Head of Stupidity

I am old enough to remember the days when Edinburgh had a “City Engineer” who was the supremo in charge of departments known as Roads, Drainage, Water, and Lighting and Cleansing. Each of these had bosses who were known as “Head of Roads Department” and similarly “Head of” the other departments mentioned above. All of these were answerable to the City Engineer, known (and feared!) by all as “The Chief”. All titles clearly indicated the function of the holders thereof.

Now, I see from your article “Roads boss ‘kept awake’ by fear festival-goers will be hit by bus” (14 November) that Edinburgh Council’s roads chief rejoices under the title of “Executive Director of Place”. Who are the faceless morons who dream up such pretentious but meaningless titles whichoffernocluetothefunction of the titleholder?

DAVID HOLLINGDALE Easter Park Drive, Edinburgh