THE dilemma that our politicians have to face in today’s febrile climate is simple; jobs that are necessary versus climate change deemed essential to save the planet (“Sturgeon may drop support for Heathrow’s third runway”, The Herald, May 10).

The fact that our First Minister is now prepared to ditch backing a project that enjoyed previous strong support from herself a illustrates her problem. The fact that he third runway at Heathrow might just have given a leg-up to Prestwick’s future as a logistical hub only adds to the problem.

I doubt that withdrawing her support for the third runway at Heathrow will alter the ultimate decision, but it does help her in proving her green credentials.

It is interesting to note that Prestwick is now regarded as “a piece of national infrastructure”. I suggest it is now more like a whitened sepulchre that has drained more than £40 million out of the economy. Its potential is now even further weakened in the name of net zero carbon emissions.

I understand the UK contributes less than one per cent of the world’s carbon emissions. Perhaps our Government should also consider shutting Prestwick down to save even more carbon emissions as well. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.

Robin Johnston,

Newton Mearns.

Why we must resist this Loch Lomond plan

I CONCUR with everything Kevin McKenna wrote about the proposed development by Flamingo Land between Balloch and Loch Lomond Shores (“Are we to let private interests take Lomond Shore from us?”, The Herald, May 11). I can’t bear the thought of this beautiful throughway being despoiled by an unnecessary and unwanted (by most local people) commercial development.

I normally use the pathway several times a week and, especially in spring, summer and autumn it is an absolute joy. Like Mr McKenna, I used to count the number of people I encountered in what is a relatively short walk (on one occasion 70 in less than 10 minutes). There are usually dog walkers; cyclists; tourists; picnickers; families with young children; kids playing football; even, on one occasion, someone practising his golf.

It would be truly tragic to lose all this to a commercial development that would only add to an already overcrowded Balloch.

More power to your elbow, Ross Greer.

Ian Baillie,

Alexandria.

The devilish Hillman Imp

I ONCE, in my job, had to drive a Hillman Imp. It was indeed an Imp. To meet a bump or pothole meant that the central section of the steering wheel jumped into your lap. There was also a cow trapped in it somewhere which sporadically mooed. At more than 45mph

the Imp threatened to take to the skies.

At the garage I complained about the Imp’s ambition to fly and about the hidden cow. The mechanic looked under the “boot” (which was the front – the engine was in the back) and said: “Ye huvny ony concrete in there, pal” and he arranged for a massive concrete slab to be lowered in. “She wullny flee noo. And yer coo’s thirsty. It’s a horn that blaws when ye root o’ watter. Ok, pal?”

They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. Anyone wish to add a tuppence-worth?

Donald M Manson,

Prestwick.