Letters: Ignore naysayers, Scotland has years of energy on tap

Frank Ferri’s doom- laden vision of an independent Scotland (Letters, February 28) is far removed from the reality that it would be one of the richest countries in the world.

To answer some of his questions, the SNP would initially keep the pound sterling and any division of assets would include, for example, what the rest of the UK will have to pay for the return of Trident nuclear missiles.

As a share of UK totals, Scotland contributes more in tax revenue than we receive in spending.

In 2009/10 we received 9.3 per cent of UK spending but contributed 9.4 per cent of UK tax and as we have 8.4 per cent of the UK population, that means we send to London £1000 extra for every man, woman and child in Scotland.

Therefore Frank shouldn’t believe the scaremongers who tell you Scotland is subsidised.

The lost manufacturing skills he refers to are a result of failed UK financial policies geared to the City of London but there is at least £1 trillion wholesale value of remaining Scottish oil and gas reserves which experts say is enough to keep a vibrant industry going for 40 to 50 years.

In addition Scotland has 25 per cent of the estimated wind and tidal potential capacity for the European Union and up to ten per cent of EU potential wave power capacity.

Most countries would give their right arm for these natural resources.

Calum Stewart, Montague Street, Edinburgh

Think big to solve traffic problems

A RECENT study found that air pollution levels in parts of Edinburgh exceeded European rules and could result in heavy fines unless action is taken.

There are too many vehicles travelling to the centre and through the city. A second bus station could be built on the site of the old Morrison railway goods yard where Citylink and FirstBus services from the west should terminate.

Congestion charging could be introduced and fines increased for illegal parking, with all money raised to go to public transport projects (new hybrid buses, tram extensions and new suburban railway stations).

An integrated ticket for Lothian, FirstBus and ScotRail could be introduced covering Edinburgh and parts of Fife and the Lothians, similar to London’s Oyster card.

Expensive solutions, but doing nothing or tinkering around the edges will not solve Edinburgh’s traffic problems.

George Ritchie, North Gyle Terrace, Edinburgh

Buses are needed more than ever

IT is disappointing that FirstBus intends to reduce the Edinburgh/Queensferry number 43 evening service to just one per hour.

With people having to give up their cars there is more need than ever for a frequent bus service.

Colin C Maclean, Hillpark Avenue, Edinburgh

Brakes off for city parking proposal

YOU reported that parking plans for the Ashley/Harrison area have been abandoned (News, February 27).

In fact, the council’s transport committee only agreed to shelve the specific proposal for a Controlled Parking Zone in part of the area.

The committee also required officials to prepare a report, by September this year, on alternative proposals to address the unsustainable parking pressures felt throughout Shandon.

Gavin Corbett, Briarbank Terrace, Edinburgh

Small charity is not big business

I MUST respond to the letter from Clark Cross (News, February 28).

Firstly, Friends of the Earth Scotland is not a “multi- million business”.

It is a small, independent Scottish charity with a turnover of roughly £420,000 in 2011. Secondly, Friends of the Earth Scotland has never “received 12 million euros from the EU”.

That is untrue, although I wish it was the case!

Should anyone doubt this, our annual accounts are independently audited and are available for public scrutiny.

Clark Cross is of course free to think what he likes.

However, he might wish to check his facts before putting pen to paper.

Stan Blackley, Friends of the Earth Scotland