Interactive: I think I got something to say to Rod over gig woes

Having received an e-mail telling us the doors were going to open at 6.45pm instead of 7.30pm, the powers that be then decided to change it back to 7.30pm. What was even worse was instead of people queueing up down the Royal Mile as usual it was decided to have one long queue down Johnston Terrace - which ended up almost in Lothian Road.

Having done what we were told and waited in the queue in the rain, we finally reached Castlehill to discover others were by this time being allowed to walk straight up from the High Street! We were absolutely drenched before we even reached the castle to discover Rod Stewart already on stage while hundreds behind us were still trying to get in.

I appreciate that when you go to an outside venue you take the chance of getting wet, but given that the lights weren't working properly, the big screen wasn't working and the concert had to be cut short (having already missed the beginning), all because of the weather, maybe it should have been cancelled or rescheduled for another date?

I have to mention that the man himself was as wonderful as ever and gave a superb performance but maybe someone should tell him just how inconsiderately his fans were treated by the organisers on the night?

Andrea Lawson, Edinburgh

Driven mad by star's sharp exit

I READ your comments on the Wednesday version of the Rod Stewart concert with interest. I enjoyed the songs, but never really 'got into the swing'. He was still the cheeky chap that he ever was, but why, oh why did we need three costume changes, and all the instrumental solos nobody wanted to hear?

I write because of his exit, made after the encore section, that we never even demanded (that would have wasted time). During the last bars of 'Baby Jane' Rod was seen in the back of one of the speeding cars, escaping the venue!

Thank you Rod, nothing to write home about, except to complain about your audacity. We will not be returning.

Gail Bald, Fife

Turbine should not be a breeze

REGARDING your article on the wind turbine (News, July 15), I find it incredible I had so much publicity about a few flagpoles no more than two metres long in 2006 and was also refused planning permission for a building less than 20 metres high. The building was to include disabled toilets and improved insulation to satisfy local residents and provide jobs and a new local amenity.Is the wind turbine in keeping with surrounding property at 48 metres high? Do you not think this will be a blight on the landscape and discourage people from visiting the beach? Will the local residents complain about obstruction of view and the noise of construction, and what noise will this turbine produce?

John Cropley, Forth View Bar, King's Place, Portobello

Hovercraft plan floats my boat

Judging by the popularity of the trial run I think there is a reasonable chance that the Portobello hovercraft service might prove to be a real hit, especially if it is managed in a way that is both conducive to local residents and users alike.

You'd expect it to be a favourite with visitors who want to travel to the Fife side or who just want to enjoy the panoramic views that it would offer. Furthermore, in an age when all avenues of viable alternatives to unnecessary car trips should be explored and encouraged, perhaps Edinburgh commuters who work on the Fife side may see it as a convenient alternative to the car, bus or train once again if it is run properly.

As regards the noise levels and any other negative factors, perhaps measures can be taken to reduce these things and if it proves to be successful another service might be able to be operated from Cramond.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Did you attend either of Rod Stewart's Castle concerts? How did you find the organisation?