The risks of oil, gas and coal industries were managed, so why not fracking too?

Those against fracking seem determined it cannot ever be viewed positively, with no amount of safeguards being adequate (“Sturgeon urged to visit US to see boost from fracking”, The Scotsman, 28 September).

No doubt if Nicola Sturgeon did take up the suggestion to visit the US to see their experience first hand, she would hear of bad early experiences in the introduction of this technology.

But equally, she would see that since then the lessons have been learned and a thriving industry has grown up, creating thousands of jobs, and making a major contribution towards the US retaining control of meeting its energy needs.

It seems likely from what she has said that the First Minister is not going to be swayed by the positive balance of scientific opinion, with intense political pressure from her own membership. Yet those who are against the use of fossil fuels will never be satisfied. Environmental and safety issues have always played a significant part in the oil, gas and coal industries, but have not stopped us finding ways of managing the risks and so benefiting from these energy sources.

The questions the First Minister has to answer if the new political correctness on fracking wins the day, is what is to ultimately happen to the 10,000 jobs that will become increasingly dependent on this technology at Grangemouth, and are we destined to import more and more energy to fill the widening gap in our energy supplies?

KEITH HOWELL West Linton, Peeblesshire What a momentous day for the Scottish economy, especially the Falkirk/grangemouth area. Hundreds of millions of pounds invested in the Ineos Grangemouth facility will safeguard around 10,000 jobs and create economic wealth for years to come. It was indeed an occasion worthy of celebration. Almost everyone, from the Conservative Scottish Secretary to the regional secretary of the GMB union, welcomed this success.

Except for the Greens, who said Grangemouth should be investing in something different and, of course, the Scottish Government, who just didn’t bother to turn up.

Ms Sturgeon was talking about a second referendum in London (now there’s a surprise), the Economy Secretary was at a cabinet meeting and there was obviously no one else available. What an incentive this must be to other companies thinking of investing in Scotland… I don’t think.

JIM HOUSTON Winton Gardens, Edinburgh How ironic that on the day that the much-heralded initial consignment of shale gas was due to arrive at Grangemouth the high winds prevented the Ineos vessel from docking. Thankfully the ever-growing battery of wind turbines were burling around merrily and keeping Scotland’s lights on. ANDREW MACGREGOR

Falkirk Road, Linlithgow