Oban Times Letters to the Editor - 12.9.24
Community still has hope over disruption of pylon plan
Re your "Monster Pylon Plan Approved" of August 29. I am one of the "disappointed" residents of a Dalmally postcode referred to in the article.
I was particularly appalled by the final paragraph of comments attributed to a Mr Scott of SSEN, blaming the thousands of objectors, including Argyll and Bute Council, for delays and additional costs to SSEN’s proposals for 48 Super Pylons oversailing Dalmally.
This is simply untrue, false and patronising. The delays and costs can be attributed solely to SSEN, who for eight years refused to engage with our community and its concerns over suggested transmission routes.
The eye watering legal costs were generated and instructed by SSEN in attempts to silence all objections. Although Mr Scott senses a victory, I would suggest caution, as my feeling is that the community has far from given up hope of further disruption.
As for Mr Scott’s assertion that all costs will be passed on to the consumer, this is only because SSEN has weaseled its way around Ofgem and our somewhat gullible Scottish Government ministers, perhaps with other problems to resolve.
SSEN Business Cases presented avoid the embaracing fact that there are no permitted developments waiting for a connection to the grid in Argyll, making this a purely speculative commercial venture, which should be funded by SSEN shareholders and not the public.
Private utility companies, already making vast profits and being major contributors to the "cost of living crisis", should have no access to public funding or the recovery of capital expenses from the public, in our current straightened circumstances.
John Kerr, Glen Orchy.
No peace for Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan has had the curse of Harry Potter for the past five years or so.
Once Danny Boyle’s movie on Zombies is screened next year, there will be the added curse of Zombie seekers hunting locations where various scenes were shot – I am afraid St Marys wonderful Catholic Church will be one of them, no longer a peaceful retreat.
Although, when you observe the Harry Potter affectionatus wandering around, often in the rain, looking just a wee bit lost, you could be forgiven for thinking that they are looking for a Zombieland movie location, or just realising that the Glenfinnan experience is "Much Ado About Nothing" anyway.
I have to agree with, and sympathise with Mr Eric Whittaker who will "not be coming back".
It seems, he is not alone in his observations and thoughts. I have met many such visitors this year with a very similar experience to Mr Whittaker.
Graham Noble, Kinlocheil.
Help for children available
Schools are back and this can be a difficult time for some children. Childline delivered 2,283 counselling sessions across the UK where returning to school was mentioned in 2023/24 – with over a third taking place in August/September.
Children speak with counsellors about a variety of concerns at this time such as worries about starting a new school, increasing demands to get good grades, picking their subjects in key years and challenges around making new friends. The change in routine can also be a source of stress.
The NSPCC – the children’s charity which runs the Childline service – has some useful advice for parents and children during this time.
Parents and carers can listen to their child’s concerns. You could ask your child to write down everything they are looking forward to at school, and everything they are worried about.
Once your child has shared any concerns, you could chat through them, to help them cope with their worries and also look at the positives.
No matter the reason, if a young person is struggling with being back at school, it’s vital they are encouraged to talk to a safe adult about this, whether that’s a parent, carer or teacher.
They can also try using the Childline online mood journal and stay connected with friends and family – whether that’s online or in person.
And physical activity is always a great way of relieving stress, so they can try playing a game outside, go for a walk or take part in a sport.
More tips are available on the NSPCC website, and Childline is available 24/7 on 0800 1111 or they can use the online chat function.
Adeniyi Alade NSPCC Scotland Helplines.
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