I COULD not agree more with Sally Page, whose letter (December 9) condemns the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority for its shameful decision to authorise development next to Ross Priory on the hitherto-unspoiled southern shore of Loch Lomond. The governing authority of Scotland’s first national park, as Ms Page reminds us, should be bound by the Sandford Principle: where a conflict of interests exists, nature takes precedence over Mammon.
Alas, Mammon clearly rules at the park authority. This is not the first such decision to be taken with scant regard for founding principles, nor is it the first to have had more than a whiff of the rubber stamp about it. Quite apart from the visual blight of this development on the world-famous scenery of Loch Lomond, and leaving aside the woeful disregard for environmental impact assessments, site visits and comprehensive evaluation of the likely effects on wildlife, I am left wondering why it is that the Tom Hunter Foundation feels – and the planners clearly agree – that only this particular location will do for a Global Leadership Centre?
Surely it can’t be anything to do with the world-class views, the potential for water sports on the doorstep, the exclusive nature of the location? There are many brownfield sites in and around Glasgow that could benefit from an economic kick-start on the back of such a venture – why not choose one of those? The Tom Hunter Foundation should look to its philanthropic credentials and move its Global Leadership Centre elsewhere.
Jane Meek, Blanefield.
AS part of the £1 billion pound campus transformation, Strathclyde University is constructing a new teaching and learning centre and student union which will overlook the Rottenrow Gardens. The gardens and surrounding area have to be improved to create an enhanced and accessible campus for students.
Surely it would make more sense for Sir Tom Hunter to take advantage of this facility for a leadership centre rather than disturb the wildlife and biodiversity of one of the most beautiful spots in Scotland.
Anita Anderson, Gartocharn.
IT comes as no surprise to me and probably to many people that the Trump golf course at Menie has ruined the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Foveran Links ("Issue of the day: Trump course row over sand dunes", The Herald, November 10). It should be the case that it is designed and approved such that SSSI is not unduly affected (and if it is then it is monitored and developer made to comply) or that planning permission is turned down? Hopefully Scottish ministers and councillors will bear this in mind when addressing the proposed new course at Coul in Sutherland.
Niall McTeague, Giffnock.
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