Letters 2024 - underlining indicates deletion by editor; square brackets indicate insertion.
To The Scotsman (26 Apr 24)
You claim that setting a quota, effective police enforcement and the denial of claims by anyone arrested would, inter alia, stand a much better chance of stopping the boats and saving lives (Leader, 24 April).
However, in 2018 former Conservative Home Secretary Ken Clarke said that it is impossible to control illegal migration without an identity card system. Former Labour Home Secretary Alan Johnson agreed. There have been periodic calls for the return of identity cards since they were last scrapped by the Coalition Government in 2011. Even this month, Lord Blunkett endorsed their return.
The UK, Ireland and Denmark are the only European countries without ID cards. ID is optional in 9 EU countries and mandatory in another 16. Reports suggest that our lack of ID cards is a major encouragement to migrants.
I can't see the present government bringing ID cards back but a Labour government might, and should do so if only to deter immigrants.
You claim that setting a quota, effective police enforcement and the denial of claims by anyone arrested would, inter alia, stand a much better chance of stopping the boats and saving lives (Leader, 24 April).
However, in 2018 former Conservative Home Secretary Ken Clarke said that it is impossible to control illegal migration without an identity card system. Former Labour Home Secretary Alan Johnson agreed. There have been periodic calls for the return of identity cards since they were last scrapped by the Coalition Government in 2011. Even this month, Lord Blunkett endorsed their return.
The UK, Ireland and Denmark are the only European countries without ID cards. ID is optional in 9 EU countries and mandatory in another 16. Reports suggest that our lack of ID cards is a major encouragement to migrants.
I can't see the present government bringing ID cards back but a Labour government might, and should do so if only to deter immigrants.
To The Scotsman (24 Apr 24)
Last year Branislav Sudjic suggests reverting to the proven/not proven verdict as it is 'less stressful' for complainers. A not-guilty verdict implies that the complainer is lying. That's a good point.
Three years ago I asked if Scotland wanted to be just a clone of England or does it want to keep its justice system independent and distinct. As some have pointed out, no one except the accused knows whether or not they are guilty. Sometimes not even the accused.
Consequently the old Scottish system of proven/not proven was philosophically correct. To get a conviction, the prosecution has to prove its case. Lawyers seem to lean towards returning to it. That at least would show that Scotland's legal system is not just a copy of England and can be more rational in its verdicts.
The public should get used to what the verdicts actually mean. So let's keep 'not proven', add 'proven' and dump the guilty/not guilty verdicts.
Last year Branislav Sudjic suggests reverting to the proven/not proven verdict as it is 'less stressful' for complainers. A not-guilty verdict implies that the complainer is lying. That's a good point.
Three years ago I asked if Scotland wanted to be just a clone of England or does it want to keep its justice system independent and distinct. As some have pointed out, no one except the accused knows whether or not they are guilty. Sometimes not even the accused.
Consequently the old Scottish system of proven/not proven was philosophically correct. To get a conviction, the prosecution has to prove its case. Lawyers seem to lean towards returning to it. That at least would show that Scotland's legal system is not just a copy of England and can be more rational in its verdicts.
The public should get used to what the verdicts actually mean. So let's keep 'not proven', add 'proven' and dump the guilty/not guilty verdicts.
To The Sunday Times (22 Apr 24)
Ludovic Zamenhof, the creator of Esperanto, was a Jew living in a Polish community where Poles and Russians were always in conflict involving the Jews. His advice to fellow Jews was 'Be a Jew in the house but a man in the street'. IOW, keep your religion private and don't display it publicly. Good advice.
Ludovic Zamenhof, the creator of Esperanto, was a Jew living in a Polish community where Poles and Russians were always in conflict involving the Jews. His advice to fellow Jews was 'Be a Jew in the house but a man in the street'. IOW, keep your religion private and don't display it publicly. Good advice.
To The Scotsman (20 Apr 24)
You report that 'The Hermit', whose imaginary image has been created in Hailes Quarry Park ('Things are looking up', 19 April) 'lived there under a bridge in the 19th century'.
There is no bridge associated with Hailes Quarry Park. The hermit in question was just a vagrant who, reportedly, lived in a subway under the Union Canal at least 500 m away from the Park the other side of the Union Canal and a railway line. He had nothing to do with Hailes Quarry Park.
At the time the subway, known locally as 'The Tunnel', was dry but since then a leaking spring has made the subway wet and not a place anyone would want to live.
You report that 'The Hermit', whose imaginary image has been created in Hailes Quarry Park ('Things are looking up', 19 April) 'lived there under a bridge in the 19th century'.
There is no bridge associated with Hailes Quarry Park. The hermit in question was just a vagrant who, reportedly, lived in a subway under the Union Canal at least 500 m away from the Park the other side of the Union Canal and a railway line. He had nothing to do with Hailes Quarry Park.
At the time the subway, known locally as 'The Tunnel', was dry but since then a leaking spring has made the subway wet and not a place anyone would want to live.
To The Scotsman (18 Apr 24) published 19 Apr 24
A few days ago I had new timber fencing panels installed. Guess where they come from--China! I understand that nowadays China supplies most of the timber products we buy. Isn't that crazy? Is it just because China undercuts local suppliers, even with polluting transport costs included? Can't be as these panels cost about twice that of local ones of a simpler design. How many of the products we see in B&Q [big name DIY stores] come from China? Are our home industries being destroyed by Chinese imports?
A few days ago I had new timber fencing panels installed. Guess where they come from--China! I understand that nowadays China supplies most of the timber products we buy. Isn't that crazy? Is it just because China undercuts local suppliers, even with polluting transport costs included? Can't be as these panels cost about twice that of local ones of a simpler design. How many of the products we see in B&Q [big name DIY stores] come from China? Are our home industries being destroyed by Chinese imports?
To The Times (14 Apr 24) not published?
Rhys Blakely ('So many alien worlds, yet all we hear is silence', 13 April) asks why we haven't head from aliens. One obvious answer is that aliens don't exist and that we are alone in this vast universe. It's hubris to think that because we exist, there must be other civilisations.
But if we are alone then that needs explaining. What is it about this planet that has allowed intelligence to evolve? The answer is provided by Prof David Waltham's book Lucky Planet (Basic Books, 2014). It's subtitle is 'Why Earth is Exceptional-and What That Means for Life in the Universe'.
Life on Earth has evolved despite many setback and obstacles. Uniquely it overcame those and by chance allowed intelligent primates to develop. Such an unlikely series of lucky breaks is bound to be as rare as suitable planets.
Rhys Blakely ('So many alien worlds, yet all we hear is silence', 13 April) asks why we haven't head from aliens. One obvious answer is that aliens don't exist and that we are alone in this vast universe. It's hubris to think that because we exist, there must be other civilisations.
But if we are alone then that needs explaining. What is it about this planet that has allowed intelligence to evolve? The answer is provided by Prof David Waltham's book Lucky Planet (Basic Books, 2014). It's subtitle is 'Why Earth is Exceptional-and What That Means for Life in the Universe'.
Life on Earth has evolved despite many setback and obstacles. Uniquely it overcame those and by chance allowed intelligent primates to develop. Such an unlikely series of lucky breaks is bound to be as rare as suitable planets.
To The Scotsman (13 Apr 24) published 15 Apr 24
I suppose it's good publicity but asking NASA to help find Nessie (Loch Ness Centre calls on NASA in new monster hunt',[Scotsman] 12 April) will make no difference. There is no monster in Loch Ness and the sooner everyone realises this the better. I despair at the incorrigible hunters who persist with this myth. After decades of finding nothing, what makes them think that one more search will solve the mystery? Everything has been tried and its hard to see how NASA could help. It would be a waste of their time. The search is a waste of everyone's time.
There have not been '1156 sighting of the beast' but there have surely been that many reports of something that the observers thought was Nessie. A report is just that until close examination of the circumstances can identify what was seen. Always it turns out that, except for hoaxes, reporters have mistaken some ordinary object or phenomenon for Nessie. I have examined thousands of them. The commonest stimulus is a wave created by traffic on a calm surface.
I suppose it's good publicity but asking NASA to help find Nessie (Loch Ness Centre calls on NASA in new monster hunt',[Scotsman] 12 April) will make no difference. There is no monster in Loch Ness and the sooner everyone realises this the better. I despair at the incorrigible hunters who persist with this myth. After decades of finding nothing, what makes them think that one more search will solve the mystery? Everything has been tried and its hard to see how NASA could help. It would be a waste of their time. The search is a waste of everyone's time.
There have not been '1156 sighting of the beast' but there have surely been that many reports of something that the observers thought was Nessie. A report is just that until close examination of the circumstances can identify what was seen. Always it turns out that, except for hoaxes, reporters have mistaken some ordinary object or phenomenon for Nessie. I have examined thousands of them. The commonest stimulus is a wave created by traffic on a calm surface.
To The Scotsman (10 Apr 24) published 11 Apr 24
Clark Cross (Letters, 10 Aprll) suggests that 'two is plenty'. That would be nearly enough to maintain the UK population if every woman had two children but that is not the case; the average number of children here is 1.9 while the replacement number is 2.1. Not just the UK, in developed countries the number of children per woman is below replacement.
Inevitably local populations will decline, only being held up by immigration.
I am guilty of having only two children but it would have been more responsible to have more than one [two]. This can only be addressed by introducing a financial incentive. Which government would bite that bullet?
Clark Cross (Letters, 10 Aprll) suggests that 'two is plenty'. That would be nearly enough to maintain the UK population if every woman had two children but that is not the case; the average number of children here is 1.9 while the replacement number is 2.1. Not just the UK, in developed countries the number of children per woman is below replacement.
Inevitably local populations will decline, only being held up by immigration.
I am guilty of having only two children but it would have been more responsible to have more than one [two]. This can only be addressed by introducing a financial incentive. Which government would bite that bullet?
To Radio Times (7 Apr 24)
Justin Welby claimed that 'Jesus who was dead is alive' (Easter Message, RT, 30 March- 5 April). He may believe that, but the evidence is vanishingly slim. Reports that Jesus was appeared to his disciples and others in Jerusalem owe more to delusion and run counter to Jewish beliefs. The one report of the disciples seeing a real person (John 21), was added after John's death in Ephesus to try to explain why John died before Jesus returned (it failed). However it is evident that the disciples were not sure that they met their master and that he did not speak as Jesus did. They had mistaken an old shepherd who was concerned about his sheep.
Obviously, as Welby points out, if Jesus was not resurrected, then the Christian faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Justin Welby claimed that 'Jesus who was dead is alive' (Easter Message, RT, 30 March- 5 April). He may believe that, but the evidence is vanishingly slim. Reports that Jesus was appeared to his disciples and others in Jerusalem owe more to delusion and run counter to Jewish beliefs. The one report of the disciples seeing a real person (John 21), was added after John's death in Ephesus to try to explain why John died before Jesus returned (it failed). However it is evident that the disciples were not sure that they met their master and that he did not speak as Jesus did. They had mistaken an old shepherd who was concerned about his sheep.
Obviously, as Welby points out, if Jesus was not resurrected, then the Christian faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17).
To The Scotsman (3 Apr 24) published 5 Apr 24
Tim Flinn (Letters, 2 April) suggests limiting assisted dying to those who have already lived their 'threescore years and ten', a phrase that comes from Psalm 90:10. But the verse continues to state that 'And if by reason of strength they be forescore years, Yet is their strength labour and sorrow'.
Today, 80 years is not as unusual as it may have been in the time of the Psalmist, something to be welcomed. Regardless, it is difficult to see why age should have anything to do with the need to end one's life. That need might arise at any time.
Tim Flinn (Letters, 2 April) suggests limiting assisted dying to those who have already lived their 'threescore years and ten', a phrase that comes from Psalm 90:10. But the verse continues to state that 'And if by reason of strength they be forescore years, Yet is their strength labour and sorrow'.
Today, 80 years is not as unusual as it may have been in the time of the Psalmist, something to be welcomed. Regardless, it is difficult to see why age should have anything to do with the need to end one's life. That need might arise at any time.
To The Scotsman (28 Mar 24) published 30 Mar 24
Eric J Scott (Letters, 28 March) claims that there is 'overwhelming evidence' that Jesus 'rose from the dead'.
This 'Evidence' [for the Resurrection] amounts to no more than superstitious stories and imagination. The one almost believable account is of 'Jesus' appearing to his disciples at a lakeside (John 21). However, some disciples were not sure it was Jesus and did not recognise him. In fact that whole chapter was written after John's death to try to explain why John died before Jesus returned. Evidently the figure they met was a shepherd who was concerned about his sheep.
Jesus died accidentally during or shortly after his crucifixion due to a Roman guard's spear thrust. That's why his body was removed overnight and taken away. He was probably already dead by then and was never seen again.
Eric J Scott (Letters, 28 March) claims that there is 'overwhelming evidence' that Jesus 'rose from the dead'.
This 'Evidence' [for the Resurrection] amounts to no more than superstitious stories and imagination. The one almost believable account is of 'Jesus' appearing to his disciples at a lakeside (John 21). However, some disciples were not sure it was Jesus and did not recognise him. In fact that whole chapter was written after John's death to try to explain why John died before Jesus returned. Evidently the figure they met was a shepherd who was concerned about his sheep.
Jesus died accidentally during or shortly after his crucifixion due to a Roman guard's spear thrust. That's why his body was removed overnight and taken away. He was probably already dead by then and was never seen again.
To The Scotsman (14 Mar 24) published 20 Mar 24
Hugh Pennington (Letters, 14 March) misquotes H L Menken. The latter said that 'For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong' (no mention of 'complex' ones). One could respond that Menken was not omniscient and that his claim is questionable. As a scientist, Prof Pennington should know that, for some problems, there are solutions that are 'simple, neat and correct'. He is responsible for finding some.
I did not claim that the planet could be cooled by deploying 'mirrors in space', although that's possible. Solar radiation is already reflected by deserts, ice-sheets and clouds. Even the oceans reflect some radiation and all these contribute to Earth's average albedo, which is 0.3 (30 per cent of solar radiation is reflected).
I am a supporter of cooling Earth by increasing its albedo, if only the albedo of clouds. This geoengineering can be achieved by a method known as 'marine cloud brightening'. It was first suggested by Prof John Latham in 1990 (see Wikipedia on the matter).
I don't think that we will stop global warming by any other method. Greenhouse gas emissions are not noticeably reducing and the atmosphere's CO2 level continues to rise.
Hugh Pennington (Letters, 14 March) misquotes H L Menken. The latter said that 'For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong' (no mention of 'complex' ones). One could respond that Menken was not omniscient and that his claim is questionable. As a scientist, Prof Pennington should know that, for some problems, there are solutions that are 'simple, neat and correct'. He is responsible for finding some.
I did not claim that the planet could be cooled by deploying 'mirrors in space', although that's possible. Solar radiation is already reflected by deserts, ice-sheets and clouds. Even the oceans reflect some radiation and all these contribute to Earth's average albedo, which is 0.3 (30 per cent of solar radiation is reflected).
I am a supporter of cooling Earth by increasing its albedo, if only the albedo of clouds. This geoengineering can be achieved by a method known as 'marine cloud brightening'. It was first suggested by Prof John Latham in 1990 (see Wikipedia on the matter).
I don't think that we will stop global warming by any other method. Greenhouse gas emissions are not noticeably reducing and the atmosphere's CO2 level continues to rise.
To The Scotsman (12 Mar 24) published 13 Mar 24
'Pollutants' are not the cause of climate change (David Corocoran, Letters, 12 March); the latter is caused mainly by carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, neither of which are 'pollutants'. CO2 can be captured at source but not from vehicles. Moreover CO2 has no practical use and is not a valuable resource. Capture and sequestration is difficult and expensive. As of May last year, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere was 421 parts/million (ppm) and rising. It needs to be back where it was before the industrial revolution: 280 ppm.
Current attempts to reduce CO2 emissions are largely ineffective. The only practical way to bring the Earth's temperature down is by some form of geoengineering to deflect some of the Sun's radiation back into space. I can't see anyone doing that until we are desperate in a sweltering world with a wild climate and mass migrations as people try to escape the tropics.
'Pollutants' are not the cause of climate change (David Corocoran, Letters, 12 March); the latter is caused mainly by carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, neither of which are 'pollutants'. CO2 can be captured at source but not from vehicles. Moreover CO2 has no practical use and is not a valuable resource. Capture and sequestration is difficult and expensive. As of May last year, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere was 421 parts/million (ppm) and rising. It needs to be back where it was before the industrial revolution: 280 ppm.
Current attempts to reduce CO2 emissions are largely ineffective. The only practical way to bring the Earth's temperature down is by some form of geoengineering to deflect some of the Sun's radiation back into space. I can't see anyone doing that until we are desperate in a sweltering world with a wild climate and mass migrations as people try to escape the tropics.
To The Scotsman (9 Mar 24) not published
Before the Budget there was much speculation about changes to the complicated Inheritance Tax, even that it would be abolished.
Since then: silence. So the tax remains at 40 per cent, the tax-free allowance remains at £325,000 and the annual exemption remains at a measly £3000? No rise in these limits to keep pace with inflation.
Apparently it's paid by only 4 per cent of estates, but the sale of a house can easily incur the tax.
Before the Budget there was much speculation about changes to the complicated Inheritance Tax, even that it would be abolished.
Since then: silence. So the tax remains at 40 per cent, the tax-free allowance remains at £325,000 and the annual exemption remains at a measly £3000? No rise in these limits to keep pace with inflation.
Apparently it's paid by only 4 per cent of estates, but the sale of a house can easily incur the tax.
To The Scotsman (28 Feb 24) published 29 Feb 24
John McLellan thinks that proportional representation (PR) gives extremists a platform ('Redneck Islamophobia is a gift to opponents of the Conservatives', 27 February). He exemplifies the EU elections and even the Scottish Parliament.
One could argue, depending on one's definition of 'extremism' that even extremists have a right to express themselves and be represented. What matters is what influence they have.
PR attempts to provide all political parties with fair representation in a parliament. But they are not all the same. Israel uses the party list system which, unfortunately, results in too many parties fighting for power and, as at present, an unwieldy coalition. Eire and Northern Ireland use the acclaimed single transferable vote (STV) system (has that elected extremists?). The Scottish Parliament has a mixed first-past-the-post system and party list, a poor attempt at compromise. Would Green Party candidates even get elected in an STV election where they must stand as individuals?
The first-past-the-post system, intended for only two candidates, is outdated and unfair where there are more than two candidates.
John McLellan thinks that proportional representation (PR) gives extremists a platform ('Redneck Islamophobia is a gift to opponents of the Conservatives', 27 February). He exemplifies the EU elections and even the Scottish Parliament.
One could argue, depending on one's definition of 'extremism' that even extremists have a right to express themselves and be represented. What matters is what influence they have.
PR attempts to provide all political parties with fair representation in a parliament. But they are not all the same. Israel uses the party list system which, unfortunately, results in too many parties fighting for power and, as at present, an unwieldy coalition. Eire and Northern Ireland use the acclaimed single transferable vote (STV) system (has that elected extremists?). The Scottish Parliament has a mixed first-past-the-post system and party list, a poor attempt at compromise. Would Green Party candidates even get elected in an STV election where they must stand as individuals?
The first-past-the-post system, intended for only two candidates, is outdated and unfair where there are more than two candidates.
To Radio Times (26 Feb 24)
Caroline Frost wrote about the Crash of an RAF Chinook and the two TV programmes about it (RT 17-23 February) without apparently being aware that I wrote about the incident in 2004 (Chinook Crash, Pen&Sword). I explained how the accident occurred and who was responsible. The book will be republished this year.
Caroline Frost wrote about the Crash of an RAF Chinook and the two TV programmes about it (RT 17-23 February) without apparently being aware that I wrote about the incident in 2004 (Chinook Crash, Pen&Sword). I explained how the accident occurred and who was responsible. The book will be republished this year.
To The Scotsman (14 Feb 24) published 15 Feb 24
The fact that '66 per cent of the vote' was not for Michael Matheson (Bruce Proctor, Letters 14 February) is irrelevant. One does not count those who do not vote as there's no way to know their preferences if they have one. The only vote that counts is where votes are cast and counted.
The fact that '66 per cent of the vote' was not for Michael Matheson (Bruce Proctor, Letters 14 February) is irrelevant. One does not count those who do not vote as there's no way to know their preferences if they have one. The only vote that counts is where votes are cast and counted.
To The Scotsman (9 Feb 24) published 10 Feb 24
[Scotsman reader] Malcolm Parkin wondered if 'our planet's shifting axis around the Sun could be a contributor' to climate change (Letters, 8 February). The axis of the Earth's rotation moves only very slowly. It cannot affect climate in the short term.
However planets' movements are not completely regular due to gravitational effects. The Earth's almost elliptical orbit changes over thousands of years in a way that affects our climate, particularly glaciation. In fact, if it were not for man-made global warming, Earth would be heading into a colder period with increased glaciation.
[Scotsman reader] Malcolm Parkin wondered if 'our planet's shifting axis around the Sun could be a contributor' to climate change (Letters, 8 February). The axis of the Earth's rotation moves only very slowly. It cannot affect climate in the short term.
However planets' movements are not completely regular due to gravitational effects. The Earth's almost elliptical orbit changes over thousands of years in a way that affects our climate, particularly glaciation. In fact, if it were not for man-made global warming, Earth would be heading into a colder period with increased glaciation.
To The Scotsman (4 Feb 24) not published
Apart from controlling animals' feed ('Aberdeen Angus farmer seals global business deal', 3 February), agriculture could reduce emissions by stopping ploughing.
I don't know how much ploughing goes on but it is not now recommended practice.
Studies show that no-drill farming, like no-dig horticulture, is becoming more popular. That's because there are economic benefits. A farm needs fewer tractors using less fuel and the soil quality improves as earthworms and other organisms are left alone to improve the soil, to the benefit of crops. A study by Oxford University showed that no-till wheat is stronger and healthier with far fewer weeds that in traditionally ploughed ground. Another benefit is that unploughed soil retains more water so reducing flooding.
No-drill farming also benefits the climate. Agriculture accounts for 26 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Ploughing exposes carbon buried in the soil to oxygen in the air allowing microbes to convert it to CO2. Fertiliser spread on fields produces nitrous oxide and cattle generate methane from microbes in their guts. Apart from ploughing, it includes tractors burning fossil fuel and the use of fertilisers and methane emitted by cattle.
Farmers should stop ploughing their fields for the benefit of us all.
Apart from controlling animals' feed ('Aberdeen Angus farmer seals global business deal', 3 February), agriculture could reduce emissions by stopping ploughing.
I don't know how much ploughing goes on but it is not now recommended practice.
Studies show that no-drill farming, like no-dig horticulture, is becoming more popular. That's because there are economic benefits. A farm needs fewer tractors using less fuel and the soil quality improves as earthworms and other organisms are left alone to improve the soil, to the benefit of crops. A study by Oxford University showed that no-till wheat is stronger and healthier with far fewer weeds that in traditionally ploughed ground. Another benefit is that unploughed soil retains more water so reducing flooding.
No-drill farming also benefits the climate. Agriculture accounts for 26 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Ploughing exposes carbon buried in the soil to oxygen in the air allowing microbes to convert it to CO2. Fertiliser spread on fields produces nitrous oxide and cattle generate methane from microbes in their guts. Apart from ploughing, it includes tractors burning fossil fuel and the use of fertilisers and methane emitted by cattle.
Farmers should stop ploughing their fields for the benefit of us all.
To The Belfast Telegraph (31 Jan 24)
Trevor Birney hopes that 'one day the truth [of the accident] will come out'. It's been out since 2004: in my book Chinook Crash (Pen&Sword).
Trevor Birney hopes that 'one day the truth [of the accident] will come out'. It's been out since 2004: in my book Chinook Crash (Pen&Sword).
To The Scotsman (26 Jan 24) not published
On 25 January you showed a picture of ploughing during a ploughing match in Jedburgh. I don't know how much ploughing goes on but it is not now recommended practice.
Studies show that no-drill farming, like no-dig horticulture, is becoming more popular. That's because there are economic benefits. A farm needs fewer tractors using less fuel and the soil quality improves as earthworms and other organisms are left alone to improve the soil, to the benefit of crops. A study by Oxford University showed that no-till wheat is stronger and healthier with far fewer weeds that in traditionally ploughed ground. Another benefit is that unploughed soil retains more water so reducing flooding.
No-drill farming also benefits the climate. Agriculture accounts for 26 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Ploughing exposes carbon buried in the soil to oxygen in the air allowing microbes to convert it to CO2. Fertiliser spread on fields produces nitrous oxide and cattle generate methane from microbes in their guts. Apart from ploughing, it includes tractors burning fossil fuel and the use of fertilisers and methane emitted by cattle.
Farmers should stop ploughing their fields for the benefit of us all.
On 25 January you showed a picture of ploughing during a ploughing match in Jedburgh. I don't know how much ploughing goes on but it is not now recommended practice.
Studies show that no-drill farming, like no-dig horticulture, is becoming more popular. That's because there are economic benefits. A farm needs fewer tractors using less fuel and the soil quality improves as earthworms and other organisms are left alone to improve the soil, to the benefit of crops. A study by Oxford University showed that no-till wheat is stronger and healthier with far fewer weeds that in traditionally ploughed ground. Another benefit is that unploughed soil retains more water so reducing flooding.
No-drill farming also benefits the climate. Agriculture accounts for 26 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. Ploughing exposes carbon buried in the soil to oxygen in the air allowing microbes to convert it to CO2. Fertiliser spread on fields produces nitrous oxide and cattle generate methane from microbes in their guts. Apart from ploughing, it includes tractors burning fossil fuel and the use of fertilisers and methane emitted by cattle.
Farmers should stop ploughing their fields for the benefit of us all.
To Country Life (24 Jan 24)
John Lewis-Stempel claimed that a 'blue moon' is a common phenomenon: when there is a 13th full moon in a year (about every two-and-a-half years) ('The danced by the light of the moon', 17 January 2024). Others have claim that it is when two full moons occur in a month.
As any dictionary will tell you, a blue moon is a rare event, some thinking it's an event than never occurs. The idea that it's just the occurrence of two full moons is fanciful and wrong.
The phrase 'once in a blue moon', arose from the fact occasionally the Moon, also the Sun, can look blue. This is when dust or smoke particles in the atmosphere filter out longer wavelengths and leave only the shorter (blue) ones. This phenomenon, caused by forest fires in Canada, was observed from Scotland and the North of England in September 1950. .
John Lewis-Stempel claimed that a 'blue moon' is a common phenomenon: when there is a 13th full moon in a year (about every two-and-a-half years) ('The danced by the light of the moon', 17 January 2024). Others have claim that it is when two full moons occur in a month.
As any dictionary will tell you, a blue moon is a rare event, some thinking it's an event than never occurs. The idea that it's just the occurrence of two full moons is fanciful and wrong.
The phrase 'once in a blue moon', arose from the fact occasionally the Moon, also the Sun, can look blue. This is when dust or smoke particles in the atmosphere filter out longer wavelengths and leave only the shorter (blue) ones. This phenomenon, caused by forest fires in Canada, was observed from Scotland and the North of England in September 1950. .
To The Sunday Times (22 Jan 24) not published
There is an alternative to burial or cremation (Holly Mead in 'Money' on 21 January). Donate your body to medical research. Body donations for anatomical examination are vital for the education of future healthcare professionals, in scientific research and improving medical procedures. Your body could be used to teach medical students how the body is structured and functions, the development of surgical techniques or procedures or other scientific studies.
My wife and I have both agreed to this means of disposal. We would have no use for our dead bodies but they could be useful to science.
There is an alternative to burial or cremation (Holly Mead in 'Money' on 21 January). Donate your body to medical research. Body donations for anatomical examination are vital for the education of future healthcare professionals, in scientific research and improving medical procedures. Your body could be used to teach medical students how the body is structured and functions, the development of surgical techniques or procedures or other scientific studies.
My wife and I have both agreed to this means of disposal. We would have no use for our dead bodies but they could be useful to science.
To Scotland on Sunday (22 Jan 24) not published
Regarding local taxation ('Overhaul this "ludicrous" tax, urge experts', 21 January) what happened to the Green Party's proposal of a Land Value Tax (LVT): a levy on the value of land without regard to buildings, personal property and other improvements on it? Economists since Adam Smith and David Ricardo have advocated this tax because it does not hurt economic activity and encourages development without subsidies.
A low-rate LVT is currently implemented in Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan. It has also been applied to lesser extents in parts of Australia, Germany, Mexico and in the USA (eg. Pensylvania).
Why isn't the Green Party, now in Government in Scotland, pushing the Scottish Government to use it to replace the infamous council tax?
Regarding local taxation ('Overhaul this "ludicrous" tax, urge experts', 21 January) what happened to the Green Party's proposal of a Land Value Tax (LVT): a levy on the value of land without regard to buildings, personal property and other improvements on it? Economists since Adam Smith and David Ricardo have advocated this tax because it does not hurt economic activity and encourages development without subsidies.
A low-rate LVT is currently implemented in Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan. It has also been applied to lesser extents in parts of Australia, Germany, Mexico and in the USA (eg. Pensylvania).
Why isn't the Green Party, now in Government in Scotland, pushing the Scottish Government to use it to replace the infamous council tax?
To The Scotsman (18 Jan 24) published 19 Jan 24
In 2014 at the age of 77 I was treated for Benign Prostate Enlargement by 'Green Light Laser'. That was a relief but unfortunately prostates continue growing and now urination problems have returned. Last June I was put on NHS Lothian's Urology Outpatient Waiting List and don't know how long I will have to wait.
The King is lucky to receive immediate treatment but why should he not join the waiting list like everyone else? What's special about his prostate?
In 2014 at the age of 77 I was treated for Benign Prostate Enlargement by 'Green Light Laser'. That was a relief but unfortunately prostates continue growing and now urination problems have returned. Last June I was put on NHS Lothian's Urology Outpatient Waiting List and don't know how long I will have to wait.
The King is lucky to receive immediate treatment but why should he not join the waiting list like everyone else? What's special about his prostate?
To The Scotsman (17 Jan 24) published 18 Jan 24
A McCormick appears to think that the Inquisition opposed Galileo for his adoption of the heliocentrism of Copernicus because it believed in a 'flat earth' (Letters, 16 January).
In fact the Church believed in the geocentrism of Aristotle and Ptolemy. As far as I can tell, the Christian Church has never held a belief in a flat Earth.
A McCormick appears to think that the Inquisition opposed Galileo for his adoption of the heliocentrism of Copernicus because it believed in a 'flat earth' (Letters, 16 January).
In fact the Church believed in the geocentrism of Aristotle and Ptolemy. As far as I can tell, the Christian Church has never held a belief in a flat Earth.
To The Sunday Times (15 Jan 24) published 21 Jan 24
Brian Davidson (Letters, 14 January) should note that not all PR systems are the same. The problem in Israel is that it uses the infamous party list system which produces a multitude of parties in the parliament. Scotland uses a messy two-vote system that is not true PR. Eire and Northern Ireland use the true proportional singe transferable vote (STV) system and manage very well. The UK should adopt it.
Brian Davidson (Letters, 14 January) should note that not all PR systems are the same. The problem in Israel is that it uses the infamous party list system which produces a multitude of parties in the parliament. Scotland uses a messy two-vote system that is not true PR. Eire and Northern Ireland use the true proportional singe transferable vote (STV) system and manage very well. The UK should adopt it.
To The Scotsman (11 Jan 24) not published
Richard Dixon notes that we are heading for a climate disaster ('Temperature threshold set to be breached', Scottish Life,10 January). No matter how many COPs are held, they achieve little and don't take global warning seriously. Most countries depend on the burning of fossil fuels. Even in the UK we still burn gas and coal to generate electricity. Meanwhile the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere steadily rises. No one seems to know how to stop the burning without causing the collapse of civilisation. But if we don't get off this treadmill civilisation will collapse anyway. Tweaking the use of energy by going green is 'fiddling while Rome burns'. It can have little effect.
As an intelligent species, perhaps the only one in the universe, we seem to be blind to unintended consequences. Perhaps AI would make a better job, but only by eliminating us first. There are too many of us and we cause pollution wherever we go. We are turning out to be a disaster for the planet. The dominant species that doesn't really know what its doing.
Richard Dixon notes that we are heading for a climate disaster ('Temperature threshold set to be breached', Scottish Life,10 January). No matter how many COPs are held, they achieve little and don't take global warning seriously. Most countries depend on the burning of fossil fuels. Even in the UK we still burn gas and coal to generate electricity. Meanwhile the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere steadily rises. No one seems to know how to stop the burning without causing the collapse of civilisation. But if we don't get off this treadmill civilisation will collapse anyway. Tweaking the use of energy by going green is 'fiddling while Rome burns'. It can have little effect.
As an intelligent species, perhaps the only one in the universe, we seem to be blind to unintended consequences. Perhaps AI would make a better job, but only by eliminating us first. There are too many of us and we cause pollution wherever we go. We are turning out to be a disaster for the planet. The dominant species that doesn't really know what its doing.
To The Scotsman (9 Jan 24) published 10 Jan 24
Neil White (Letters, 8 January) claims that Kirk closures and falling attendances is 'the greatest tragedy of our time'! Really? That's hyperbole on overload. There are several natural disasters that might rank as the greatest tragedy, some where millions have been killed. Even in Britain, our greatest tragedy seems to have been the 1212 fire on London Bridge where it is thought up to 3000 people died. In recent times how about the Grenfell Tower tragedy?
The decline of religion and Christianity in this country is not a tragedy; it's a blessing as it releases people from superstition and allows rational thought to flourish.
Neil White (Letters, 8 January) claims that Kirk closures and falling attendances is 'the greatest tragedy of our time'! Really? That's hyperbole on overload. There are several natural disasters that might rank as the greatest tragedy, some where millions have been killed. Even in Britain, our greatest tragedy seems to have been the 1212 fire on London Bridge where it is thought up to 3000 people died. In recent times how about the Grenfell Tower tragedy?
The decline of religion and Christianity in this country is not a tragedy; it's a blessing as it releases people from superstition and allows rational thought to flourish.
To The Scotsman (6 Jan 24) published 9 Jan 24
Actually, Peter Hopkins (Letters, 6 December) is correct. Average sea level has been rising since 1910 at a steady rate of about 2cm/10 years (geologicaltimechart.com). So it looks as if it's not rising now any more than it was a century ago (this is not due to ice-melt: post-glacial sea level rise ceased about 8000 years ago). Nevertheless, the rise has recently been accelerated by increased melting in Greenland and Antarctica. This has the potential to double the total sea level rise projected by 2100 when compared to projections that assume a constant rate of sea level rise. This conclusion is not based on any computer modelling, but on real data.
It is true that sea levels are not consistent worldwide. For example, in many locations along the US coastline, the rate of local sea level rise is greater than the global average due to to land processes like erosion, oil and groundwater pumping and subsidence.
Actually, Peter Hopkins (Letters, 6 December) is correct. Average sea level has been rising since 1910 at a steady rate of about 2cm/10 years (geologicaltimechart.com). So it looks as if it's not rising now any more than it was a century ago (this is not due to ice-melt: post-glacial sea level rise ceased about 8000 years ago). Nevertheless, the rise has recently been accelerated by increased melting in Greenland and Antarctica. This has the potential to double the total sea level rise projected by 2100 when compared to projections that assume a constant rate of sea level rise. This conclusion is not based on any computer modelling, but on real data.
It is true that sea levels are not consistent worldwide. For example, in many locations along the US coastline, the rate of local sea level rise is greater than the global average due to to land processes like erosion, oil and groundwater pumping and subsidence.
To The Scotsman (30 Dec 23) published 5 Jan 24
What possessed Peter Hopkins (Letters, 29 December) to claim that sea levels are not increasing? Certainly not the relevant authorities (Met Office; IPCC; National Geographic; NASA; etc.) who all agree that sea level rose about 20 cm between 1901 and 2018. Furthermore the rise is accelerating. By the end of this century, the rise is expected to be between 50 and 100 cm. This rise is unprecedented in the last 3000 years and is due to global warming.
What possessed Peter Hopkins (Letters, 29 December) to claim that sea levels are not increasing? Certainly not the relevant authorities (Met Office; IPCC; National Geographic; NASA; etc.) who all agree that sea level rose about 20 cm between 1901 and 2018. Furthermore the rise is accelerating. By the end of this century, the rise is expected to be between 50 and 100 cm. This rise is unprecedented in the last 3000 years and is due to global warming.