Letters: Biomass project would bring new jobs to Leith

It is likely that 20 per cent of the world's population currently uses 80 per cent of the world's resources and now, as the remainder of the global population want more of "their" share, it is clear that there simply is not enough to go round.

It is therefore necessary that ideas such as renewable wind energy, wave energy and other alternative energy sources must be developed to cope with this increasing demand.

With this in mind, projects such as the biomass development, although maybe not being so aesthetically eye-catching, actually become a necessity to prolong the life of the planet.

We have all made use in the past of all other sources of energy, such as carbon-based fuels, and we have a duty and obligation to ensure we leave future generations the legacy of a better world with a cleaner environment and renewable energy resources.

The biomass development would also be beneficial to the existing population by providing direct employment.

By situating the plant within the confines of Leith Docks, there would also be the dual effect of decreasing the "carbon footprint" by the saving of further transportation by road and rail to any inland facility.

George Christie, director, GAC Shipping (UK) Ltd, Grangemouth

SNP played part in tram fiasco

I WAS intrigued when Martin Hannan insinuated that there were serious problems with the appointment of Bilfinger Berger to the final tram contract and tried to lay the blame for that on the previous council administration (News, March 1).

What Martin conveniently forgot to mention was the fact that the appointment of Bilfinger Berger, and the signing of the final tram contract, didn't take place until May 1, 2008: a full year after the local elections of 2007.

Julie Marshall, Calder Gardens, Edinburgh

Parties unite to block gun powers

IT was deeply disappointing to note Labour MPs voting with the Tories to block the transfer of control over the most dangerous air weapons to the Scottish Parliament.

An SNP amendment to the Scotland Bill, which would have enabled the Scottish Parliament to take action over the most dangerous air weapons and tackle problems which exist in relation to armed crime and the irresponsible misuse of firearms, was defeated by 392 votes to eight as Labour joined the Liberal Democrats and the Tories.

Although the number of incidents is declining, Scotland still has a problem with dangerous weapons - particularly airguns.

This amendment would have devolved control over these weapons to the Scottish Parliament so tailored solutions could be developed, and it is profoundly disappointing that Labour seems to have joined the Tory-Lib Dem coalition to vote it down.Scottish ministers have used their powers to tackle Scotland's problem with knife crime - and it's working, with incidents down 30 per cent in the past four years.

With the transfer of responsibility proposed in this amendment, the same could have been done with air guns.

The measures contained in the Scotland Bill will require Scottish ministers to ask the UK Parliament before acting, and this is a delay which could cost lives.

Alex Orr, SNP list candidate, Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh

Let's ban snares in Scotland now

IT'S grand news that Edinburgh-based charity OneKind has vowed to continue fighting to make Scotland a "snare-free country" despite MSPs voting against a ban on snares (News, March 7).

All snares should be banned for good as they cause appalling injuries to wild and domestic animals.

I hope MSPs will take heed and enforce a ban very soon.

June Fleming, Hercus Loan, Musselburgh, East Lothian