Jeremy Bear or Ryanair?

Sir, – The recent suggestion in the letters column to transform Dundee’s Camperdown Park into an airport makes sound business sense because that venue satisfies the main business criteria which are:

(1) In business never pay over the odds to buy anything;

(2) Never rely on any goodwill or cooperation from any individual or organisation because these commodities can be withdrawn at any time;

(3) When any major business venture is suggested one should always consider all the potential pitfalls, (eg objections).

Applying these criteria we find:

(1) Dundee already owns Camperdown Park, so no need to buy land for such a project;

(2) If, for example, RAF Leuchars (or any part of it) was to be used as a civil airport that would involve a huge amount of co-operation and goodwill from Fife Council (and their voters) and also the Ministry of Defence and one doubts if that is ever likely to happen. An airport at Camperdown would not require any cooperation or goodwill from the MoD or any other local authority – or any other local authority’s voters;

(3) The amount of jobs (and prosperity) for the city of Dundee created by such a venture would very likely win the day despite any objections.

One thing is for sure and that is if Dundee does not have a viable airport the V&A will become yet another hugely expensive white elephant.

As a Dundonian it pains me that Camperdown is not the lovely park it once was. It has a wee zoo and has been in decline for years. The City Fathers have to ask themselves: what is going to bring visitors and jobs and wealth to their city? Does Dundee want Jeremy Bear or Ryanair? Angus Cooper. 2 Cleghorn Street, Dundee.