LetterS: Chimney would be wrong thing in the wrong place

There are big questions that need to be asked about this proposal. How does it fit in with local and national plans?

How does it fit in with Leith Docks' development framework, the approved outline plans for villages 1 and 2 in Leith Docks, never mind Edinburgh's high buildings policy and its skyline policy?

An even bigger question is, why this form of energy production when there are opportunities for progressing other renewable sources and technology that are available locally, nationally and internationally?

Within Leith Docks, Pelamis built, tested then exported Europe's largest wave machine.

The biomass plant proposal and the approach taken by Forth Energy only lend credence to the view that this is being pursued to exploit Government grants rather than addressing future energy needs and demands.

This is not just an issue for Leith it is also one for Edinburgh.

The proposed plant and chimney will be visible from the top of the walk, Calton Hill, Portobello, Fife. I would urge those who can to turn up at the meetings and exhibitions to ask the many questions that need to be answered on this muddled and ill-thought out proposal.

Cllr Gordon Munro, Leith ward ( Labour )

Visit to home city was embarrassing

I'VE just returned from a three-week visit to Edinburgh, my hometown 57 years ago.

I love Edinburgh and was very disappointed in some things I observed. There was a definite lack of police presence, an over-abundance of traffic wardens and some very disgusting habits. Walking back to my flat via North Bridge on a Friday night, I was horrified to see urine all over the sidewalks where people had chosen to relieve themselves.

In the afternoon, that same day, on Leith Steet, a man standing by a hotel chose to relieve himself while facing the pedestrians.

That is just not acceptable and I was embarrassed to be with out of town guests. What does this say to visitors? People spitting and cigarette butts over every surface. I am sure there must be laws against littering and certainly against public exposure.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city and I just hate to see the sidewalks in such a state. Power washing might be the answer. The city is obviously making a mint from the traffic wardens, that might help pay for it.

Shirley McNulty, Gordon Hill Lane, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Our values have all taken flight

IT'S no surprise that Edinburgh Airport's "kiss and fly" fee will see an increase for those who stay too long (News, October 28).

Values in this country have diminished over the years so that instead of providing customers with a good service and taking pride in your work, we now have a situation of "pay up and move on".

What's the next step in saving money and maximising profit?

How about self-service passport control where you can happily move straight through after slipping a few coins into the machine?

I know it sounds completely ridiculous, but in our bankrupt country it wouldn't surprise me to see that seriously mooted as an idea.

G Walker, Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh

West is best for getting it done

AS the tram saga continues to weave its sorry way through Edinburgh's highways and byways, it appears that through in the west the M74 conclusion works are at the moment on time and on budget.

Any chance of getting a few contractors from that project, and maybe even a few 'Weegies' wearing hard hats, to come over and finish off, quick-style, what has gone so badly wrong in Edinburgh?

A Morris, St Leonard's Place, Edinburgh