Angry letters are borne out of real frustration

Jul 24 2009

IN response to the letter from South Ayrshire Council leader Hugh R Hunter, I can understand how upsetting and depressing it is to read abusive letters from angry Ayrshire citizens. I can only suggest that although these letters may seem like direct personal attacks, they are more often than not borne of frustration and used as an outlet for people who feel that the only way of getting a point across to South Ayrshire Council is to use harsh words.

Perhaps it would be better to ask why these letters are arriving in the first place? To me, it seems that there is absolutely no confidence or trust between the people who live in the town and pay the council, and the council themselves. Yes, as you point out there are some beautiful beaches in Ayrshire. And they are very well maintained, as they should be. But these were not created by the council. All that I can see the council contributing to Ayr is the continuous closure of entertainment venues, outdated (Biblical?) responses to new licensing suggestions, woodland being destroyed to make room for more parking, homes being chucked in every available spot of free space, and all the while the town blows its ‘Land O' Burns’ trumpet, without really offering tourists any incentive to stick around for more than a fleeting visit.

It is a confusing message to send out to the public. One which arouses suspicion and ill feeling. As an artist and record label owner based in the Ayrshire countryside, I am unfortunately embarrassed to tell people that I live in a town now infamous for it's hypocritical approach to entertainment and the arts. We live in a culture now which constantly demands "more, faster, better". I think it's only fitting that you consider ways of offering more, instead of appearing to take it away. I understand the importance of maintaining Ayr's historical and cultural ties with Robert Burns, but there is a darker and deeper history in Ayrshire of corruption and greed (may I suggest the book The Grey Man by S.R Crockett). Let's not add fuel to that fire...

Shaun Dowse

Quarry House

Kirkmichael.