants capture carbon dioxide and release oxygen and this, too, should be considered in these days of rapid climate change.
I know that housing is needed, but why destroy good land for it? Why expand St Andrews? Where are the new residents going to work? Will they all be piling into cars to go to work in Dundee, Stirling and Edinburgh? Everyone knows of the inadequacies of public transport and the saturation of the roads in morning and evening rush hours.
In my opinion the idea of this proposed 'Shaping' is to make money. — Yours, etc.,
G. M. GALL,
Murray House,
Gateside,
by Cupar.

New homes
monopoly
Sir, — Can I add my support to the St Andrews Community Council campaign for the utilisation of brownfield and suitable infill sites for new housing developments in the town before further consideration is given to the use of greenfield land.
It is understandable that developers should already be trumpeting the competing claims of greenfield sites to the northwest and south west of the town, given that the local plan talks of a need for 1000 new homes. But it is by no means the case that either or both of the sites will be required even if this scale of building is embarked upon.
I support the community council's view that the releasing of the Kilrymont school site with agreement close on the new single-site Madras College would accommodate a very substantial part of the proposed new housing. There are also brownfield sites at the Cottage Hospital, Fleming Place, New Park school, the Bassaguard and significant infill sites elsewhere which I am sure would mop up the remaining houses required during the plan period. The diverse nature of these sites would also support the provision of affordable housing to meet the local need.
What St Andrews must avoid is being rushed into any precipitate decision on large-scale new housing developments on the outskirts of the town until it is shown that there is a definite need for it. If and when that time comes, common sense suggests that no single developer should be given exclusive and sole house building rights.
When the housing market returns it would be wrong for any developer to have a monopoly on new homes provision in a place like St.Andrews.
— Yours, etc.,
TED BROCKLEBANK MSP.

Public
meetings
Sir, — As you are aware, an application been submitted to open a pharmacy in the surgery in Balmullo.
Leuchars and Balmullo Community Councils have arranged two public meetings so that the residents in both communities are informed of the facts of the application and what it entails.
Leuchars' meeting will take place at 7.30 p.m in the Henderson Hall on Monday, January 18.
Balmullo's meeting will be on Thursday, January 21, in Burnside Hall at 7.30 p.m.
May I suggest that your readers log on to shsc.scot.nhs.uk to read the interesting report of the National Appeals Pannels' decision. — Yours, etc.,
Carroll Finnie,
Chair,
Leuchars Community Council.

Secondary
education
Sir, — We write as concerned parents to express our sadness at the community council's opposition to a new school at the Langlands B site in their latest newsletter.
As they well know, you have to go a long way to find a St Andrews parent who doesn't support a new school at that site, because they know the alternative would subject current pupils to years of education in temporary accommodation while their school is refurbished, and condemn future generations to education in a sub-standard facility.
Perhaps it would be cheaper, but shouldn't we be focusing on the best value for our community's children rather than penny-pinching? The council's opposition shows that they represent only a narrow part of our community, namely the part that resists all change and wants St Andrews to be frozen in time while the rest of the world moves forward.
The council claims that academics would not be interested in interacting with a school at the heart of the campus. This is simply false. One of us works at the university, and can testify that researchers are increasingly required to deliver and demonstrate the wider impact of their work, including knowledge exchange and outreach (last month he gave up a Saturday to meet with local teachers in a university-led outreach project). Having a new school embedded in one of the best universities in the country would give our children a tremendous educational advantage in an increasingly competitive world, and the community council should be ashamed to oppose it.
We are also saddened that they stoop to using scare tactics to promote their agenda, depicting the school development as a 'Trojan horse' for unrestrained development, and, along with Mr Paterson, raising the completely baseless spectre of housing developments on Station Park. This is shameful fear-mongering and does the council no credit at all.
Most disappointing of all was their objection that a new school would be 'highly visible' from the golf course. Does the council really favour the delicate visual sensibilities of golfers over giving our community's children the best opportunities we possibly can for the future?
Those who support a new school at the Langlands site should be aware that the council is mobilising the naysayers, so should make their support clear at lpconsult.fife.gov.uk/portal/fsaeflp09 . — Yours, etc.,
Claudia Ortiz
& Luke Rendell,
24 Shoolbraids,
St Andrews.

******************
Sir, — My wife and I agree with much of what Joseph Paterson says in a letter published on December 18 under the heading of 'Secondary education.'
The only matter we would like to take issue with is the need to rebuild the existing Kilrymont Road school which is sited on council owned land. The listing of the building by Historic Scotland is not a bar to alteration or enlargement and this was made clear at a meeting between Historic Scotland, Fife Council and the council architects who designed the building.
It is true that some refurbishment is needed, and there may be some asbestos present in the building, though this would be known about by the architects.
If the present Kilrymont building can continue to be used for Madras College then a great part of the £40 million committed by Fife Council for a new school will be saved. — Yours, etc.,
Julian Cochrane,
Belfield Cottage,
Blebo Craigs.

Bridgehead
school case
Sir, — While the Fife Green Party welcomes any investment in the educational facilities in north east Fife, we have to question whether the proposals reported in the Citizen two weeks ago represent the best for deal for pupils and the environment.
Much is being made of the school/university connection if this school is built. How a change of location will facilitate any better interaction is difficult to envisage, given that the university and school could co-operate even at present as much of the university is within easy walking distance of Madras pupils in the town centre site.
The Green Party does not follow the logic that big is invariably beautiful or beneficial for all pupils. The argument that a large single-site school will offer a wide choice of subjects compared to two smaller schools in St Andrews and the Bridgehead may be correct, but this surely only applies to a minority of specialist subjects taken by a small number of pupils? It is difficult to claim that, for most pupils, size will be beneficial. Many smaller schools probably do as well in sending pupils to university as larger ones.
A school also depends upon the quality of its staff to make a difference to outcomes, so a large school could have more difficulties than a smaller one, if it had weak management and poor quality teaching staff.
Where is the evidence that a larger school will be more carbon friendly, given the ongoing need for a large fleet of buses etc to ferry pupils all over north east Fife?
The Green Party feels that the case for a Bridgehead School should not be forgotten. — Yours, etc.,
Patrick Marks,
Fife Green Party

Crail
cemetery
Sir, — At Crail Community Council last week concern was expressed by the 50 or so residents present about certain of the Local Plan proposals, including the suggested site for an extension to Crail Cemetery, as well as about the suspension of advance sales of lairs. Since the meeting, the bereavement services manager has clarified both points. I would be grateful if you could publish this letter to let Crail residents know the precise situation.
The service manager has requested from planning that Bereavement Services be allowed to reclaim a further acre of ground at this time for the Crail extension from the currently developed extension ground which is under negotiation / consultation. This will prolong the availability of ground in the existing cemetery while the local plan is further debated. She advises that it may be prudent to maintain a restriction on advance sale of lairs with the proviso that, at the discretion of bereavement services, should particular circumstances warrant, a relaxation of this ruling can be applied.
The stopping of advance sale of lairs was agreed by a council committee some time ago and was to be applied to cemeteries where the council had reached a point of only 10 years lair space being available. This avoids ground being bought long in advance of use, ground which then may lie empty for many years, and it allows the lair space to be safeguarded for current interments.
The swap of the current extension for the proposed ground within the Local Plan was following discussions with planning who were looking for a continuation of the current ground being developed for housing. The new proposal for the cemetery extension was only to be accepted if the developer would fully prepare the site and as long as the ground met the requirements of the SEPA guidelines for groundwater pollution legislation.
Following the recent development as a result of the local community council meeting, a tier one assessment is to be carried out on the proposed site. Depending on the findings, it may then be necessary to carry out a further tier two assessment which requires on-site monitoring over an extended period of time to establish the extent of ground water movement which may negate the use of the land for burial.
By reclaiming a further acre of ground at this time, this will ensure sufficient burial space until the above issues can be further clarified and discussed. — Yours, etc.,
Donald Macgregor,
Cllr, East Neuk and Landward
15 Kinkell Terrace,
St Andrews.

Secondary
education
Sir, – The saga of secondary education in north east Fife is beginning to read like the plot of a crime novel, with the residents being mugged out of a new secondary school at the Bridgehead and robbed of a fully functioning community facility at a single site in St Andrews.
A secondary school in any area should and must be considered a community resource. Common sense and due diligence would ensure that two new schools would be built in north east Fife for all the sensible reasons already in the public domain.
Looking at the St Andrews area, a sympathetic replacement of the design award winning community facility on the Kilrymont Road site, ``which is preferred by the Scottish Government,'' is surely the way forward.
The site is closest to the homes of potential users of the facilities, thus encouraging them to cycle and walk there. It targets the maximum numbers from all age groups to a multi-purpose, multi-use facility, swimming pool included.
It extracts best value for the money spent on rebuilding and ensures the most cost effective running of the site.
Progressive thinkers believe that an educational establishment was for lifelong learning and recreation and not just for children of school age. This has now become a well-established principal.
As for the big is beautiful in education, that a secondary school must have over 1000 pupils to provide a complete variety of subjects is clearly nonsense. Many of the state secondary — and most of the private schools — would have long closed their doors by now, if this were the case.
How do the students at the university feel about losing their indoor sports facilities for at least two years?
How about housing on Recreation Park? No sweeping green vista to welcome visitors to St Andrews then. — Yours, etc.,
JOSEPH PATERSON,
32 Kilrymont Road,
St Andrews.

Gratuitous
comments?
Sir, — Derek Watson's gratuitous comments in the previous Citizen (November 28), coupled with the university-cum-Headon's development plans, lead your readers down a very doubtful path designed to make them believe that planning permission is already granted, cut and dried, and that comments are merely invited.
All this is "sound and fury signifying nothing." A legal challenge to the Structure Plan has been lodged. The Finalised Draft Local Plan has to conform to the Structure Plan, which may be returned to Fife Council if the challenge is successful. The legal challenge may well cause considerable delay. At some future date the Tay Strategic Plan will supplant the Structure Plan.
As for St Andrews, councillors of every ilk should remember that savaging the goose will make her barren, hence no more golden eggs. — Yours, etc.,
FLORA SELWYN,
43 North Castle Street,
St Andrews.

Rented
housing
Sir, — As plans are put before us to shape St Andrews over the next couple of decades, it is sad to see what some developers and planners have in mind. Mainly hundreds of houses and an end result that would make St Andrews look like just another faceless 'New Town'.'
The beauty of St Andrews, the appeal, is not produced by the town itself, but also its idyllic setting, its landscape, the whole vista. This is what has captured the imagination of countless pilgrims, visitors over the centuries. This is what is still bringing them here today.
Housing seems to be the largest single item on the developers' agenda and, of course, with the accompanying 'affordable housing' element taking up about 30 per cent. But surely all of this AH is not meeting the need of housing for rent. And housing for rent is what so many young, local couples require, namely because most, I imagine, would find it difficult to raise the substantial deposit required by AH.
A newsletter from our community council states it "supports the provision of AH in St Andrews to meet local need.'' But I understand that many of the AH houses built in recent years were taken up by 'outsiders', not locals, possibly for the reason stated above.
Also, a report I read in our local daily on November 21 quoted the university quaestor, David Watson, as saying: "We have staff who cannot afford to live in St Andrews and have to travel from Dundee, Perth and Dunfermline. We want to bring about land supply so people can afford to buy a property in St Andrews to live in.'' What a load of piffle! So much for wanting to help local people! I have always been sympathetic to local needs for housing but my sympathy, with all due respect, does not extend to the staff of one of the largest employers in Fife. Since when was it necessary to live next door to your workplace!
I also find it somewhat alarming to read in the community council's newsletter that ``We wish to promote mixed and integrated communities.'' This, I understand, means that they want large, expensive houses to be next door to houses at the lower end of the price range. Where on earth do they think we are — Russia, maybe China?
I would repeat — affordable housing is no substitute for rented accommodation. — Yours, etc.,
HUGH GRAY,
St Andrews.

Leuchars
Pharmacy
Sir, — Mr Semple's comments in the St Andrews Citizen of December 4 require to be challenged
Firstly, the doctors running the dispensing practices freely spelt out the income and running cost details at two public meetings. Mr Semple was invited to these meetings but declined to attend. Having seen and discussed the figures, local communities have overwhelmingly continued to support the status quo. They prefer to deal with a medical practice that gets out and discusses the facts behind the application rather than some unknown individual who has refused to engage with the community at two public meetings.
Secondly, the levels of support Mr Semple is claiming to receive from people who want a pharmacy is simply not justified in the face of the evidence provided by an independent organisation's survey. This recorded that of 417 people surveyed in the Leuchars area, there was a massive majority in favour of retaining their dispensing surgeries by a ratio of four to one. SODS would expect a similar response in the other communites affected had they been surveyed.
Thirdly, Mr Semple has chosen to ignore the fact that an application which, as he has said, is virtually identical to the present one, was turned down earlier this year on the grounds that the present service was perfectly satisfactory and the proposed premises were not suitable.
SODS have confidence that a just and fair decision covering all the facts will be made by the Appeal Panel and that common sense will prevail and the dispensing surgeries will be retained. We will be satisfied with nothing less than that.
SODS have decided NOT to mount a protest at the Leuchars Post Office on December 15 as the anticipated large turnout in support may serve to intimidate rather than inform the Panel of the strong public feelings on this matter which we are sure are already well known to them. — Yours, etc.,
Alan Kennedy,
3 Smithy Lane,
Balmullo.

Intemperate
remarks?
Sir, — The intemperate remarks of Mr Derek Watson, university quaestor, in relation to the St Andrews Preservation Trust, in the article on public consultation on Fife Council's Local Plan for St Andrews and East Fife, in your edition of November 20, cannot pass without comment.
He implies that trust members are a "vocal minority" and states that the Preservation Trust "wants to complain."
Trust members may be a minority but they take a keen interest in the historic town of St Andrews and its environment. Above all, they have done their homework and are prepared to ask searching questions which are not always welcomed by developers and their partners. For example, in relation to population data which is used to justify an increase in housing or into the rationale which justifies greenfield development for employment land before brownfield sites are used up.
Above all, the trust does not ''want to complain'' but it is prepared to use due democratic processes to put forward reasoned arguments against development where it believes this to be justified.
It welcomes sensitive new development and its "Pride of Place" Awards have a specific category dedicated to this. Under this, the university itself received recognition for its imaginative re-development and extension of a former coach house on the Scores to form its new museum.
It was pertinent to see that the St Andrews West Partnership, of which the university is, of course, part, included in their presentation as evidence of quality building, the award made by the trust to Headon Developments for the park in recognition of a large scale residential development, modern but sympathetic to the past.
It was gratifying that, at its liaison meeting with local community groups two weeks ago, the Links Trust thought fit to refer to the award made by the trust for its new clubhouse at the Castle Course, a new building of classic simplicity at one with its landscape setting.
These awards sum up what the trust is really about, rather than Mr Watson's cheap sound bite.
Judging by the weight of supportive comment we have received on this matter, attack has certainly not been the best form of defence for Mr Watson. — Yours, etc.,
ELIZABETH M. T. PENNY,
Chairman,
4 Queen's Gardens,
St Andrews.


Wind
farms
Sir, — What a fascinating contrast between the last two weeks' front pages of the Citizen. It is a perfect example of doing things right and doing them wrong.
The Crail development shows the community carefully planning to embrace renewable technology, sensitively siting the turbines at least a mile from people who could be adversely affected and using the proceeds for the benefit of the community. Wind is an essential source of sustainable energy management and this application of it is praiseworthy and deserves support.
I understand that the university is actively consulting with the communities of Kingsbarns, Dunino and Boarhills in the siting and development at Upper Kenly, and has been since the initiation of its project. It, too, is aiming to share benefits with the local communities. Again, a responsible development to be wholeheartedly accepted.
On the other hand, the Kinaldy development demonstrates an outfit totally ignoring the legitimate concerns of local people in its quest for huge returns, siting their massive turbines as badly as one can possibly imagine – looming 350 feet over a home just over 500 metres away, and well under the recommended distance for avoiding ill health from excessive noise. Is it any wonder that it provoked Dr King's (understandably) rather emotional response?
Despite the company's protestations of ''community involvement'' on its website, no approach of any form has been made to the local community – the application for the anemometer came out of the blue: the community council had to write and ask what the plans were. (We remember the offer a similar company made to compensate the community around Gathercauld – to provide £2000 to 'do up' a village hall). The amount of money involved (as shown in the Crail report) should leave us in no doubt as to the "vigour" with which the PR men will pursue their profits.
I am sure your readers will see through their spin, judge on their deeds to date and realise that this scheme is insensitive and should be resisted. — Yours, etc.,
Stuart Baker,
Kinaldy Meadows.

*********************

Sir, — Further to the windfarm correspondence of last week, I have visited Kinaldy socially and in organised groups on several occasions to see the gardens and parkland created there. The southerly outlook to a horizon about 1500 metres distant is a feature of the house.
It is with horror I read that there could soon be a wind farm, with turbines over 100 mtres high, filling this horizon in full view of the gardens. How could any landowner knowingly thrust this monstrosity on neighbours with the inherent hazards of sound and visual polution?
Also, the value of such a small windfarm contributes very little to the whole and the Government estimate of the cost of installing sufficient windfarms to meet the need (60 per cent) of all power demand is vastly
under estimated.
Many scientists are now realising that the target is unachievable and, for the money involved, FIVE nuclear power stations could be built which, as we know, are constant in their supply. — Yours, etc.,
Hugh Gray,
St Andrews

*********************

Sir, — The news that there is an impending application for a windfarm at South Kinaldy will have major implications for all in the area.
All houses within about two miles, which is the sound footprint of the turbines, will be blighted for several years since sellers will be obliged to inform potential buyers of the possibility of a windfarm that would affect them. Any sale would likely be aborted and the property devalued by 30-40 per cent. For those much closer, a sale may not be achievable at any price during this period.
Another thought that should strike hard at residents who are already having to contend with recession is that these affected properties may have a value now lower than the mortgage they are servicing. Their deal might be called and repayment due. This could certainly happen if the windfarm should be built.
The accumulated loss in capital value of all the properties affected runs into the tens of millions of pounds.
The decision to sign an option to allow the windfarm should be revisited and rescinded. — Yours, etc.,
DR D. KING,
Kinaldy House,
St Andrews.

Kinness
Burn
Sir, — I agree with 'Concerned flat owner' (Letters, November 13) that something urgently needs to be done about the silting up of the Kinness Burn.
While this may have led to flooding at Fleming Place only once previously in the past 20 years, this is far from the case in the Dempster Terrace area of Kinnessburn Road where the river has burst its banks several times a year in the recent past.
The suggestion, made by some, that the silt banks with their vegetation are a natural phenomenon that needs to be preserved, is spurious. The burn was cleared in the late 1980s and these banks have built up entirely since then. They do more environmental harm than good as they cause flooding of adjacent natural areas each time the burn overflows. Clearing of them may not be a total solution to the flooding problem, but it would at least be a start.
A further issue needs to be addressed for the future. When there is a downpour, the volume of water coming down the burn rises very rapidly and may return to normal within a few hours. One reason for this must be the large number of houses, with their associated streets, built recently in the outskirts of St Andrews and the catchment area of the burn. This leads to rapid runoff of water which the burn simply cannot handle.
At the very least, any future housing developments must involve drainage systems that do not empty into the burn. — Yours, etc.,
PETER SLATER,
1 Dempster Terrace,
St Andrews.

Windfarm
NIMBYs?
Sir, — David King's call to arms against the prospect of a windfarm at Kinaldy in his letter of November 13 would have been more credible if he had detailed the measures he was taking to reduce his own personal electricity consumption, and put forward constructive alternative proposals for closing our energy gap.
The same goes for the other NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) who raise a shrill clamour at the prospect of any such development in east Fife.
Climate change means fossil fuels are not an option for the future, so the alternatives are renewables or nuclear. I support windfarm development in this area, because I'd much rather have a windfarm down the road than a fast-breeder reactor.
I suspect Dr King's preferred option is a reactor some safe distance away, and the devil take the poor souls who have to live next to it. Out of sight, out of mind, as long as his rural idyll is preserved.
In the absence of credible alternative and personal lifestyle changes, windfarm NIMBYs serve only their own narrow self- interest, and deserve no more respect than a tantruming child. They should go stand in the corner until they're ready to have a grown-up debate. — Yours, etc.,
Luke Rendell,
24 Shoolbraids,
St Andrews.

**************
Sir, — I am sorry that Dr David King is so hostile to the idea of wind turbines at South Kinaldy (Citizen, November 13). Surely the noise will not be so troublesome, once it has become familiar?
It may be argued that I am not the one in whose "back yard" this development is proposed. This is true; although I have looked carefully at the possibility of putting a wind turbine on my own property, I came to the regretful conclusion that there was not enough wind to make it a suitable location. However, the people of Crail are apparently pursuing the idea of their own community wind turbine at Kilminning (Citizen, same issue).
The truth is that we all use electricity, and at the same time we have to reduce our carbon emissions. There is no one simple answer to this.
Greater energy efficiency has to be part of the solution; renewable energy has to be another part. Some people believe that nuclear energy must also be part of the solution - now there is something I definitely would NOT want in my back yard! — Yours, etc.,
Fiona Vincent,
Strathkinness High Road,
St Andrews

Riding for
the Disabled
Sir, — Recent articles in the local press have drawn attention to the closure of the Heart of Fife Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association. This group has operated for many years in the Glenrothes and Ladybank area and leaves behind many disappointed riders.
However, there is a group still operating in East Fife – the Scooniehill Group. This group has been active since 1976. Based for many years at Scooniehill Farm to the south of St Andrews, we now ride from Kilconquhar Castle Equestrian Centre near Elie. Last year, 56 riders rode with us, supported by 54 volunteers. Over 900 hours of riding were provided.
We should like to reassure your readers that we are still active, still providing the same level of service, and still welcoming new volunteers and offers of funding and sponsorship. We are very grateful indeed for the level of support that the local community has always given us. Their generosity at can collections, coffee mornings and by general donations always surprises us.
East Fife does still have a local Riding for the Disabled Group and more information can be found at our website www.scooniehillrda.org.uk. — Yours, etc.,
Ann Morrison,
Chairman,
Scooniehill Group RDA,
8 Trinity Place,
St Andrews.

Crail
roads
Sir, — I was interested to see that a high amenity scheme has been "promised" by Fife Council for Market Street to start in April 2010.
The statement by Angus Carmichael, team leader of Fife Council transportation, is certainly hopeful and very welcome. Perhaps now that this road scheme has been organised, Mr Carmichael could lead his team the short distance down to Crail where some of the roads are rapidly acquiring third world status.
St Andrews Road leading into Crail has one carriageway surfaced properly and the other left in a very poor state.
Marketgate, right in the centre of the conservation area, was already potholed and broken and this has been exacerbated by construction traffic using it to and from new housing at Balcomie Green and to Crail Golf Club.
It is quite right that St Andrews, as the most prestigious town in Fife, should benefit from road repairs, but I hope Fife Council do not regard Crail as the poor relation. — Yours, etc.,
J M Anderson,
72 Bow Butts,
Crail.

Kinness
Burn silt
Sir, — I write as I await a visit from the loss adjustor to examine damage caused to my flat in Fleming Place by the recent floods.
I, and my father before me, have owned this property for over 20 years, and this is the first time is has been inundated. Prior to this week, Fleming Place properties only flooded once in living memory – and that was in the mid-1980s when the harbour gates were closed at a time of heavy rain.
What has changed since then? Maintenance of the Kinness Burn has ground to a halt. Back then, the burn was regularly cleared out and silt cleared, but now islands of silt are allowed to build up and it is well over 20 years since they have been removed. It is self-evident that the burn can accommodate more water if that is done, and this action would help prevent flooding.
We are told that the burn cannot be disturbed because ducks and other wildlife might be affected. Get real! The Kinness running through town is no bucolic stream meandering through watermeadows, harbouring interesting and rare wildlife. It is, in essence, a drain, with concrete and wooden sides. OK, a few mallard ducks live there, but they did so when the burn was regularly cleaned, and reared young successfully too. Probably rats are its most common vertebrate inhabitants.
My tenants had to wade through deep water when leaving the flat and were temporarily homeless while this mess was sorted out.
It is time that more resources are put into maintaining the flow of water in the Burn. — Yours, etc.,
concerned flat owner.
Name and address supplied.

Planning
appeal
Sir, — I write to draw attention of St Andrews residents to an important planning appeal hearing which will take place in the town.
The planning application, by Crerar Hotels, for an 80-bedroom hotel on the Kinkell Braes was refused by Fife Council after consideration by local elected members at the North East Fife Area Committee. The applicants have exercised their legal right to appeal this democratic decision, and a hearing will be conducted by a Reporter appointed by the Scottish Government.
The St Andrews Preservation Trust, along with St Andrews Community Council, objected to this application, and will be represented at the appeal hearing.
Our main concern is the effect the building would have on the panoramic view of the town in its coastal setting from the southern gateway to St Andrews on arrival along the A917.
We also question the need for an additional hotel, and if one is proven to be needed, why it should be built in a location which is so environmentally and visually sensitive in landscape terms, obstructing a view valued greatly by residents and visitors alike?
Citizens of St Andrews who value the town's historic landscape setting may wish to attend to hear the opposing views on this proposed development.
The hearing will be held in the Garden Suite of the Scores Hotel, St Andrews, starting at 9.30 am on Tuesday, November 10, and is expected to last for three days until Thursday the 12th. It will normally sit until about 4.45pm. Members of the public may attend any of the hearings sessions and can arrive or leave at any time. Most of the evidence is expected to be heard on the first two days. — Yours, etc.,
David Middleton,
Planning Policy Convener,
St Andrews Preservation Trust.
4 Queens Gardens
St Andrews.

Radical
option
Sir, — Anent your article on the Market Street upgrade (October 30), it appears that the radical option of full pedestrianisation is clearly off the agenda, despite successful implementation in so many other similar towns in the UK and abroad.
Also, Fife Council intends to change the existing angled parking bays in favour of perpendicular 90 degree parking. Angled parking enables both parking and exiting to be achieved much more easily and quickly, especially for older drivers, and with much less chance of accidental damage to vehicles. The gentler turn also permits slightly narrower bays which could offset the possible loss of a bay at each end of any given length and also the small loss of bays referred to in the article (due to the current standard for bay-width being greater than the old standard). The fact that longer vehicles project further into the roadway is also offset by the reduced turn required for both parking and exiting.
The planting of trees will certainly be an improvement, but it would also be interesting to know how many bays will remain in total versus the current capacity.
Finally, while there is, of course, seating in the new hospital's reception area for those awaiting buses, am I alone in being surprised at there being only four seats at the bus-stop itself, which has no covered walkway from the building and very poor protection against the elements on an exposed north-east-facing hillside in gusty wet weather (e.g. Sunday), and that they have to share their space with the bike shelter which has over 12 spaces? — Yours, etc.,
John Birkett,
12 Horseleys Park,
St. Andrews.

'Horror
houses'
Sir, — I write with reference to Mr Jack Daniels' article in the guest column of the Citizen of Friday, October 23, entitled 'HMO Horror Houses'
As the owner of a flat which has been an HMO licence holder, I write with some experience of students' living arrangements. Many of our former tenants gave no problems at all, either to us or our neighbours. Some, however, did. We had cigarrette burns all over a bedroom carpet and the arms of a sofa in a non-smoking flat. One group kept a rabbit — whose presence was obvious! The telephone cable was chewed through and also areas of carpet and some pieces of furniture were chewed.When we returned to the flat at the beginning of June, we didn't need the reaction of our Labrador to indicate the rabbit's presence. That same group removed the toaster and the DVD player. A glass door had also been smashed at some point during the term. Stacking empty beer cans and bottles on window ledges and an inability to put out and take in bins — not to mention bin bags,often burst — caused issues with neighbours. As absent owners, we felt uneasy and annoyed on their behalf and, after this episode some years ago, decided to stop renting.
I appreciate Mr Daniels' point about the university being vitally important to the economy of the town. However, the university seems to have embarked on an expansion programme which is threatening the demographic of the town turning it, effectively, into its campus. A small town like St Andrews cannot absorb these numbers of students with the inevitable result of more university buildings, more dedicated student accomodation, yet more rented accomodation requiring HMO licences and so it goes on. Is it a coincidence that so many properties in the centre of town are in such a dilapidated state with peeling paintwork and vegetation growing in gutters, or, is this just a symptom of rented accomodation?
The three flats ajoining ours are all rented to students and what kind of year we will have depends on them. Will the bins spend days on the street? Will the front grass have a worn path through it as it is quicker than using the path? Will the hall be full of bikes? We use our flat for weekends and holidays but all our neighbours are full time residents in a small quiet road with no through traffic. So far, so good this year. We are all hoping it lasts. — Yours, etc.,
NAME AND ADDRESS
SUPPLIED.

Not such a
good idea?
Sir, — It was suggested in your pages that St Andrews should be treated like Guildford and allowed four days' free parking to compensate for the cut in VAT. However, St Andrews is nothing like Guildford, as the following comparisons will show:
St Andrews has a population of between 15,000 and 20,000; that of Guildford is 69,000.
St Andrews is only accessible by road; Guildford has two railway stations.
St Andrews, at present, has no park and ride facility; Guildford does, of which the parking component is free but the bus-ride is not.
St Andrews was the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland in mediaeval times and boasted its largest cathedral, albeit one now in ruins; Guildford is the county town of Surrey and possesses a mediaeval cathedral, which is intact.
The University of St Andrews, distributed throughout the town, is the oldest in Scotland (1411) and has, at most, 8000 students; Guildford is the home of the campus-based University of Surrey, founded in 1966 and attended by 13,000 students.
St Andrews is full of history, being linked with many figures from the past, is well known as a major tourist destination and is renowned throughout the world as the 'Home of Golf;' Guildford's main claim to fame appears to be its connections with Lewis Carroll, who died there.
It should, perhaps, also be noted that parking charges in Guildford town centre apply between 8 am and 6 pm Monday-Saturday, including Bank Holidays, and between 11 am and 5 pm on Sundays.
In contrast, in St Andrews, charges do not come into force until 9 am and cease at 5 pm; also there is no charge on a Sunday. So perhaps St Andrews being treated like Guildford is not such a clever idea after all. — Yours, etc.,
JANE ANN LISTON,
5 Whitehill Terrace,
Largo Road,
St Andrews.


£500
raised
Sir, — We wish to express our gratitude to all who supported our coffee morning on October 17 in the Town Hall.
The good spirits of the volunteers combined with the generosity of many donors created an inviting atmosphere in the tearoom and attractive displays of cake and candy, craft and raffle prizes.
The public responded with warmth, many sharing their morning linking with friends and neighbours in happy conversation, and we raised £500 which ensures that we can continue to extend our work in the community. — Yours, etc.,
JOHN F. FERGUSON,
Treasurer,
St Andrews and District
Neighbourhood Watch
Association.


Historic new
beginnings
Sir, — As NASA launches the latest test rocket, we embrace historic new beginnings of further exploration of our universe.
Discovery of water on the far side of the Moon has fired man's imagination to new possibilities. A supply of Moon water would enable us to have an intermediate spring board to the planet Mars and beyond.
Outer space involves journeys of so great a magnitude that one's lifetime will be insufficient to last a round trip which will lead to the preparation of young astronauts who are the offspring of spacemen and women.
We will complete the journey - all be it in the genes of our grandfathers and grandmothers in the same way as the Egyptians spanned 600 years to build the Great Pyramid.
All of man's great achievements are accomplished from small beginnings and are propelled to the heavens.
When asked why he climbed the mountain, the man replied "because it is` there." — Yours, etc.,
Ahimsananda,
Room 116,
Ladywalk House,
Ladywalk,
Anstruther.


Council
vacancies
Sir, — I write to invite any of your readers who are resident in St Andrews, and interested in representing the community and working on its behalf, to put their names forward for the three vacant places on the town's Community Council. The Council normally meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month in the Burgh Chambers.
We are keen to attract those who are also motivated to serve on one of the council's committees.
Our recreation committee organises or assists with various events and competitions for the benefit of the town. These include bandstand concerts, young citizen of the year award, the floral competition, the senior citizen's Christmas party and the New Year Ceilidh.
The planning committee comments on, or objects to, planning applications for the town and on proposed revisions of the Development Plan. With a new Local Plan under discussion, it has a busy time in prospect.
The climate challenge committee is working with Mr Roddy Yarr, environment and energy manager in the university, to try to gain funding for projects designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the town. There are also moves afoot to re-establish a health, education and welfare committee.
As the next election is likely to be in November 2010, the opportunity is there for people to make a contribution without feeling that they are committing themselves for life.
If you wish to put yourself forward, please contact the secretary, Mr Patrick Marks, by email at patrick.marks@btinternet.com or by phone at 475219. If more people come forward than there are places, the present members will choose whom they wish to co-opt. It would therefore be helpful if you would provide a paragraph giving a brief indication of what you think you could contribute. — Yours, etc.,
Ian Goudie,
Chair,
Royal Burgh of
St Andrews Community Council.


Poppy
Appeal
Sir, — Once again we approach that time of the year when we remember those who have made great sacrifices for us in conflicts around the globe.
The annual Poppy Appeal initially commemorated those who had fallen in the First World War and, culminating as it does on November 11, still recalls the signature of the armistice which brought that terrible war to a close. With the passage of time, the appeal asks us to remember those who have died in all the subsequent conflicts including, of course, the current war in Afghanistan.
The Poppy Appeal asks us to remember by donating generously to help those who did not pay the ultimate price but who carry the scars of battle, whether physical or mental, and who need our help. We also remember by wearing our poppies with pride.
Last year the Poppy Appeal in St Andrews, Strathkinness and Guardbridge raised the record sum of £11,181. May I ask all readers of the Citizen to be as generous as possible with the aim of achieving yet another record collection this year. The men and women of our armed forces deserve all we can afford to give. — Yours, etc.,
JOHN MATTHEWS,
Area Organiser,
West Grange Farmhouse,
St Andrews.


See and
be seen
Sir, — Once again, the dark nights are here and, yet again, there are too many people cycling around the streets of St Andrews without showing lights.
St Andrews is a very cycle-friendly town, which is ideal for those who prefer to jump on a bike rather than jump in a car for a trip to the town centr.e.
It's also very handy for those members of the student community who cycle around the university campus.
But, whether town or gown, for goodness sake make sure you can be seen as well as see if you cycle in the evenings.
A decent set of cycle lights costs almost the equivalent of a couple of pints of beer or two large lattes, and high visibility vests are also available in the town for very little money.
Act now — before we have a tragedy on our hands. — Yours, etc.,
CONCERNED
ST ANDREAN
(Name and address
supplied)

See and
be seen
Sir, — Once again, the dark nights are here and, yet again, there are too many people cycling around the streets of St Andrews without showing lights.
St Andrews is a very cycle-friendly town, which is ideal for those who prefer to jump on a bike rather than jump in a car for a trip to the town centr.e.
It's also very handy for those members of the student community who cycle around the university campus.
But, whether town or gown, for goodness sake make sure you can be seen as well as see if you cycle in the evenings.
A decent set of cycle lights costs almost the equivalent of a couple of pints of beer or two large lattes, and high visibility vests are also available in the town for very little money.
Act now — before we have a tragedy on our hands. — Yours, etc.,
CONCERNED
ST ANDREAN
(Name and address
supplied)

Not such a
good idea?
Sir, — It was suggested in your pages that St Andrews should be treated like Guildford and allowed four days' free parking to compensate for the cut in VAT. However, St Andrews is nothing like Guildford, as the following comparisons will show:
St Andrews has a population of between 15,000 and 20,000; that of Guildford is 69,000.
St Andrews is only accessible by road; Guildford has two railway stations.
St Andrews, at present, has no park and ride facility; Guildford does, of which the parking component is free but the bus-ride is not.
St Andrews was the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland in mediaeval times and boasted its largest cathedral, albeit one now in ruins; Guildford is the county town of Surrey and possesses a mediaeval cathedral, which is intact.
The University of St Andrews, distributed throughout the town, is the oldest in Scotland (1411) and has, at most, 8000 students; Guildford is the home of the campus-based University of Surrey, founded in 1966 and attended by 13,000 students.
St Andrews is full of history, being linked with many figures from the past, is well known as a major tourist destination and is renowned throughout the world as the 'Home of Golf;' Guildford's main claim to fame appears to be its connections with Lewis Carroll, who died there.
It should, perhaps, also be noted that parking charges in Guildford town centre apply between 8 am and 6 pm Monday-Saturday, including Bank Holidays, and between 11 am and 5 pm on Sundays.
In contrast, in St Andrews, charges do not come into force until 9 am and cease at 5 pm; also there is no charge on a Sunday. So perhaps St Andrews being treated like Guildford is not such a clever idea after all. — Yours, etc.,
JANE ANN LISTON,
5 Whitehill Terrace,
Largo Road,
St Andrews.

Bus
route
Sir, — It is now two months since the route of the 95 bus from Crail to St Andrews was altered to take in the new hospital. But by cutting out the centre of St Andrews it is inconveniencing about 90 per cent of the passengers.
The solution to this problem seems quite simple. Run the bus as before from Crail through the centre of St Andrews to the bus station and then up to the hospital. The return journey would be the reverse of that. However, common sense seems to be in short supply in Stagecoach and in Fife Council.
Incidentally, the journey time from Crail is now 33 minutes compared to 23 minutes previously. — Yours, etc.,
J. M. ANDERSON,
72 Bow Butts,
Crail.

Drains
no brainer
Sir, — I refer your readers to my letter of August 7 ('Standards of presentation') about blocked gullies et al.
By extraordinary coincidence, within 10 days, the drains in much of North Street were serviced in the space of one to two hours. Heavy rain followed the next day. The drains drained the excess surface water effectively.
Regrettably, there was no work done elsewhere in central St Andrews (e.g. The Scores, North Castle Street, Market Street, Church Street, Bell Street, St Mary's Place, Abbotsford Crescent).
Fife Council seem to model their style more on the `Weakest Link' (times up, I can't complete) rather than on Mastermind (...I've started, so I'll finish).
Their long-suffering public is due a full explanation why St Andrews is starved of routine drain cleaning services which are commonplace elsewhere (e.g. West. London). — Yours, etc.,
J. MICHAEL BUCHANAN,
1 Hope Street,
St Andrews.

Freshers'
Week
Sir, — We have recently seen in the national press what excessive drinking is doing to our cities and towns and, at the current rate of excess, I am sure it will only be a matter of time before St Andrews is in the national press for all of the wrong reasons.
The behaviour of some of the students of St Andrews is totally unacceptable. Freshers' Week is supposed to last one week but we are now into the fourth week of term and the excessive drinking and drunken behaviour does not seem to be abating in any way.
I am sure, if you spoke to the street cleaners who have to clean up the detritus of the nightly aftermath of excessive drinking, including vomit, broken glass and litter, they would inform you that it is not only the locals causing this disgusting behaviour. It increases dramatically when the students return at the end of September each year. Not only are some making a complete nuisance of themselves, they seem unable to hold conversations even when standing or sitting a few feet apart without shouting and screeching at each other.
I know that we are only able to sustain the number of restaurants, bars etc. in the town because of the autumn and winter trade given to them by the student fraternity but this surely does not mean that the normal working people of the town should be subjected to nightly gangs of up to 20 students making a complete nuisance of themselves until the early hours of the morning?
It is not unusual for gangs of drunken students to be seen and definitely heard at two and three in the morning after leaving one of the many late drinking haunts currently available in town.
I do not hold the students wholly responsible for this situation. Some bars, etc., have been given licences to allow drinking until 2 a.m. every night of the week. Is there really any need for this extended period when the students are supposedly here to gain further education?
I do not expect an overnight change of attitude, but if we continue to accept this as normal behaviour we are surely on the slippery slope to the feral society that is continually being reported on in the press. — Yours, etc.,
J. M. TRANGMAR,
Brownlees,
7 Murray Place,
St Andrews.

Successful
festival
Sir, — The Crail Festival 2009 accounts have just been completed and reflect a very successful festival with a surplus (along with £2000 from the Co-operative Community Fund) which is being used to purchase a high quality sound system for the Community Hall.
This is on top of last year's surplus (along with £5700 from Lottery Awards for All and £500 from the Crail Strolling Players) which was used to purchase and install a state of the art lighting system in the Community Hall.
Crail now has a Community Hall able to showcase the very best in entertainment and available to all the varied groups and organisations within the village.
The festival committee would like to express its grateful thanks to all who help make the festival such a special event and especially the local audiences for their support and sponsors, friends, volunteers and helpers who give so generously of their time and resources. — Yours, etc.,
IAN ROBERTSON,
Treasurer,
9 Marketgate North,
Crail.

Scorpion
thanks
Sir, — We would like to thank June and Jock Laing of Crail for their kind generosity for the money they donated after their ruby wedding dance on September 25.
Instead of getting presents, guests were asked to donate money, which raised over £645.
Once again, we would like to thank all who donated at the dance. A great night was had by all who attended the dance.
This will help buy equipment and extra training for all Scorpions players throughout this season.
We are looking for young players to come along to any training night, Wednesday evenings at the Cosmos and Thursdays at Madras Kilrymont sports hall. — Yours, etc.,
TONY LINNEY,
Vice-chairman,
St Andrews Scorpions,
6 Fordyce Court,
St Andrews.

Take cycling
seriously
Sir, — I'm writing this as I visit relatives in Malmo (Southern Sweden).
We've had a super day cycling up to the old University town of Lund, which is about the same distance as St Andrews is from Dundee.
Our whole route was on dedicated off road cycle or cycle/pedestrian paths.
Even within both Lund and Malmo there is considerable evidence of the positive attitude towards cycling and pedestrians.
At many road junctions car drivers actually slow down to let crossing cyclists have preference, even if they're not on the actual crossing! Motorists generally appear to have more awareness of cyclists.
The two towns are full of cyclists, a huge contrast to the relatively small numbers in Britain, notably St Andrews.
I sometimes despair at the lack of impetus in developing off road cycle routes, particularly given the emphasis on the benefits of cycling for many reasons.
We need to learn from our continental cousins and invest in routes which will benefit generations to come.
Okay the initial construction may not win brownie points in respect of carbon reduction, but surely the long term will benefit, particularly if we can get more folk out of their cars, even within St Andrews.
Which political party will take this challenge seriously - so far I've only viewed the Greens as being serious in this area.
We pushed the Leuchars/St Andrews cyclepath despite apathy at local government level and it is now a popular route for both pedestrians and cyclists. — Yours, etc.,
PATRICK MARKS,
40 Lawmill Gardens,
St Andrews.

Half-century
reunion
Sir, — I'm writing as we've been trying unsuccessfully for some time to contact a former classmate for a 50 years on school reunion.
I was wondering if any of your readers might be able to help us find Mrs Brenda Irvine, nee Kerr.
I know she was farming in Fife, and would be about 61 years old. He was educated at Glanmor Secondary School, Swansea.
Thanking you in hopeful anticipation. We can be contacted at mrs_wendy_williams@yahoo.co.uk – Yours, etc.,
WENDY GRIFFITHS
SUE REED
Via e-mail.


Pet disease
warning
Sir, — Pet owners, especially dog walkers, should be on their guard in the coming months, following some alarming findings about Lyme Disease, a painful, disabling condition which can affect both humans and animals.
At PDSA we have seen a 150 per cent increase in ,the number of suspected cases of this disease over the last three years, which is transmitted by a tick bite.
It can spread to humans, dogs and cats, plus some other species, by infected ticks.
Symptoms include a rash, fever, lameness and fatigue, as well as swollen lymph glands and nerve damage.
We advise pet owners to cover up when in woods or long grass – and to check their pets after walks for signs of ticks.
And, when a pet has been in woods or long grass, owners should check the fur, using rubber gloves, as an infected tick can bite both the pet and human.
If an owner does find ticks on their pet, then their vet can safely remove them and also give advice on how an owner could effectively do this in the future. — Yours, etc.,
ELAINE PENDLEBURY
Senior Veterinary Surgeon
PDSA.


Help feed
poor cats
Sir, — Easy Walkers, a charity campaign group in Fife, Dundee and Angus is appealing to animal lovers across the area to help our appeal for cat food.
Easy Walkers has been running for around five years now and has helped local animal causes with funding.
We are appealing on behalf of cats protection, to animal lovers to help us with our 'Easy Walkers, Cat Food Appeal'.
It follows the tragic incident of a cat which was struck by a car and left at the side of a road to suffer, with two back broken legs.
After Easy Walkers visited Cats Protection, we saw the work the volunteers do to help re-home cats and kittens and how much of a struggle it can be for them, especially with the credit crunch and everyone tightening their belts.
Speaking with Nikki Carlaw of Forfar's branch of cat's protection, she explained that the funds they have are used to treat injured, neglected and ill cats and kittens. We asked how we could help, and it was suggested that any food donations would be welcome.
We are hoping to make a presentation of cat food to Cats Protection in Fife, Dundee and Angus by the end of October, to help them with the cats in their care and also save their funds to be used on more vital resources.
We are asking like-minded animal lovers across the area to help us with our appeal and are seeking donations of cat food to put towards the donations we already have for the many ill treated cats in Fife.
Our Bebo webpage address is www.easywalkerss.bebo.com and details of our appeal can be found on the site. — Yours, etc.,
DARYL BEECH,
Easy Walkers,
Grieves House,
Ladywell Farm,
Kirriemuir.

Guide dogs
thanks
Sir, — A very special thank you to everyone for supporting our coffee morning on Saturday, October 3 in Hope Park Church Hall.
We had a very successful morning and we would also like to thank Tesco Metro in St Andrews and Tesco, Riverside Drive, Dundee, for their very generous contribution to the event. — Yours, etc.,
RAE MacLENNAN,
Branch organiser,
Guide Dogs for the
Blind Association,
N.E. Fife Volunteer Group.



Same old,
same old
Sir, — After five years of bad management, bad headlines, apologies and excuses, ridicule and contempt, and the squandering of thousands of pounds of tax-payers' money on half-baked ideas, workshops, seminars and surveys, St Andrews World Class has decided to rid itself of its image by changing hats and calling itself the St Andrews Partnership.
It was predictable, despite being given a golden opportunity to impress the community and change things, that its selection committee did not have the courage to select a new management.
So what's new? Absolutely nothing! Meet the new boss — same as the old boss. All a bit depressing, I would say.
St Andrews World Class was a front group for Fife Council, Scottish / Fife Enterprise and Visit Scotland, three financially struggling giants.
The problem with World Class was it was never inclusive to the wider community. Most people were highly aware it was also self-appointed, non-democratic, unaccountable and limited by guarantee.
The real problem with St Andrews World Class was it failed to tap into the community spirit.
There are many groups, clubs and societies alongside countless individuals who have continuously out-performed St Andrews World Class in their dedication and service to the community. They are the people who keep this town ticking over, in spite of its many difficulties.
St Andrews World Class turned out to be little more than an expensive exercise in futility. For Patrick Laughlin to proclaim the St Andrews Partnership is the 'only show in town' (Citizen, October 2) is both ignorant and insensitive. On past record, he has a long way to go.
I welcome the caution and the comments of Councillor Bill Sangster regarding the formation of the St Andrews Partnership.
I agree entirely that all aspects of this new organisation must be in the public domain, so we can look at its projects. Because it has access to public money, I would also like to see an annual balance sheet published in the local press, so as the community is fully aware of running costs.
On that point, in these difficult days of economic hardship, how much is the tax payer having to shell out for this public launch of the World Class / St Andrews Partnership in the Byre Theatre? Is this grand show really necessary? — Yours, etc.,
DAVID K. SEELEY,
49 Winram Place,
St Andrews.


Misleading
headline
Sir, — It was unfortunate that the headline ('We're The Only Show In Town!') chosen to accompany your article about the new St Andrews Partnership (Citizen, October 2) didn't reflect the actual content of the story beneath, and so managed to give entirely the wrong impression about the new group's ethos.
The new Partnership will be founded on the widespread participation and goodwill of local people.
It will support and complement, not duplicate or take over from, the excellent work already being carried out by community groups, voluntary bodies and other organisations.
We are in the process of writing to all these bodies to explain how they will be able to play an active and influential role in the Partnership.
We have had an excellent response to our recent advertisement in the Citizen seeking further voluntary directors, and this will ensure even more talented local people will be co-opted to the Board in the near future.
We are determined the St Andrews Partnership will be a positive-thinking, open and inclusive collaboration between all those who wish to help our town become an even better place.
The steering group which is setting up the new Partnership has voiced its unanimous disappointment that your headline did not do justice to what should have been – and remains – a very good news story for St Andrews. — Yours, etc.,
PATRICK LAUGHLIN,
Manager,
St Andrews Partnership.


Distressing
and insensitive
Sir, — Over the weekend of September 12-13, a relatively young tree of around eight feet, in the grounds of a school in the centre of St Andrews, was destroyed.
The crown of the tree was broken off and the trunk left split and smashed.
At the foot of the tree is a memorial plaque of a former student of the school, and, until last August, a student at Abertay University.
This has caused enormous distress to the family and incomprehension as to how someone could show such disrespect, and with no remorse of someone coming forward to apologise or explain if this was an accidental damage – that option is still open.
A sad reflection of what I am sure is a very small minority in or around St Andrews.— Yours, etc.,
LESLEY JAYASEKERA
Via e-mail.


A Leuchars
into the past
Sir, — Starting on October 26, we at Leuchars Primary School are going to discover all about Leuchars, past and present.
We would be very interested if anybody could supply us with information or photographs about the history of Leuchars, e.g. the church, the old school, the railway station, the castle, etc.
We would like to make a display of all the information we receive. Thank you in anticipation. — Yours, etc.,
PRIMARY 7,
Leuchars Primary School,
Pitlethie Road,
Leuchars.


Consider the
climate change
Sir, — When my son was at Madras College, the critical HMI report came out and, like other parents, I hoped this would force the council to do something about the split site problem.
Although since the council elections the decision has been taken to build a new single-site school, the council seems only now to be starting negotiations to achieve this.
Since the original decision was taken, there is now Climate Change legislation for the whole UK and for Scotland, which requires councils to demonstrate they are reducing their CO2 emissions.
A single-site school on the outskirts of the town will more likely increase the use of buses for the pupils who currently walk or cycle to school.
Your correspondent Carol Harrower has pointed out (Citizen, September 25) it is no surprise that frustrated parents voted for a school on land currently owned by the university, as this was the only solution which could be implemented of the two suggested.
I agree with all her comments about this, and hope the new legislation will force proper consideration of the alternative solution of two separate schools.
So many pupils are now bussed from the north, there are enough for a Taybridgehead school and a smaller Madras College in South Street (with new buildings behind the original A listed school). The same argument can be used for Bell Baxter High School in Cupar; there are enough pupils for another school to the south.
The probable site for a single school is on very low-lying ground and, according to projections of the effect of global warming, the Guardbridge Road could be under water by 2050, which would affect any buses by the quickest route from the north.
What we need is a school that will be good for children and the environment. Madras College has had an excellent reputation but is now in danger of losing it through no fault of the many excellent teachers there, as the HMI report concluded. — Yours, etc.,
DOROTHY A. SNEDDON,
20 Hepburn Gardens,
St Andrews.


Sovereignty
before party
Sir, — Many, especially David Cameron, seem to fear that people who vote for (UKIP) the United Kingdom Indpendence Party will let Labour back in. That is not the case across the board.
For example, in North East Fife, Conservatives switching to UKIP will do no harm to Cameron's chances – the Conservatives in North East Fife will get nowhere near the Lib Dems, not by Miles.
But a swing to UKIP will put some vigour into Cameron's otherwise jellylike attitude towards holding a referendum on the EU, or even dare him to challenge that overbearing and increasingly uncontrolled bureaucracy.
I urge people to put country, and our sovereignty, before party. — Yours, etc.,
Cllr MIKE SCOTT-HAYWARD,
Prospective Parliamentary Candidate,
UKIP.

Salute to
'The Many'Sir, — The Battle of Britain Airshow two weeks ago overshadowed the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, fought from September 17 to 26, 1944.
Although far away, Arnhem has a very close connection with Fife.
Some 1600 of the 10,000 Airborne troops dropped to capture the road bridge over the Lower Rhine were from the 1st. Polish Independant Parachute Brigade.
This formation was founded and trained at Leven in 1944 and many soldiers were billeted in Markinch, Largo and Elie.
Owing to bad weather, the Brigade arrived too late to alter the outcome of the battle but they fought fiercely and suffered heavy casualties.
Arnhem was a defeat, but bravery and heroism are not confined to victories. While, each year, we remember "The Few" who won the Battle of Britain, we should also salute "The Many," those Polish Paratroopers who fought at Arnhem. — Yours, etc.,
John Carder,
46 East Forth Street,
Anstruther.



Thanks
folks!
Sir, — Fife Shopmobility Limited attended RAF Leuchars Airshow on Saturday, September 12.
All scooters and wheelchairs provided by the service were used by patrons with mobility difficulties to fully enjoy the event.
On behalf of Shopmobility, I would like to extend thanks and appreciation to RAF Leuchars Airshow management and personnel, Fife Council St Andrews Local Office and Shopmobility senior staff and Leuchars cadets whose efforts enabled people to make their way from the car parks to the disabled enclosure.
Our thanks also to patrons who generously donated a total of £159.30 on the day. — Yours, etc.,
FRANCOISE MILNE,
Fife Shopmobility Co-ordinator.


Ultimate
sacrifice
Sir, — Our soldiers continue to be routinely killed by exploding roadside bombs; come let us explore a new way to detonate these devices.
Enlist the local shepherd to drive his livestock ahead of our soldiers as they patrol the territory allotted for that day. They will be secure in the knowledge that the ground on which they walk has been well trodden before them.
I want to say I am humbled by these young men who have given the ultimate sacrifice, and that being the joy of life. May god be with them always. — Yours, etc.,
Ahimsananda,
Room 116,
Ladywalk House,
Ladywalk,
Anstruther.

West
Sands
Sir, — While I am very impressed with the work being carried out at the beginning of the West Sands and the much-needed resurfacing of the roadway throughout, I am horrified at the work being carried out at the final 8oo metres where a barrier is being erected to prevent cars from accessing the area.
This area is so well used for recreational purposes - kite flying, buggy riding, families having picnics etc. – and also is the only area where cars can park to enjoy uninterrupted views over St Andrews Bay. Surely these types for outdoor activities must be encouraged.
The reason given is to prevent further erosion of the dunes but in this area only one accessible part is vulnerable and this is being used as a car turning area.
I am very disappointed to read in the Citizen that our local councillors support this "improvement." — Yours, etc.,
Angus Stewart,
St Andrews.

Hospital
parking
Sir, – On Monday I made my first visit to the new hospital for an appointment with my GP. As I live too far from the hospital to walk and am not on a bus route, I travelled by car.
I was unable to find a parking space in the hospital car park and ended up parking in Morrison's instead. This was possible on a Monday afternoon when it is not full and I did do some shopping after my appointment, but I can see trouble ahead.
I urge anyone who encounters the same problem to make a complaint to the hospital management or to the NHS Fife Patient Relations Manager, (01592 648153). When consultation first started the question of parking was high on the agenda; it seems that initial concerns have not been addressed. Yours etc.,
Mrs Judith Gillespie,
The Old School,
Denhead,
St Andrews.

Pharmacy
proposal
Sir, — Having attended the Leuchars and Balmullo meetings regarding an application to establish a pharmacy in Leuchars Post Office, I was impressed by the capacity turnout at both.
It is very clear that residents and patients in Leuchars, Balmullo, Guardbridge and furth of there, are absolutely content with the current and long standing dispensing service provided at the joint medical practices in Leuchars and Balmullo.
A previous, and identical, application was turned down by the Pharmacy Practices Committee and also at appeal. Yet, here we now have approval second time round by the same committee! Apparently NHS Fife are powerless to intervene.
As was said more than once at both meetings "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
The cramped Leuchars Post Office is a location not fit for pharmacy purposes. It has very limited space for wheelchair users and lacks provision for confidentiality.
The medical practices plough back income from the dispensaries to provide better service for the patients. If the dispensing ceases, some jobs will cease, enhancement will suffer and one unit, probably Leuchars, could close its doors.
The vast majority in the community are happy with the present set up. It is a one stop shop for examination, diagnosis and medication.
I believe that the wishes and will of the people should be paramount. This is a further erosion of democracy, as is happening in the realm of certain planning applications. I charge the powers that be to use some common sense regarding this contentious issue and maintain the status quo. — Yours, etc.,
Councillor Ron Caird,
13 East Station Place,
Newport-on-Tay.


Cup team
celebration
Sir, — St Andrews United won the Scottish Junior Cup at Hampden Park on May 21, 1960. To celebrate this momentous achievement, the club have arranged a function in the Social Club for Friday, May 21, 2010.
An organising committee has already been set up to make all the necessary arrangements for what is hoped to be a memorable day, worthy of the team's fantastic achievement.
The organising committee are anxious to gather together any photographs, newspaper cuttings, programmes etc. for a display in the club. If any readers have any memorabilia from that great day that they no longer want, please contact me at the above address or by telephone (01334 850854). Thanks. — Yours, etc.,
DENNIS MARTIN,
15 Danskin Place,
Strathkinness, St Andrews.


Narrow
escape
Sir, — Last Thursday morning, my eight-year-old son was almost knocked over by a car on his way to school.
The car drove through a red light at the pedestrian crossing on Hepburn Gardens outside Lawhead School. My son had cycled through the Lade Braes, dismounted from his bike, used the crossing correctly, waited for the green man, and yet he still wasn't safe because of someone's dangerous driving. I was a few minutes behind him with my younger son, and the incident was witnessed by another parent. Fortunately, my son was paying attention and he noticed the car wasn't stopping. But what if it had been a younger child, or a distracted child who had seen the green man and simply stepped out?
Fife Council have not been able to recruit a 'lollypop' lady or man for this crossing, so it is left unstaffed. This is totally unacceptable. Classrooms are not left without teachers, so why is a pedestrian crossing left unstaffed? It's clearly not safe, and Fife Council needs to arrange for temporary cover at this crossing before a child is killed. We also need a staffed pedestrian crossing on the busy Bogward Road for children in the school catchment area who have to cross there.
Following the Citizen's recent big front-cover splash about parking around Lawhead School, and criticism of parents and children, I am left wondering what we are supposed to do?
Lawhead school is surrounded by busy roads with narrow pavements, and car drivers flout the 20mph speed limit around the school. Two days a week, I drive my children to school because I continue my journey on to work. On the other days we cycle together, but I am now worrying about the safety of walking or cycling to school. Even children accompanied by parents can still stumble on narrow pavements, or be knocked off their bikes by cars driving too fast.
The other problem we have is the lack of pavements in the housing estates surrounding the school. Why on earth did the council grant planning permission for this? The Citizen's front page article said that children cut through gardens around the school, which is true, but they aren't jumping over fences and running amock through flower beds - they are simply walking on the grass verges which border the road because there are long stretches of road without pavements. I think many of the children and parents don't even realise that these are actually part of the residents' gardens. And walking on the road is a really bad and dangerous habit for us to be teaching our children.
Parents feel their children aren't safe walking or cycling, so they drive them to school and add to the traffic problem. The council wants children to walk or cycle to school. They even employ staff to visit schools to encourage this. But to get parents on board with this we need much safer routes to school - wide pavements, traffic-free paths or at least a barrier between the road and pavement, and staffed pedestrian crossings on all the busy roads.
And we also need car drivers to act like decent citizens and observe red traffic lights at pedestrian crossings! — Yours, etc.,
Cathy McCallum,
61 Spottiswoode Gardens,
St Andrews.

'Fare'
enough
Sir, — It has been announced that there will be no rise in taxi fares in Fife this year.
I would like the public to be aware that the regulation and licensing committee met with representatives from our industry to consult on this matter and they agreed with many of those present that, in the current economic climate, we have to look after our loyal customers as they may be facing financial problems.
Many of us felt that, although a great many of our business expenses have risen, we would have to try to economise elsewhere and keep our prices at a level where - if people share a taxi - it is as affordable as other forms of public transport.
The regulation and licensing committee are also looking at ways to improve the taxi business in Fife by introducing a training scheme for new taxi drivers. The taxi associations in Fife have welcomed this idea. As with many small businesses, it has been a difficult year but we are working together to continue and improve our industry.. — Yours, etc.,
Jane Batchelor,
East Fife Taxi Assoc,
8 Main Street,
Guardbridge.

Traffic
delays
Sir, — I would like to record my sincere regret that there were some significant delays with traffic management at the RAF Leuchars Airshow last Saturday.
Of our 50,000 or so visitors, several hundred found themselves gridlocked as they attempted to depart, as the narrow public roads around Leuchars became heavily congested. I completely understand how unacceptable delays can really detract from what was otherwise an outstanding day.
On the day, the good weather saw some 12,800 vehicles travel to the airshow. This was an increase of 23 per cent over any of the previous events and exceeded my expectations. Sadly, the successful park and ride scheme was underutilised.
I shall do all that I can to ensure that we learn from this experience. In particular, I need to better advertise the benefits of park and ride and public transport, especially given that we have a railway station practically collocated with the RAF station.
Once again, I sincerely regret the significant inconvenience that some of our visitors experienced; I value highly the warm support and appreciation that the amed forces receive from the public and especially from the people of Scotland. I hope that the vast majority of our visitors will reflect upon a highly enjoyable and exciting air display at RAF Leuchars. — Yours, etc.,
HARRY ATKINSON,
Air Officer Scotland,
RAF Leuchars.

African
Christianity
Sir, — The growth of Christianity in the last 188 years has been described as being like "a forest fire in summer."
In the year 1900, nine per cent of Africans considered themselves Christians. In the year 1985, 44 per cent of Africans considered themselves Christian. Next year, 2010, when we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1910 Edinburgh World Missionary Conference on 'the Mound,' it is expected to reach 70 per cent.
So what does contemporary African Christianity look like? What does it say? What does it mean? How does it relate to our Church?
Here is the opportunity to learn first hand when Bishop James Nasak and his wife, Rose, of the Diocese of North Karamoja, Uganda (just one year old) will be here in St Andrews.
Bishop James and his wife, Rose, will celebrate with us the feast of St Matthew Apostle and Evangelist in St Andrew's Episcopal Church, Queen's Terrace, at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 21.
On Tuesday, September 22 there will be an open meeting in St Andrews Episcopal Church, Queen's Terrace from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be three other opportunities of meeting Bishop James and his wife Rose on Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 23.
Details from Douglas Tucker, ring 476738. — Yours, etc.,
D. G. TUCKER,
4 Kilrymont Place,
St Andrews.

Fisher
School
Sir, — I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mrs Margaret Wilson for submitting the recent photograph in 'Down Memory Lane'.
My maiden name was Marysia Zamora, and I was sitting on the second row on the extreme left of the photograph.
It was with great delight that I and my family viewed this school photograph, taken at the "Fisher School" in 1952. Those memories certainly came flooding back, especially in trying to remember the names of all the other pupils!
This is one photograph that is not in my possession, and I would be most grateful if Mrs Wilson could contact me to allow me to have a copy for my family archives. I can be contacted on 01334 476623, if she reads this.
I am aware that there must also be some other photos out there, and would be grateful to see those submitted to the St Andrews Citizen for publication, especially any taken at the West Infants School.
As a member of the Preservation Trust, I know that many of the photos submitted by the general public may not be in our possession and I am sure our photographic archivistwould appreciate any other photographs of St Andrews scenes from the past, to add to our unique collection.
I really enjoy viewing these photographs, each week, as I am certain many other citizens must also appreciate.
It was a real pity, in my opinion, that this school building was demolished, as it had its own interesting character and history. I have very fond memories of the time I spent there and especially a wonderful teacher called Mrs Blues. Teachers, such as her, and Miss Molly Scott, at the Burgh School, were an inspiration and certainly ahead of their time in their careful nurturing of young and impressionable minds.
It was through their example that I was led into a long, happy, interesting and very fulfilling career as a learning support teacher. For that, I thank those two women,and will always remain eternally grateful to both of them. — Yours, etc.,
Mrs Marysia Denyer
(nee Zamora),
132 Scooniehill Road,
St Andrews.

Speed
bumps
Sir, — I know there are many other important issues in the world to be dealt with, but I would like to briefly respond to last weeks article on the proposed 'speed bumps' in Leuchars.
We have now had 'speed bumps' in Tayport for about two years. I have not met anyone who has anything positive to say about them. Indeed, they have caused more problems and been a constant source of irratation to all drivers who use the Tayport roads regurlarly.
I am all for keeping the speed down in built-up areas, especially around our schools. But there are much more efficient and effective ways of doing this than the use of 'speed bumps'.
As your article suggested, 'once they are laid down they are down'. I offer this to the Leuchars residents, and if you don't beleive me, come and see for yourselves. — Yours, etc.,
Colin Dempster,
Tayport.

Selfish
comments?
Sir, — In reply to ''Frequent Bus Traveller's'' selfish comments in the Citizen on August 28, the number 64 bus serves not only Mount Melville but Craigtoun Meadows Holiday Park.
He states he was the only one on the bus that journey, but that was only one journey each day. When the 64 was taken off the Craigtoun route we had no bus from August to April.
The 64 is a much-needed bus for people staying up here — Yours, etc.,
CRAIGTOUN MEADOWS
HOLIDAY PARK RESIDENTS,
(Name and address supplied).


Leuchars
pharmacy
Sir, — In his comments to the Citizen, published on August 28, Mr James Semple, speaking for the firm seeking to open a pharmacy in Leuchars, has made it patently clear this commercial venture is purely profit driven He must be only too aware of the effect this may have on the medical service we currently receive through the affected medical practice.
No, Mr Semple, the patients of both communities are not fuelled by false belief. We have longfounded trust in the doctors and staff in both Leuchars and Balmullo and we believe them when they tell us that a commercial pharmacy will destroy much of the excellent service provided by our current dispensing surgeries. We can see the fruits of their investment to build and sustain the facilities we all use. I very much doubt that the same motives would drive Mr Semple's pharmacy operation However, I expect his case for this unwanted and unwelcome pharmacy is about to be completely discredited by the two public meetings scheduled in September for Balmullo and Leuchars. I have little doubt these will again endorse what the public in this area have already made absolutely clear in protest by petiton and letter to the authorities.
All over Scotland, MSPs, doctors and patients are protesting against the unfair Pharmaceutical Regulations which allow these sort of purely profit-driven applications to happen Mr Semple will also know very well that these unsatisfactory regulations are under review. I believe he is is trying to take advantage of them before they are inevitably modified by the Scottish Executive later this year to provide a fairer deal for all patients. This pharmacy approval must be overturned on appeal. — Yours, etc.,
Alan Kennedy,
3 Smithy Lane,
Balmullo.