Letters: Growing Fringe becoming tacky and needs a trim

Following a recent trip down the Royal Mile, I could not help but think how cheap and tacky this aspect of the Fringe has become.

There can be no denying that the spectacle in the Royal Mile has expanded considerably over the years, but how much of it these days is just trash in the name of art?

No disrespect to street performers or street theatre in general but it now seems to be the case that just about anyone could call themselves a Fringe performer if they are prepared to don a rather silly looking costume.

The Festival/Fringe is arguably what Edinburgh is world famous for, but if it continues in the direction it appears to be going, the tawdry elements that now blight it may in the future ruin it.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Public can have say on parking

IN his letters of August 5 and 8 (both on the issue of the council's proposed priority parking scheme), Andrew Gray questions the council's commitment to public consultation.

The council is bound by a very specific legislative process.

While Mr Gray's views will, doubtless, be supported by some local residents, others will differ, and the legislation is there to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to express their views.

The public consultation will begin within the next four weeks. Details of the consultation process are being finalised but each household will be provided with information on the plans, the plans will be exhibited locally and opportunities will be provided to question council officers and elected members.

The process ensures that Mr Gray and other residents of South Morningside can have their say and their comments reported to the Transport Committee, as required by legislation.

Gordon Mackenzie, Transport Convener, Edinburgh City Council

Anarchists prefer benefits to work

THE usual suspects are quick to blame all and sundry for the riots and anarchy we are witnessing on our TV screens, but never those who commit the crimes.

I read a report that there is a National Apprenticeships Scheme and there are 2228 vacancies in London and nationwide there are 10,253.

Why are there so many vacant positions with so many people supposed to be looking for work?

The wage may only be 100 a week, but the apprentice will after three years have a trade and a better future. Could it be that, like a certain model who would not get out of bed for anything less than 20,000, they are reluctant to leave their lifestyle?

They and their apologists claim unemployment is the reason for death and destruction but these anarchists prefer to live on welfare benefits topped up by the proceeds of gang crime rather than look for a job.

Clark Cross, Springfield Road, Linlithgow

Proud of Scottish links with Malawi

I WAS most disappointed to read David Torrance's article "Dr Livingstone's legacy, I presume" (News, August 10).Livingstone's love of Africa and specifically Nyasaland, now Malawi, began a 150-year old special friendship between Scotland and Malawi. It is a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

More than 30 million a year of time, resources and money are committed by Scottish civil society to these partnerships: this activity benefits more than 1.38 million Malawians and 280,000 Scots.

Furthermore, Mr Torrance is incorrect is saying that the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) has withdrawn 335m of aid from Malawi.

DFID will no longer offer General Budget Support for the Government of Malawi (currently around 19m a year) but will re-channel these funds to Malawi through other means.

DFID will continue to work with and through specific departments of the Government of Malawi, offering around 25m annually in Sector Budget Support.

David Hope-Jones, Principal Officer, Scotland Malawi Partnership