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Scotsman
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Readers' Letters: It's past time to something about bloated public sector
Readers reckon the Scottish Government has its spending priorities all wrong Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Two things are destroying our finances in Scotland. Firstly, the public sector 'no compulsory redundancy' policy that leads to higher costs, massive inefficiencies and complacency. Secondly, public sector pensions where employee and employer contributions are up to a staggering 38 per cent of annual remuneration – and sometimes higher. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, home to many a public servant (Picture: Neil Hanna) Both suck massive resources out of the public purse and create an inefficient, bloated, self-fulfilling, public sector without checks and balances. That would never happen in the private sector because it would be unaffordable and the business would simply go bust. A huge 51 per cent of Scottish GDP, or about £100 billion, is public sector services that makes no profit for our country but cost us all a fortune. And unions that are, uncomfortably, supported by political parties in government have the audacity to ask for more! A cosy but frankly unhealthy relationship? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are highly paid civil servants and local authority staff on 'garden leave' because they are qualified, selected by HR but incapable of fulfilling their roles. They can't be made redundant and can't be given another job at a lesser pay scale so, do nothing, stay at home, but receive remuneration. There are even public servants hybrid 'working' when abroad 'on holiday' – right, enjoy the pina colada! Stop the excesses. Commute some of the public sector pension contribution money to pay increased salaries then at least it benefits the Scottish economy, with money being spent in Scottish communities. Right now, the obscene amount of capital you and I have provided for public sector pensions is locked away for decades and invariably invested outside our country. We urgently need these funds now, and here. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So, to offer an example, a highly paid civil servant in Holyrood or a local authority employee earning, say, £100,000 – and there are many – might have a pension contribution of just about £40,000 p.a. A staggering and unconscionable amount. It's clear, there's an elephant in the room and we need to call it out! Ron Smith, Dundee Gaelic farce Grant Frazer does the usual oppression and abuse argument regarding the backing financially of protection of Gaelic (Letters, 24 June). I have no problem with looking after our heritage, but while cars are wrecked daily on our streets by potholes, while I have to spend £7,000 on an ankle operation, while education is in utter tatters, how come the crazy gang at Holyrood can always find money for their huggy hopes of independence? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Grant also states 'only in knowing the history of your country, can there ever be confidence in its future identity'. As someone who has more than 30 books and novels regarding my country's history, I need no lectures, to quote Honest John weekly at First Minister's Questions, about the future of my nation – I base all my thoughts around how we finance the bottomless tartan biscuit tin which is run on a wing and a prayer by the SNP while ignoring the real problems of our nation as previously mentioned. When will the lunatics in the asylum start addressing the real issues? Expect more of this before 2026! David Millar, Lauder, Scottish Borders Skewed priorities Sarah Boyack MSP proposes the creation of a 'Future Generations Commissioner' who will doubtless require a staff and a budget (your report, 24 June). Local authorities will be required to devote resources to implement the policies of the Bill. However well intentioned this may be, should we not be considering whether the additional cost is justifiable when the leader of the BMA Scotland reports that the NHS is 'dying before our very eyes' with almost half the population having to consider going private as waiting lists are, as we all know, simply too long (24 June). I know where I would prefer my taxes be spent. Michael Wood, North Berwick, East Lothian Try counselling Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I am an 83-year-old woman who welcomes the Supreme Court definition of a woman, while feeling heartfelt compassion for the transgender community. In my opinion a section of the medical profession has created this situation. Who first initiated the concept that human beings can be changed from one gender to another and enabled it through medical surgical advancement interventions? Instead of enabling people with gender dysphoria to deal with their mental and emotional trauma through conventional means it seems that some medics adopted affirmation methods and used experimental medicine and surgical procedures to achieve their client's outcome – namely, a sexual change. Gratification of desires does not always equate with happiness and I feel that those who colluded with and enabled those desires should look deep inside themselves and question the outcome of their decisions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Because we have the capacity to experiment with human beings does not mean it is the correct or moral thing to do. Monica Tocher, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian ID cards for all In 2018, former Conservative Home Secretary Ken Clarke claimed it is impossible to control illegal migration without an identity card system. Former Labour Home Secretary Alan Johnson agreed. There have been periodic calls for the return of identity cards since they were scrapped by the Coalition Government in 2011. Lord Blunkett endorsed their return. Even this month he argued that since our digital fingerprints are everywhere, giving a national identity card to every citizen is a no-brainer. The UK, Ireland and Denmark are the only European countries without ID cards. They are optional in nine EU countries and mandatory in another 16. Reports suggest that our lack of ID cards is a major encouragement to migrants. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Instead of worrying about illegal immigration, the Labour government should make ID cards mandatory immediately. Steuart Campbell, Edinburgh Admit mistake This week marks the ninth anniversary of the Brexit referendum. Despite pledges of 'sunny uplands' from those who advocated for withdrawal from the EU, the negative warnings relating to Brexit have been largely borne out. Withdrawal from the EU has blown a £40 billion tax hole in the public finances between 2019 and 2024, according to a forecasting audit that finds that the Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR's) projections on the impact of leaving the EU have broadly materialised. This equates to an estimated 4 per cent loss in the UK's long-run productivity, borne out by declining investment and trade volumes, in a period in which the government raised taxes by £100bn. A large chunk of these rises would therefore not have been necessary if the UK had voted to remain in the EU. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At a time when the Labour government is desperate to revive productivity and repair the public finances, it is trying to do this with one hand firmly tied behind its back. The OBR said the full impact of leaving the EU would be felt over the course of 15 years and estimates a staggering drop of 15 per cent in trade volumes, compared with if the UK had stayed in the bloc. The massive act of self-harm that is Brexit has severely damaged the UK economy, of that there is little doubt, and is now acknowledged by the public. It is now for the politicians to acknowledge the greatest economic folly of a generation and seek readmission to the EU. Alex Orr, Edinburgh Enough polls As someone who has participated in two referendums, and shares the concerns of John Rhind and Tim Flinn (Letters, 24 June), I don't want a third, on assisted dying. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As seen by Scottish Independence referendum and Brexit referendum, politicians made false promises in both and it solved absolutely nothing and if referendums were the way, this country would still have the death penalty, I understand. The issue, as seen by the number of letters to The Scotsman and other newspapers, of Scottish independence has not been solved and there are different views on the EU question. As seen by 2024 general election, politicians can make promises of 'change', as they did at the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, to win votes, and then fail to respect those of us who chose the counter opinion. It is an important issue and I am one of those whose late parents had excellent palliative care, and therefore don't support Assisted Dying. However, if the previous two referendums prove anything it that the issue isn't solved by having a referendum. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I am not sure what the answer is but the solution is definitely not a national referendum on the issue. Peter Ovenstone, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire Love idea? 'Wimbledon reveal plans for Andy Murray statue and when it will be unveiled' (Scotsman Online, 24 June). What a load of nonsense! He has an arena at Queens named after him. This is obviously SW19 wanting to be seen to do 'something'. Surely it would be better to spend money in fostering tennis skills in younger generations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Also, what happens if Jack Draper and/or others win more Slams than Andy? It's a crazy precedent by misguided committee members looking to make a 'show'. James C Orr, Pathhead, Midlothian Write to The Scotsman
The Herald Scotland
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Heritage group wants city's festivals spread across the year
It warns of the prospect a 'tide of citizen discontent' from local residents and even a modern-day 'siege' engulfing the City Chambers, Edinburgh City Council's historic headquarters, unless the Scottish capital changes direction. Read more: It has predicted an unprecedented backlash from local residents over an escalating environmental crisis, the doubling of annual visitor numbers, increasingly overcrowded streets and a city centre litter crisis without a dramatic rethink of its housing, tourism, transport and events strategies. The Cockburn has called for a much greater 'geographical spread' of Edinburgh's festivals and a focus on the 'year-round nurturing of local talent.' The Pleasance Courtyard during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. (Image: Neil Hanna) It has also suggested that the historic Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens, which has some of the biggest outdoor festival events, is knocked down and replaced by a new structure that is ringfenced for 'local artists who give free performances throughout the summer months." The new book, which charts 150 years of Cockburn Association campaigns, imagines two possible futures for the city, one if current trends are allowed to continue unchecked and an alternative, which delivers changes in policy 'almost imaginable' in 2025. The first vision raises the prospect of Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens being renamed by commercial sponsors by 2049, driverless cars and 'airborne taxis' transporting visitors around key attractions, and key city council services being franchised out to a company based in the Cayman Islands. The new-look Princes Street is described as 'a dazzling sight with its huge bright advertising screens, hotels, cafes and restaurants' following the demise of the retail offering on the thoroughfare, while George Street has become home to a series of pedestrianised 'party zones' by 2049. It predicts that the Cockburn Association will have been 'vanquished' by then and the city's reputation as 'a place where it was hard to develop' will have been consigned to the past. However it warns that historic buildings on the Royal Mile will have been replaced by blocks of upmarket holiday flats, while office buildings across the city have been converted for short-term letting. The alternative future vision for the Scottish capital predicts that catastrophic flooding in 2028 and a City Chambers siege by housing campaigners in 2029 prove to be the catalyst for a rethink, after growing numbers of visitors to events like the Fringe exacerbate a "chronic litter crisis" in the city. It suggests that the Cockburn Association itself plays a key role with a 'Future of Edinburgh' report, published in 1931, which was based on recommendations from a series of 'citizens' juries.' The dossier is said to be successful in influencing how key decisions are no longer taken behind 'closed doors.' The Cockburn-influenced future sees churches repurposed for housing, neighbourhood hubs and youth centres, with some shopping malls converted into 'winter gardens' and others demolished to make way for new housing developments. Describing the 2049 future of Edinburgh backed by the Cockburn, the book states: 'Tourists still came to Edinburgh and were welcomed, but not in the numbers seen earlier in the century, in part because of the shift away from cheap air travel after the subsidies on fuel, for example were removed and replaced by carbon taxes. 'The qualities that had made Edinburgh unique had been saved. The historic core retained its integrity, stunning townscape and views. 'Once again, it was home to a mixed and thriving residential community, a safe and litter-free area that was enjoyed by all. 'The old bandstand had been replaced in the 2030s by an award-winning new structure that is used for local artists who give free performances throughout the summer months. 'The festivals had always contributed to the costs of maintaining Edinburgh's buildings by using them. 'Spreading the festivals throughout the year, to avoid exceeding the city's capacity in the August peak, has meant fewer venues being used, but those that are have sustainable income flows. 'The festivals have also taken outreach more seriously than they did in the old days. 'The geographical spread of venues is wider, and year-round nurturing of local talent has been a real win-win, with the development of the neighbourhood hubs.' Witing in the new book, author Alexander McCall Smith describes Edinburgh as 'a rare jewel' and insists that the Cockburn Association's campaigns and objections have never been about 'knee-jerk opposition to change.' He added: 'They are considered and constructive contributions to the task of preserving for residents of Edinburgh – and its many visitors – the experience of being in a place that is humane in its scale, respectful of what is around it, as well as being connected with the past.'
Glasgow Times
20-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Viking-age jar found by metal detectorist to go on display for first time
The jar is part of the Galloway Hoard, a collection of objects from Ireland, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and as far away as Asia. It was buried near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway around 900AD, where it remained until it was discovered by a metal detectorist in 2014. The jar is due to go on display at Kirkcudbright Galleries on November 8, near where it was discovered. A close-up of the rock crystal jar (Neil Hanna/PA) The 5cm high jar resembles an ornate perfume bottle and is decorated in gold filigree. It is thought to have had an ecclesiastical function within the Catholic Church, as the gold inscription written on the jar says 'Bishop Hyguald had me made'. Due to gaps in church records in the 9th century, finding out who Bishop Hyguald was has proved difficult for researchers, but they have concluded he was most likely a Northumbrian bishop. Dumfries and Galloway was previously part of the medieval kingdom of Northumbria. A further translation of an Old English runic inscription from the arm ring in the Galloway Hoard has been proposed, describing a portion of the hoard as 'the community's wealth'. The lid has intricate detail (Neil Hanna/PA) The jar, found wrapped in linen, was carefully unwrapped over a number of months in order not to damage the item, meaning it is only now available for display. Martin Goldberg from National Museums Scotland said: 'The rock crystal jar is one of the highlight objects from the Galloway Hoard. 'From the beautiful rock crystal itself, originally carved in the form of a classical Corinthian column two thousand years ago, to the incredibly intricate gold decoration added hundreds of years later and including a clear inscription identifying its owner, this one object exemplifies the complex, connected and historic nature of the Galloway Hoard. 'The jar was the subject of international attention when we first revealed the inscription, and it's great to be able to put it on display it for the first time in Kirkcudbright.' Maureen Johnstone, chairwoman of Dumfries and Galloway Council's education, skills and community wellbeing committee, added: 'We are excited to see this important and unique object in Kirkcudbright. 'Dumfries and Galloway Council is very proud of the ongoing partnership with National Museums Scotland which has already produced two superb exhibitions at Kirkcudbright Galleries. 'I have no doubt the rock crystal jar will be a fascinating exhibit, I am looking forward to it.' The Viking Age hoard was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2017 with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish Government, as well as a major public fundraising campaign.
South Wales Argus
20-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Viking-age jar found by metal detectorist to go on display for first time
The jar is part of the Galloway Hoard, a collection of objects from Ireland, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and as far away as Asia. It was buried near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway around 900AD, where it remained until it was discovered by a metal detectorist in 2014. The jar is due to go on display at Kirkcudbright Galleries on November 8, near where it was discovered. A close-up of the rock crystal jar (Neil Hanna/PA) The 5cm high jar resembles an ornate perfume bottle and is decorated in gold filigree. It is thought to have had an ecclesiastical function within the Catholic Church, as the gold inscription written on the jar says 'Bishop Hyguald had me made'. Due to gaps in church records in the 9th century, finding out who Bishop Hyguald was has proved difficult for researchers, but they have concluded he was most likely a Northumbrian bishop. Dumfries and Galloway was previously part of the medieval kingdom of Northumbria. A further translation of an Old English runic inscription from the arm ring in the Galloway Hoard has been proposed, describing a portion of the hoard as 'the community's wealth'. The lid has intricate detail (Neil Hanna/PA) The jar, found wrapped in linen, was carefully unwrapped over a number of months in order not to damage the item, meaning it is only now available for display. Martin Goldberg from National Museums Scotland said: 'The rock crystal jar is one of the highlight objects from the Galloway Hoard. 'From the beautiful rock crystal itself, originally carved in the form of a classical Corinthian column two thousand years ago, to the incredibly intricate gold decoration added hundreds of years later and including a clear inscription identifying its owner, this one object exemplifies the complex, connected and historic nature of the Galloway Hoard. 'The jar was the subject of international attention when we first revealed the inscription, and it's great to be able to put it on display it for the first time in Kirkcudbright.' Maureen Johnstone, chairwoman of Dumfries and Galloway Council's education, skills and community wellbeing committee, added: 'We are excited to see this important and unique object in Kirkcudbright. 'Dumfries and Galloway Council is very proud of the ongoing partnership with National Museums Scotland which has already produced two superb exhibitions at Kirkcudbright Galleries. 'I have no doubt the rock crystal jar will be a fascinating exhibit, I am looking forward to it.' The Viking Age hoard was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2017 with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish Government, as well as a major public fundraising campaign.
Western Telegraph
20-06-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Viking-age jar found by metal detectorist to go on display for first time
The jar is part of the Galloway Hoard, a collection of objects from Ireland, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and as far away as Asia. It was buried near Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway around 900AD, where it remained until it was discovered by a metal detectorist in 2014. The jar is due to go on display at Kirkcudbright Galleries on November 8, near where it was discovered. A close-up of the rock crystal jar (Neil Hanna/PA) The 5cm high jar resembles an ornate perfume bottle and is decorated in gold filigree. It is thought to have had an ecclesiastical function within the Catholic Church, as the gold inscription written on the jar says 'Bishop Hyguald had me made'. Due to gaps in church records in the 9th century, finding out who Bishop Hyguald was has proved difficult for researchers, but they have concluded he was most likely a Northumbrian bishop. Dumfries and Galloway was previously part of the medieval kingdom of Northumbria. A further translation of an Old English runic inscription from the arm ring in the Galloway Hoard has been proposed, describing a portion of the hoard as 'the community's wealth'. The lid has intricate detail (Neil Hanna/PA) The jar, found wrapped in linen, was carefully unwrapped over a number of months in order not to damage the item, meaning it is only now available for display. Martin Goldberg from National Museums Scotland said: 'The rock crystal jar is one of the highlight objects from the Galloway Hoard. 'From the beautiful rock crystal itself, originally carved in the form of a classical Corinthian column two thousand years ago, to the incredibly intricate gold decoration added hundreds of years later and including a clear inscription identifying its owner, this one object exemplifies the complex, connected and historic nature of the Galloway Hoard. 'The jar was the subject of international attention when we first revealed the inscription, and it's great to be able to put it on display it for the first time in Kirkcudbright.' Maureen Johnstone, chairwoman of Dumfries and Galloway Council's education, skills and community wellbeing committee, added: 'We are excited to see this important and unique object in Kirkcudbright. 'Dumfries and Galloway Council is very proud of the ongoing partnership with National Museums Scotland which has already produced two superb exhibitions at Kirkcudbright Galleries. 'I have no doubt the rock crystal jar will be a fascinating exhibit, I am looking forward to it.' The Viking Age hoard was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2017 with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish Government, as well as a major public fundraising campaign.
