For the first time in quite a while I had reason to drive through Glasgow city centre and surroundings.
One thing in particular struck me: the number of construction cranes, scaffolded buildings and obvious signs of building work going on.
In my working life as a decorator I would have known where each of these sites were and the type of work being carried out.
My point, however is that those things are indicative of a high level of activity and reaffirms that young people should be pointed towards traditional "blue collar" work in the trades of carpentry, electrical, plumbing or my own of painting and decorating.
We continually hear of graduates being unable to find employment within the profession they have studied.
Surely it would be more sensible to serve an apprenticeship and be paid at the same time with the ability of furthering themselves into supervisory roles and potential self-employment.
Brendan Keenan, Glasgow.
The people's anthem
Anent the ongoing debate about Flower of Scotland (Letters, April 17 & 20), while understanding the perspective of the Rev James A Munro, I feel closer to Duncan MacGillivray and am compelled to quote the late Roy Williamson himself, according to his biographer, daughter Karen: "This is God's Acre, our home. The most beautiful country in the world, bar none.
“One doesn't accept money for honour. If my fellow countrymen have chosen my scribbled thoughts and music for themselves then it becomes theirs.
“I wrote the words and music, made the song, inspired by this country of ours – Ronnie persuaded me it was good enough – but it's the people who made the anthem, not me."
It’ll be a sair fecht to try to force a change now so, in common with several other countries, we’ll just have to have two anthems.
John C Hutchison, Fort William.
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• I wrote in 2024 that I would welcome a new anthem, singable and amenable to all, but that Flower of Scotland was the chosen song of the sporting terraces. I would point out to the Rev James A Munro that in in rejoicing in the expulsion of a multi-national invading army, Flower of Scotland is the opposite of a “cringe”. Most national anthems are an ode to war and dying for one’s country with “stirring” bloodthirsty lyrics (La Marseillaise or Fratelli D 'Italia) or they can resemble Deutschlandlied or God save the King with unacceptable verses later removed.
Perhaps our new government could institute a national search for a new anthem: it could be as simple as new words to an old tune (Scotland has many) or a new tune to old words (reworking a Burns poem, perhaps?). I am not religious, but wonder if Rev Munro does not find the unchristian conceit of God Save the King offensive?
GR Weir, Ochiltree.
Poor planning on cycle lane
I’m obligated to Patricia Fort (Letters, April 20) for her response to my letter of April 17 about cycle lanes, and in particular, the displacement of parked vehicles. The displacement she mentioned occurs at the moment; cars, goods vehicles and very occasionally buses, are denied parking on, for example, Victoria Road, due to a combination of the cycle lanes and vehicle users temporarily abandoning their vehicles on the carriageway. The impact would be less on a side street, whereas on an arterial road, it causes congestion, tailbacks and frustration.
In my letter, I mentioned the stretch of road on Langside Place, between the monument and Queen’s Park gates. The introduction of a cycle lane here displaced around 100 parking spaces, to the already congested surrounding side streets. The council could easily have routed this stretch of cycle lane through Queen’s Park, an area reserved solely for the use of pedestrians and cyclists. I have to ask: why did they not do so? It’s this type of poor planning that frustrates those of us who want to see cycling made safer, but also want traffic flow to be effective too.
Stuart Brennan, Glasgow.
Reasons to be cheerful
As the carnage and deprivation continue on through the year it becomes increasingly difficult to find reasons to be cheerful.
I thought I would have a go.
Firstly, putting to one side any moral or financial considerations, the Artemis II space mission was pretty spectacular both from a technical point of view but also from the perspective of the possibilities of human achievement for good things. My enjoyment was enhanced by the numerous news reports from schools where the pupils were genuinely excited watching and counting down the launch. I recall my own excitement (aged eight) at the Moon landings a half a century ago and dragging my parents to the shops to buy an Airfix model of the Saturn V rocket (with detachable capsule!).
Secondly, we have a short video on our family WhatsApp group of our grandson's first experience of "the swings". Going from a look of genuine puzzlement as his dad gently plonks him in the swing to yelps of pure unadulterated delight after a couple of pushes is absolutely priceless and guaranteed to raise a big smile. It's a regular favourite of mine.
Butterflies are back, though frogs seem to be in a bit of bother.
Finally, I am writing this from the garden enjoying a cup of coffee and gazing at our cherry blossom tree which has just burst into full bloom. This is the same tree which we were told was "dead" some 25 years ago. Seems no one told the tree. It is known in the family as "Gran's cherry tree" as sitting under it was a favourite spot for my recently-departed mother on her frequent visits, one of which always coincided with the blooming.
Given the Ayrshire winds you have to be quick and seize the moment to enjoy the spectacle of the tree in full bloom. The blossoms can disappear in a single breath, which is actually a bit like life.
Keith Swinley, Ayr.
Gigglefest is a turn-off
Ken MacVicar (Letters, April 21) rightly criticises the pronunciation by Radio Scotland presenters. The over-the-fence style of the giggling girlie presenters also grates. Gone is the style of real reporters such as Neville Garden and Mike Russell, who gave Radio Scotland its recognisable "weight and sound".
Malcolm Parkin, Kinnesswood.
• Ken MacVicar's letter on annoying language struck a chord.
I find the phrase "you know what" baffling and annoying: is it a question?
Allan McDougall, Neilston.
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