Letters: No future in sad attempt to replicate Cowgate of 1700s

The design plans for a new development at Caltongate must surely be the worst example of architecture since Lord Foster's plans for central London were scuppered by Prince Charles and replaced by non-inspirational retro-conformity.

These plans, although probably pleasing to Historic Scotland and the Cockburn Society, have nothing to say or contribute to a 21st century Edinburgh.

Architecture must have integrity, and this is totally absent from Anta's plans, must be inspiring and must reflect some confidence in the present and the future. All this is lacking in the sad attempt to replicate the Cowgate of 300 years ago.

There is a fundamental need to step into the future with bold ideas but with sympathy and integration with a past which deserves respect.

Whatever happens to the Caltongate I hope that this is not it.

Bruce R Borthwick, chairman, Holyrood Mews Owners Association

A funny way of supporting people

WITH a general election within weeks, it is odd to see attacks on workers' rights coming from some unexpected sources. On the one hand the Labour Party is happy to accept millions of pounds from the trade union Unite, yet when BA Unite cabin staff are striking to defend their pay and pension rights all we hear from Labour politicians are mealy-mouthed cliches about 'getting round the table' rather than support for what they are trying to achieve.

Closer to home we see an Edinburgh City Council bin worker sacked for nothing more than expressing his views in public on an industrial dispute in which he was involved. The Lib Dems and SNP who run the council and Labour are all parties who pride themselves on representing ordinary people against the interests of the rich and powerful. On current form, don't they have a funny way of showing it?

Karen Burchill, Warrender Park Road, Edinburgh

Key role played in delivering value

IT IS disappointing that the Scottish Futures Trust was not approached to contribute to your article 'No Holyrood funding for a brain unit at Sick Kids' published on 19 March.

If we had been approached then the assertion that "the Scottish Futures Trust is likely to make the project more costly and uncertain" may well have been avoided.

This is entirely wrong: the Scottish Futures Trust's main roles are to improve value for money and to increase the certainty of projects being delivered successfully and that is exactly what we will achieve in our support to NHS Lothian.

Our overall target of realising savings of 100-150 million per annum is becoming increasingly important as forecasts for public spending across the UK show less money is going to be available in the years ahead. Getting more for less is absolutely critical and SFT's team will play a key role in delivering improved value for money.

Barry White, chief executive, Scottish Futures Trust, St Colme Street, Edinburgh

Proposals yet to come for facility

CONTRARY to the assertions made in your front page article 'Brainless' (19 March), the Scottish Government has not refused funding for a new 48 million brain surgery unit.

NHS Lothian has yet to formally submit detailed proposals to the Scottish Government regarding its plans for a Department of Clinical Neurosciences facility at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh site.

Consequently no decision on future funding has been made, and no funding has been refused.

Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister & Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing

Sky-high charges for airport parking

NOW I know why so many drivers are trying to dodge the parking attendants at the drop-off area at the airport. Being a responsible citizen, I parked in theundercover area for 30 minutes only to be faced with a bill of 4.10. This must be a rip-off record.

Michael Westmacott, Kirkliston

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