Lessons needed in local democracy

Sir, – As well as the local council elections, my eldest daughter Bethany sat her modern studies examination on May 5 and, while it concentrates on many areas, one area it does not cover at all is how local councils work and function.

That surely, like the Scottish Labour Party not fielding any candidates at all in Peterhead, is an absolute disgrace?

The one part of the system that affects most of us directly with the services it provides, and a mainstream political party not giving the residents of Peterhead, the largest town in Aberdeenshire, the chance to vote for it, has to rank with the fact that the same town does not have a rail link and is absolutely shocking.

Are we serious about levelling up and regarding those who voted for Scottish independence as part of the same Union as those who voted for the Union? While very welcome for those in Aberdeenshire, the fact that Jim Gifford and Alison Evison stood as independents in the 2022 elections shows how out of touch both the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and Scottish Labour Party are with ordinary working people like myself.

We simply must change our attitude to local councils.

While the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and Scottish Labour continue to almost demonise those who voted for Scottish independence in 2014, those in the city of Aberdeen almost live in two different worlds with those in places like Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber and Peterculter living in a completely different environment from those in Tillydrone, Seaton, Mastrick, Torry, and that surely must change.

In the same way independence voters in 2014 are part of the same Union as unionists, in my opinion. Regardless of which part of Aberdeen you live in surely you should feel as much Aberdonian and part of the oil capital of Europe.

Sorting out both Union Street and Union Terrace Gardens would be a good first step in what promises to be a long process.

Peter Ovenstone, Orchard Grove, Peterhead.