From GAY ANDERSON
May I comment on the article on Scottish superquarries (Focus, 8 January)?
There is a feeling among many people in Scotland who are interested
in the subject, that the time has come for a government inquiry into the
whole idea of superquarries.
Among the basic factors that need to be addressed are environmental
factors (including airborne and water-borne pollution) and the ‘jobs’ issue.
The number of local jobs created by a superquarry is small (around 100);
more and smaller quarries provide more local jobs.
The Highland economy is highly dependent on tourism and it is certain
that in at least some of the areas Wilson designates as potential quarry
sites, the siting of a superquarry would result in a decline in the local
economy, through loss of tourist-related jobs and income.
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We should also consider how many jobs could be created by recycling
more demolition rubble – and how much less material would then need to be
transported.
Gay Anderson Onich, Fort William, Scotland
