Letters: Laying the blame

In the recent freeze, was the transport minister sitting in front of a TV tuned to the weather forecast with a bank of telephones connecting him to individual gritters?

Whether or not he saw the forecast is immaterial; what was clear was that a forecast was given and the Scottish transport management, at both national and local level, failed to respond. In Highland, even in remote areas, roads were kept clear - in some villages, pavements were ploughed and gritted every day. Yet in the Central Belt, despite having a much higher population and greater traffic flows, there seemed to be a shortage of the correct equipment and investment.

We cannot blame a minister if he is given wrong professional advice on what equipment is needed. If we are to have resignations, then they should come from the staff in the Scottish Government transport department and in the councils affected. Only if these officials can prove their advice was ignored or overruled should we then look for the resignation of the councillors involved and the minister.

BRUCE D SKIVINGTON

Pairc a Ghlib

Strath, Wester Ross

Thanks to The Scotsman for putting our snow problems into perspective by highlighting how other countries in Europe can also struggle (your report, 9 December). My favourite comment comes from Fana Catinas, from Romania, who tells us, "all of the TV news channels use the same expression - "winter caught us by surprise again this year" - but it happens year after year'.

Unlike, say, Belgium, which can eavesdrop on surrounding countries, we in Scotland are at the edge of Europe and must depend on good reporting to give us a handle on how we compare with other countries.

STANLEY McWHIRTER

Balcarres Street

Edinburgh

So the army, many of whom have returned from hazardous duty in Afghanistan, are set to work cleaning snow off the Edinburgh streets, for all the world like so many convicts. And what, pray, is our convict population doing? Lounging in their cells watching flatscreen TVs, protected from doing any similar task by a host of human rights legislations and do-gooders. Is there any justice?

M D TAYLOR

Ettrick Terrace

Selkirk

I would like to thank the drivers of Lothian Buses for their excellent efforts. Unable to get the car out of the driveway, all of my recent shopping expeditions have been by bus, and I was horrified to see so many examples of anti-social parking. Some cars were parked in the middle of the road, leaving only one lane available. Those who negotiated these obstacle courses are heroes/heroines.

IAIN CAMPBELL

Pentland Terrace

Edinburgh