LIKE Rab Neilson (Letters, May 23), the unintended sight of Betty's Bar in your photograph (“Silent witness to a changing waterfront”, The Herald, May 21) raised a wry smile. We hosted big international freighters in Clydeport, and even the non-English speaking of the crews coming on shore leave would come into our office and say: "Taxi – Betty's Bar?"
The Harbourmasters' Department in those days (the 1970s) published a memo every couple of days with an update of the traffic on the river to every docking facility, and we were convinced that Betty's Bar got a copy too.
Mr Neilson is correct: Betty's Bar was better known internationally than Las Vegas.
Hugh Steele, Cumbernauld.
RAB Neilson's letter (May 23) on the subject of Betty's Bar brought back memories, as I was employed some 60 years ago in the warehouse next to this infamous hostelry. As it was often necessary to park my car outside the bar itself, I became acquainted over a period of time with many of the clientele awaiting the opening hour, thus learning what might be called their modus operandi.
The most favoured method of regular rather than casual employment was to hop on the ferry at the end of the road, across to General Terminus and travel by collier down to Ardrossan where they were taken ashore by pilot boat. If all went well the return journey up river could also be so arranged. As the ships carrying coal in particular ran to a regular weekly schedule, an income could be guaranteed.
It can be seen therefore that apart from a certain personal charm, it also demanded a great deal of logistical skill as well as knowledge of the times of high water at Greenock and the cooperation of the River Clyde Pilots Association.
Despite the inevitable hardships of their life, they always were courteous and inquisitive as to my general wellbeing.
R Johnston, Newton Mearns.
Blind dog and the guide
HEADING to the bus stop in Inverness city centre, I saw that there was a chap sitting reading a newspaper in the shelter – lying between his feet was a guide dog (with the full high-viz harness). I sat down at other end of the bench, and after five minutes of mental turmoil I had to ask about the dog.
The chap explained: "I’m nae blind the dog is. Belongs to my Dad – he is blind, but he has had Barney for nine years and his eyesight was failing so he had to get a new dog."
Apparently it is easier for the son to take Barney to the vet – after nine years' service he refuses to leave the house without his harness.
Paul Obi, Inverness.
Rough times ahead
IT is not only the five-mile drive restriction that will continue to frustrate golfers in the resumption of normal service (Letters, May 25). To my knowledge that oasis of acclaim – the 19th hole – has not been cleared to recommence trading. Surely until this aspect is addressed we will be a fairway from restoring the golfing fraternity to their havens of play.
Allan C Steele, Giffnock.
DAVID Miller (Letters, May 25) notes that many golfers live 20 or more miles from their clubs. Could they not just keep them in the garage or under the stair?
Alastair Clark, Stranraer.
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