‘Beating heart’ of city needs help

SIr, – The proposed restoration of the Hamilton Monument in St Nicholas Kirkyard, Aberdeen, is of course welcome. It will bring this little known son of Aberdeen a little further to the fore.

In support of the restoration Lord Provost Barney Crockett , vice-chairman of Aberdeen City Heritage Trust, insists that Union Street has continued to be the “beating heart” of the city. If that is indeed the case, it needs a defibrillator.

Provost Crockett maintains that “the Hamilton Monument will showcase not just Aberdeen’s architectural wealth but its rich social and scientific history. At a cost of only £15,000 this represents good value for money”.

Provost Crockett went on to say that via the Masterplan and “in conjunction with other organisations, the council is helping to conserve our heritage for years to come”.

“Helping”? Surely “leading the way” would be more appropriate. The council is responsible for all aspects of the wellbeing of the city – and if Union Street is the “beating heart” why has it been ignored for so long?

George S Morrison, Overton Circle, Dyce, Aberdeen