Readers’ opinion - week 17, 2024
Fond memories of Cannich
Sir,
I write with reference to the book, by David Brookens, mentioned in last week’s Banner.
I was born in Cannich in 1951. My father was there as part of the hydro scheme. Although not involved directly in the building work, he worked in the offices. I believe he was the wages clerk for Millar Construction.
He was in the RAF during the war and had previously worked in Killin, although I am not sure in what role, before moving to Cannich around 1950/51. It is quite likely he knew Donald Fraser.
The family lived in a camp of wooden huts. There was a social centre where they would all meet up after work. I was too young to remember any of this but I remember visiting the site with my mum and dad in the 1960s and seeing some of the remaining building foundations and my father pointing out relevant points which seemed like great memories of his time spent there.
My elder brother was head teacher at Drumnadrochit school around 1979/80, so I have further memories of Cannich as he used to have a refreshment in the local hostelry.
I can’t believe it was so many years ago.
Yours,
Dougie Ferguson,
Whiting Bay.
Lessons can be learned from Malta
Sir,
We have just returned from the most wonderful holiday on Malta, an island which is nearly as good as Arran. The big difference is Malta and Gozo have a ferry service which works.
Four push-me, pull-you ferries ply non-stop across the channel in gale-force winds. Straight in and straight out, no time-costly manoeuvring behind completely adequate breakwaters.
They have capacity for 900 passengers and 160 cars, have a coffee cabin and shop and are supremely efficient.
Perhaps it would be a good idea for the supposed experts of CMAL and Transport Scotland to take a trip to Malta to see how a ferry service should be run. They have wasted enough money up till now, but such a trip would not be.
Yours,
John NE Rankin,
Whiting Bay.
The opposite of a fair tax system
Sir,
Regarding the minimum alcohol unit price increase of 30 per cent, this cruel policy only affects low income people, who are the most likely to need a glass or two to give them some small pleasure at the end of the day.
The retailers keep the unearned and undeserved extra profits. It is not collected by the Scottish administration.
I suggest retailers keep these profits in a fund and distribute them periodically to local charities that help people in need.
It is ironic this becomes a tax on low income people to help low income people. This would be the opposite of a fair tax system.
Yours,
Carl Bush,
Lamlash.
Big Brother casting
Sir,
I am a senior casting producer at Initial TV. We are currently casting for the next series of Big Brother coming to ITV2 and ITVX later this year.
Hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, Big Brother is returning to ITV2 and ITVX later this year and is looking for the next group of housemates to apply.
We want to hear from the most interesting, funny and stand-out characters from all walks of life. Full of tasks, nail-biting nominations and live evictions, have you got what it takes to be crowned the winner?
For the experience of a lifetime and the chance of winning an incredible amount of money in television’s most iconic house, apply at www.bigbrother.com
Applications close on July 31. Applicants must be aged 18 or over when applying.
Yours,
James Alexander,
Senior casting producer, Initial TV.
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.