What our readers have been writing about this week

We will be well cared for now

Sir, – Cathie Craigie was quoted as saying “Make sure the people of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth are well cared for” on your front page. Well, I can honestly say we WILL be well cared for now!

Whilst in office, Cathy Craigie showed little interest in caring for the people of Cumbernauld and that is the reason for her losing her place in the Scottish Parliament and not as she said, because of right wing voters. Labour has shown little interest in the people of Cumbernauld either in the Scottish Parliament or in North Lanarkshire Council and that is why she is now out of office.

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Maybe finally North Lanarkshire Council will take note of what the voters, the people of Cumbernauld, have to say and finally give us the service that we expect and are entitled to have, and not treat us as the cash-cow that they have done in the past. I hope to see the same sea-change with the voters finally choosing councillors that will work for Cumbernauld and its people, and not for their own agendas, in the next local elections. – Yours etc.,

JAMES T. ORMISTON

via e-mail

Disappointed

Sir, – I was extremely disappointed to learn that Cathie Craigie had not been re-elected to represent Cumbernauld and Kilsyth in the Scottish Parliament.

I notice that the local election coverage listed Cathie’s many political achievements, and rightly so. However, I think that Cathie’s greatest achievement is the tireless way in which she worked for the people of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth. I know that many people, myself included, have been helped out of difficult situations by Mrs Craigie, and for this I am truly grateful. I would just like to publicly state my thanks for all of the work she has carried out over the course of the last 12 years. Cathie, you will be sorely missed. – Yours etc.,

MARIA LOUISE MUIR

via e-mail

Cathie will be missed

Sir, – It was with regret that I read that Cathie Craigie had not been re-elected on May 5.

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Cathie was always a strong advocate for Cumbernauld, and I’d like to say thanks for her hard work in representing us. She was the first woman to steer a private members bill through the parliament - the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Act which gave more protection to people facing repossession. Her BSL (British Sign Language) bill which you mentioned in your coverage was also a testament to her efforts to support people from the deaf community.

I’ve spoken to so many people day-to-day across the town who have been helped by Cathie and her staff, who together have made a real difference to people’s lives here. We’ve lost a hard-working MSP and I just want to say publicly how grateful many of us are for Cathie’s hard work and service to Cumbernauld & Kilsyth. She will be missed. – Yours etc.,

BARRY McCOMISH

via e-mail

Thanks to Cathie

Sir – I would like to offer my thanks to Cathie Craigie for her service as Cumbernauld & Kilsyth’s first MSP.

Elected in 1999, she has for 12 years served our local communities with unrivalled commitment and determination through three parliaments. Born and bred in the area, Cathie has spent her life championing our communities in local government, and at a national level.

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Cumbernauld & Kilsyth has lost a dedicated representative, and a truly outstanding woman in Cathie. It has been a pleasure to campaign with her as our team spoke with constituents across the area, where her warmth and devotion to our communities was to the fore. I wish her and her family well as they embark on their bright future, and am certain that she will continue to be as a strong voice in the Labour Party for tolerance, equality and fairness as she has been in Parliament.

I am certain that the remarkable example of public service set by Cathie as Cumbernauld & Kilsyth’s first MSP will be marked and followed by her successors, and I look forward to working with Labour’s Mark Griffin MSP as we fight for our communities through these difficult times. – Yours etc.,

LAWRIE MORGAN-KLEIN

Chairman

Cumbernauld Labour Party

Cumbernauld Village

Waves of annoyance

Sir, – I have just read last week’s article on the wave sculptures and felt I had to comment.

Each time I pass these it really annoys me to think of the money and how the people concerned ever thought this waste would be acceptable. Now to add insult to injury the article states that council chiefs say “the project has not proved to be so expensive as the cost also included landscaping”.

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Have they seen the so-called landscaping? The first landscaping consisted of ripping out the already established trees at the top of the roundabouts and replacing with relative saplings. The area which would have recently been covered with daffodils is now bare earth and weeds. Is this their idea of landscaping?

I emailed the council when the lights were first lit and I had been dazzled. One of the flimsy excuses I received about the cost was that in the long term this would reduce maintenance. Now I see why, they are just leaving it alone! – Yours, etc.,

A. WATSON

via e-mail

Association for Gaelic speakers

Sir, – I am endeavouring to create an association for Gaelic speakers in Lanarkshire. It would bring together Gaels of all ages in the area, for chat, fun, music, concerts, excursions, poetry readings, and if possible, (ecumenical) church services - the heart of our tongue! Please note, that the only demand made upon any potential member of anything arising from this preliminary enquiry is that one speaks Gaelic.

Ideally, it would be situated in and around Hamilton and Motherwell, but also have meetings wherever demand and occasion necessitates.

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If you, or any family member or friend are interested, I would sincerely urge you to contact me on 01698 333 405 or 07539 925222 (mob), email: [email protected] and we can put together a plan of action. – Yours etc.,

Caomhainn MacLachlainn

2 Viewfield Avenue,

Blantyre,

Glasgow G72 9BH