Letters: Plans for rugby stadium should be kicked into touch

Too bad if Comely Bank gets trampled underfoot, deafened by the giant’s roar and overshadowed by its massive frame.

More people, more noise, more money. More shops, more traffic, more money. Thump! Thump! Thump!

Once upon a time the Accies had an SOS campaign when their star coach was banned by the SRU for exposing a cheat. In those days the T-shirt slogan was “Save our Sole”. Now the locals say “Save our Stockbridge” on Facebook.

Alan Murphy, Learmonth Grove, Edinburgh

Club is at heart

of the community

Our plans for investment in Stockbridge will help secure our long-term presence in the heart of the community, where we have had our home for the last 155 years.

We are in communication with the local businesses with a view to facilitate/set up a Stockbridge Traders Association (steering group). This will include a fair representation from all sides to help manage and address any issues surrounding the retail facilities when and if they arise.

Current costs associated with being in our temporary accommodation are in the region of £100,000 each year, before the running costs of the club are taken into consideration. This position cannot be sustained indefinitely by the club.

With sport being one of the key development areas targeted by the Scottish Government, Edinburgh ‘Accies’ wants to deliver the best club and most sustainable facilities in Scotland and in doing so strengthen the heart of  Stockbridge and the sports community.

I was encouraged by the fairness with which the public meeting was handled, but more so by the positive and vocal support for our proposals from the floor. We are continuing to work hard to deliver the highest quality development through the public consultation being undertaken.

Frank Spratt, executive chairman, Edinburgh Academical FC

Pump action at mystery building

I WAS interested to read of the “mystery” building close to Holyrood Palace (News, July 10).

I believe this building originally housed a wellhead and pumping station for the nearby St Ann’s brewery of Robert Younger Ltd, situated at Croft-an-righ.

After the cessation of brewing at St Ann’s in early 1961, the well fell into disuse, but was pumped intermittently by new owners Scottish Brewers to control the water table.

Sadly, all the neighbouring breweries, which once numbered nearly 20 in all, are now closed. This fact, however, cannot excuse the gross betrayal of Edinburgh’s illustrious brewing history by Heriot-Watt University. In a cynical act which would not withstand close scrutiny, the surviving records of Edinburgh’s breweries were despatched by Heriot-Watt to Glasgow, a city with a laughable brewing tradition.

This move has deprived Edinburgh of a significant part of its history.

Arthur Blyth, Balfour Cottages, Edinburgh

Gutted by poor guttering service

I RECENTLY visited a DIY store at Hermiston Gait on my electric mobility scooter.

An assistant got my order ready for me, which included 10ft of plastic guttering.

I explained to the assistant that I was on my “buggy”, and asked if could he cut it into two pieces to enable me to attach it to my scooter.

I was amazed when he told me that under the Health and Safety Act he was not allowed to cut it for me, and that I would need to purchase a saw and cut it myself, outside the premises.

As I needed the guttering that day, I decided to try and tie it to my scooter, and make my way home to Carrick Knowe the best way I could, a distance of about two miles .

Fortunately, some kind workers on a building site, came to my assistance and cut it up for me.

What kind of world are we coming to, when a shop assistant cannot help a customer without breaking the law?

B Hayward, Carrick Knowe Loan, Edinburgh