Letters: Modern architects need a lesson from the old school

I have a major concern over the new James Gillespie's High school being proposed by the council.

I attended a "resident's workshop" on May 12 that supposedly was to consult the neighbouring residents about the proposed new school. This turned out to be a farce as it became quite clear major decisions had already been taken.

James Gillespie's is currently set up as a campus with separate buildings for different functions spread across the site. This model works well for pupils and residents alike, as no part of the school is particularly intrusive and gives pupils a chance for fresh air between lessons. What they are proposing is a massive three-storey barracks-style building running right along Lauderdale Street.

What was a pleasant, open space will now feel closed in. What's more, they are planning to cut down many mature trees in order to place the building.

This will be a massive intrusion for Lauderdale Street, Spottiswoode Road and Warrender Park Road, cutting out sunlight and imposing a massive eyesore upon us. It does not fit sympathetically within Marchmont and will look totally alien.

This is all totally unnecessary, as the site is big enough to take a school of Gillespie's size without this intrusion. It already does.

The original architects went to great care to do what JM Architects have singularly failed to do. The council could ditch this proposal as the current buildings are in reasonable condition and are fit for purpose.

Donald Nairn, Lauderdale Street, EdinburghNo excuse now for tax glitches

I CAN empathise with council tax-payer William Falconer who was sent a threatening letter from the council as regards to unpaid council tax (News, May 17) since exactly the same thing happened to me.

Thinking I was doing the council a good turn by paying in advance, this backfired upon me when, much to my anger and alarm, I received a letter from them saying I was in arrears.

To clear up this confusion I too spent several frustrating minutes trying to contact the council through their automated telephone system, and I do not know how much this may have cost.

When I did eventually get through, to their credit the matter was resolved instantly and I've since heard no more.

But in this technological age and given the council's considerable resources, you would have thought that any glitches with their payment systems would be ironed out before the council tax year begins.

Georgia McGregor, Edinburgh

Opportunity for SNP to build on

WITH the SNP having achieved a historic majority of MSPs elected to the Scottish Parliament, Alex Salmond should seize the opportunity to strengthen his ministerial team and appoint a dedicated minister for construction.

The construction sector directly employs eight per cent of Scotland's working population and contributes more than ten per cent of our total economic output annually.

But it is an industry that suffers from fragmented representation at a political level and that is impacted by a wide range of policy areas.

As minister for enterprise, energy and tourism, Jim Mather, who stood down from Parliament at the May elections, was as close as our industry came to a dedicated minister during the last four years.

With so many more MSPs elected, Mr Salmond has an ideal opportunity to divide Mr Mather's former portfolio and to appoint the first dedicated construction minister.

We are confident that individual would champion the interests of the industry within government and ensure that those policies impacting the construction sector are properly and effectively coordinated.

Michael Levack, Scottish Building Federation

Cycling woes are ringing a bell

WHAT'S new about cyclists on the pavements (News, May 10)? Cyclists are already on our pavements, don't use bells, go through red lights - they think of no-one but themselves.

L Duncan, Chalmers Crescent, Edinburgh