Letters: Using bus firm to prop up trams is well out of line

Years ago, the directors of Lothian Buses submitted a business plan which made Lothian Buses the company it is today.

At that time, legislation as contained in the 1985 Transport Act prohibited cross-subsidisation between profit and loss-making bus routes. This determined the actual bus network in operation today.

The preparation at that time concerning passenger flows, frequencies, hours of operation and competition was both intense and accurate, complying with the deadlines set by the legislative timetable.

The company built up a balance sheet which was the envy of many in the bus industry throughout the United Kingdom. There is also a duty of responsibility to all of the employees of Lothian Buses, who have made this company what it is today.

To jeopardise a company and its employees has to be an injustice and an insult. Those associated with the operation and planning of the tram route have unbelievably ignored the criteria used by Lothian Buses.

Where are the densely populated areas, which it serves, where are the hotels, bed and breakfasts and places of interest? The entire project is a Titanic before the maiden voyage, holed below the waterline and sunk financially.

Should Lothian Buses now get into financial difficulty, because of as yet unknown subsidy levels, who will bail it out?

Peter Sargent, Corstorphine

Banging the drum for concert venue

I'M not sure about the new World Trade Centre planned for near the airport (News, October 7), but I do like the idea of a concert venue being built on the site to rival the SECC in Glasgow.

This is something that's been a glaring omission from Edinburgh's amenities for as long as I can remember. Several times I've had to put up with the inconvenience of heading west to see major acts in concert, often having to miss the climactic end of the gig in order to meet my travel connections.

Perhaps seeing their heroes perform in a purpose-built venue might inspire Edinburgh youngsters to pick up their instruments and create their own music.

There's a lot of talent in the Capital, and maybe more regular visits from top performers could put Edinburgh on the road to perhaps one day joining more established music cities such as Manchester and Glasgow.

Andrew Ritchie, Dalry Road, Edinburgh

Invest heavily in skilled workforce

THE Scottish Government's recently-launched refreshed Skills Strategy makes a welcome contribution to delivering sustainable economic growth.

A highly-flexible, simplified and responsive skills system is one of the bedrocks of economic recovery, allowing employers to compete effectively in the high-skills, knowledge-driven economy.

The employment opportunities in key growth sectors such as the low-carbon economy, life sciences and tourism are immense, and a skilled workforce is vital to meet the demands of both current and future growth in these areas. Scotland's ability to capitalise on these cannot be constrained by a lack of individuals with the right skills.

We must continue to look to deliver a skilled workforce, giving employers the opportunity to access the relevant skills at the right time in the right place.

Jacqui Hepburn, director, Alliance of Sector Skills Councils in Scotland, Castle Street, Edinburgh

Kindness made city visit special

MY wife and I along with two friends visited Edinburgh recently and I would like to thank the people for their kindness and friendship.

In particular, Mr Alexander Moore who gave us a first-class voluntary tour of Greyfriars cemetery which lasted over an hour, and also the attendant at the war museum at the Castle.

These people and many others made our visit special.

Geoffrey William Loftus, Dalton Furness, Cumbria.