Letters: Ending tram contract will cost no more than to build

The conclusion that it will cost more to terminate the contracts than to build is, however, erroneous.

There is now substantial precedence in the courts to determine how a project like this would be settled.

The contractor would be entitled to damages for cancellation, but these would be limited to loss of profit on the original contract sum. Even then, the courts would insist that the contractor demonstrate this by submission of detailed tender information.

There would be other costs such as materials bought for the project and not paid for, but in this case those costs have been covered.

Talk of termination costs in excess of the above by the current administration are totally unfounded and irresponsible. Talk of demolition of all existing structures and full reinstatement brings into question the decision to proceed with the so-called "priority works".

Given that the council has decided to proceed with these in the knowledge that funding to St Andrew Square might trigger a decision to mothball the project, it would indeed have people asking the question "why continue spending money on structures that may have to be demolished?"

Or is this an extension of TIE's flawed objective and a cynical ploy by the council to get the project beyond the point of termination?

John R T Carson, Kirkliston Road, South Queensferry

Scrap dealers can help stop theft

I HAVE been heartened by the response to your article on the theft of lead from community buildings in Leith (News, June 1).

Your readers have responded to this cynical opportunism, which hurts the community, by offering help to places targeted, such as the Citadel.

If this was the response from your readers, wouldn't it be great if scrap dealers made a public commitment not to reward opportunist thieving? He who pays the piper calls the tune.

A united stance by scrappies on checks which would prevent payment unless they are certain of the source of goods would help stop community facilities ranging from churches and community centres to schools being plundered for a pittance.

Prompt action by police and persistent prosecution by the courts is another part which along with vigilance by residents and the generosity of your readers will stop this raid on our pockets.

Councillor Gordon Munro, Leith Ward

Crying foul over pavement poo

REGARDING your story "Dog owners in the clear over fouling" (News, May 31) - do visit my area, Parkhead and Sighthill, and observe the pavements. I am afraid to take my child and pushchair on to the pavements due to all the excrement.

The environmental leader should be inspecting these areas. About time posters were put up in this area, and also bins for "doggy bags".

K Baird, Sighthill Gardens, Edinburgh

Skilled workforce vital for growth

I WAS delighted to note the issue of a skilled workforce being so heavily promoted in the Scottish Government's recent parliamentary debate which outlined its economic and jobs priorities for the forthcoming term.

A highly flexible, simplified and responsive skills system is one of the bedrocks of sustainable economic growth, allowing employers to compete effectively in the high-skills, knowledge driven economy and providing opportunities for young people to get and retain jobs.

The opportunities for new jobs and investment in key growth sectors such as the low-carbon economy, life sciences and tourism are immense, and a skilled workforce is vital to meet the demands of growth in these areas.

Jacqui Hepburn, Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland, Edinburgh