Evening News letters: Putting ice rink into cold storage will freeze us out

There can be no denying its popularity and it certainly adds to the enchanting wintry spectacle that is Princes Street Gardens during the festive period.

Could it be, though, that in order to recoup just a fraction of the money that has been squandered on things such as the mismanaged trams project, attractions that are very popular with locals and tourists alike are being sacrificed?

First to go was the hugely popular Festival Cavalcade and who knows when that will return, if indeed it does.

Tourism is one of Edinburgh’s most lucrative industries, but doing away with the things that make it appealing could be the equivalent of shooting yourself in the foot.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Curry favour by reliving old days

I SEE from Thursday’s Evening News that Khushi’s restaurant is soon to re-open in Antigua Street following its unfortunate fire in Victoria Street.

Sadly, to those of us who grew up with what was probably the oldest Indian restaurant in Scotland (originally opened I think in 1949), this will be of little interest.

Since Khushi’s moved from Drummond Street some years ago, what was once a relatively cheap place serving good Indian home cooking has transmogrified into an expensive high-class establishment largely forsaking its origins, serving pretty much what similar places do and, worst of all, has consigned its traditional family recipes to the dustbin of history.

Oh for a return to the days of Margaret (with the memory) taking the orders, Mr Khushi nodding affably to customers at the till and Mrs Khushi clattering away in the kitchen producing her own particular version of magic.

If owner Islam Mohammed (who I can remember as a child playing at the back of the shop) could only be persuaded to think to the past, not the future, I’d be the first through his door to order pakora (with veg sauce), bhuna, spinach, paratha and spiced onions.

And I’d be in again at least once a week.

John Hein, Montgomery Street, Edinburgh

Wild child shows state of society

I WAS driving in Lanark Road West in Currie recently, at about 4.30pm. The car in front of me stopped suddenly as a young boy, approximately two years old, ran across the busy road. Fortunately, the traffic travelling in the opposite direction was also moving at a sensible speed, and the child came to no harm.

The child was on his own, with no responsible adult or carer to be seen.

However, all of the drivers and passengers, including myself, remained in their stationary vehicles as the child ran about the road, obviously enjoying his break to freedom.

Eventually, the driver of a 4x4 drove on to the footpath, left his vehicle, scooped up the child in his arms, and took him to a nearby primary school.

I think that this incident demonstrates the sad state into which our society has descended.

Twenty years ago, there would have been a queue of concerned adults trying to help this child. Nowadays, people are afraid to go anywhere near a young child, far less pick the child up.

Well done to the 4x4 driver – you put the rest of us to shame.

Ron Elder, Rullion Road, Penicuik

Mirror break gives a good reflection

WE found my husband’s wing mirror was broken off when we got back to the car after leaving it parked on a hill in Bathgate.

Someone had left a card on the car windscreen and said they were sorry for the damage and would pay for it.

It restored our faith in human nature and the job has been done and paid for.

Thank you to the lady who did this.

We were upset at the time. We are senior citizens and appreciate the kindness.

Mr and Mrs Hogg, Edinburgh