Readers' Best Comments

Readers give their views on a luxury shopping village, nurseries facing closure and trying to promote schools

The former boss of Jenners has announced grand plans for a luxury retail store in a new tourist village on the outskirts of Dalkeith. So does it look likely that our readers be rushing to snap up its offerings?

Hmmm, how are the tourists to get there? By car? By train. Wouldn't it be a better idea to locate it close to a rail station – the new/old rail line would be ready around the same time. Anyway, why are we giving up a large swathe of land for the sole use of tourists? Can't locals enjoy these views? Why is it always portrayed as being beneficial for Edinburghers to constantly build hotels, tourist attractions etc. Why is more and more of my country being set aside for tourists? Why are city centres being handed over to hotel chains? How does any of this improve my life or the lives of those around me? It doesn't.

Sparts

No it wouldn't be a better idea to put it next to rail station. Locals will be as able to enjoy the views as anyone else, I imagine. I've not seen any city centres handed to hotel chains (but put me right). This is nothing like House of Bruar: that's halfway between Gla/Ed and Inverness, and an obvious journey-breaking point. It also doesn't have a city next to it. As for Loch Lomond Shores, urgh. This proposal is probably directed more at Edinburghers than at tourists – an afternoon drive destination (if driving from England to Edinburgh would you really want to make a major stop 10-15 miles short of your destination? Unlikely, you'd just press on). But that doesn't sound good/not new jobs/not bringing money into the area/etc.

Jose Hartley

Sparts: "How does any of this improve my life of those around me?" I suspect the jobs created as a result of the tourists have improved a few people's lives.

Julian, edinburgh

Well I for one cannot wait. Quite frankly I am tired of travelling between the Borders and the city without a designer shopping experience and fine dining opportunity to break my journey. I demand nothing but the best in luxury clothing and Scottish produce, and of course Midlothian has been crying out for a gateway for centuries. Ikea and Costco just don't cut it, I'm afraid. So this is all good news for me, and literally dozens like me.

Fifi la Bonbon

Great, a satisfied customer. You weren't so positive over council plans to close three nurseries.

How was it arrived at that 3 nurseries should close? Why not 2 or 4? Was this predetermined financial decision rather than a properly thought out rationalisation process of the school estate involving the council, communities and educationalists? Thought not. Just like the primary school closures again.

escape from spam valley

Why does the council have to run nurseries anyway? They weren't around when I was under 5 yo. Alan Sugar shows you don't need an education, just an ability to sell rubbish.

Aman, Inverleith

Sticking with education, parent councils are trying to 'sell' their schools to prospective parents.

Its kinda hard to sell schools today with all the trouble they emit, however good luck.

The Real Alfonsa Pedrosa

I think its good that Parent Councils are promoting schools so parents can see what's on offer. I have a daughter at St Cuthbert's and she is very happy there and getting a great education. The question is could/should the council do more to promote schools within Edinburgh and whether this would be a worthwhile use of council money?

PamCan