Fort William bridge issue
I refer to the story in the Lochaber Times (page 5) and at www.obantimes.co.uk, last week aboutKate Forbes and the congestion in Fort William.
I don’t think the situation is helped any by the fact that the Nevis Bank bridge is classed as a “listed building” (which apparently means that, if we want to make any alterations to it in an attempt to ease the traffic flow, we’re screwed!).
However, I think one way to ease the congestion there would simply be to widen the traffic lanes by removing the sidewalks, and either divert pedestrians to the old bridge 20-odd yards upstream, or else build a new pedestrian bridge just downstream of the current road bridge. That would give large vehicles such as HGVs travelling north easier access to the bridge, and traffic travelling south wouldn’t need to give way to give the northbound traffic room to get onto the bridge in the first place.
Davie Kerr, Onich.
Other countries have gained independence, why not us?
Back in 1959 The Times reported that “Malta cannot live on its own”.
Funny that as since Malta gained Independence from Westminster and the UK, Malta has experienced constant economic growth.
Although self-government had been denied to the Maltese people on several occasions, both of their political parties agreed, “We are either equal to the UK or separate”.
Malta created a new Constitution in 1961. Then in 1964 the people were asked to vote for a further Independence Constitution, which was in fact a substitute or de facto referendum. The result was 54 per cent of voters wanted this.
Independence was gained, followed by membership of the United Nations three months later. Interestingly, the same percentage, 54 per cent voted to join the EU in 2004.
Malta’s population presently stands at 535,000 compared to Scotland’s 5,463,000.
More than 60 countries have won their independence from the UK and not one has ever asked to give it up again. Independence is normal.
Tricia Grey, Lochgilphead.
Governments need to do more to help sick this winter
Ofgem’s new energy price has come into effect. But the drop is unlikely to fill people’s pockets as bills are expected to be 13 per cent higher compared to last winter. People living with terminal illness often struggle to stay warm because of their condition, particularly as their symptoms make them feel colder and their mobility declines. The only option is to turn the heating up higher, and for longer. Charging and using electronic medical equipment can also be costly, and an increased schedule of washing and drying clothes adds up.
Almost 85 per cent of Marie Curie clinical teams have supported patients struggling with the cost of energy. And in a poll Marie Curie previously commissioned of the Scottish public, 94 per cent were concerned about family or friends who are terminally ill being able to keep their home warm over autumn and winter, with 75 per cent stating they would struggle to pay their energy bills in autumn and winter if they were diagnosed with a terminal illness and unable to work.
As last week marked Challenge Poverty Week (October 2-8) Marie Curie is calling on the Scottish and UK Governments to: Deliver a Social Tariff which supports
terminally-ill people’s needs through a whole-system approach, including working with energy providers; Commit to increasing targeted energy support for terminally ill people in the upcoming Government Budgets; Include terminally ill people in the eligibility for any increased support from the Warm Homes Discount this winter.
Increased costs, coupled with income loss from often having to reduce or give up work entirely because of terminal illness, create a double burden which forces terminally-ill people, their families and carers below the poverty line. This is unacceptable.
Ellie Wagstaff, senior policy manager, Marie Curie Scotland, Edinburgh.
New partnership to support people and animals
Two of Scotland’s leading charities, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and the Scottish SPCA, are teaming up to promote the welfare of both animals and people, and pooling resources to support local communities together.
Almost one in three adults in Scotland reported their mental health deteriorated after the pandemic.
Nationally, 25 per cent of Scots have a dog and 20 per cent have a cat. With 220,000 pet owners in Scotland saying they have cut back on food or care for their animal, the two charities are working together to provide a vital lifeline to both.
In the context of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and lengthy waiting times for mental health treatment, the charities have launched a partnership designed to protect people’s wellbeing and pets’ welfare, with the ultimate aim of keeping people and their pets together.
Through this new partnership, frontline colleagues from both organisations will be upskilled on how to identify animal welfare issues or mental health problems at an early stage, enabling help to be sought fast.
The charities will also share resources so all colleagues are confident in signposting people to additional support, helping to keep pets and people together. This may involve directing people to mental health and wellbeing support, helping them access pet food banks, advising on vet care, or helping people to source pet behavioural support.
SAMH and the Scottish SPCA will also work to raise awareness of the interconnections between human and animal welfare.
SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and the Scottish SPCA
Could you be the next Great British Baker?
Have you got what it takes to bake in the tent?
We’re looking for the next batch of bakers for the 15th series of The Great British Bake Off.
We are keen to spread the word about applications being open and hear from anyone who might be interested in applying, and would really love to reach out to readers.
If you or someone you know is a talented home baker then apply now at www.applyforbakeoff.co.uk or email us on applyforbakeoff@loveproductions.co.uk or call 0117 456 8530 for an application form.
Closing date for applications is 1pm on Tuesday January 2, 2024.
The Great British Bake Off, Love Productions Ltd.