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All opinions expressed in the letters below are those of the writer and do not imply any editorial partialityLetters fo Voicer
Comment on last weeks paper 27/11/2010: We at the VFA are glad to be corrected on this;
I was very disappointed to read your coverage of the recent tax raising fiasco in the Scottish Parliament, as you seem to have swallowed the prevailing media stance on this hook, line and sinker. You criticise John Swinney, but do not mention the antics of Michael Moore, the ConDem Scottish Secretary, whose letter sparked off the controversy, or the response of the First Minister, Alex Salmond, which gave a full account of the background to the situation. The fact is that the tax-raising powers did not "lapse" in 2007, but that HMRC demanded increasing sums of money from the Scottish Government to keep the tax-raising powers in readiness - tax-raising powers that no party in the Scottish Parliament has used or proposed using. Questions should be asked about why £50,000 per year was paid by previous Scottish administrations to keep this power "live", when they did not propose using it, and why the sum of £1.3 million was demanded of the SNP government in 2007, rising to £7 million in the current year. This information was not leaked to the press by the SNP government, as negotiations with Westminster were still current - why did Moore do so? Well, perhaps that had something to do with the Calman proposals now being publicised - will the cost of readiness for the tax-raising proposals contained in that bill be borne by the Westminster government which is proposing it, or will it be passed to the Scottish government and the Scottish taxpayer? A fuller account than I can give here is available at:
http://joanmcalpine.typepad.com/joan_mcalpine/ and http://newsnetscotland.com/
It's always best to seek information from more than one source and to check that information before launching into print.
Anne Bruce , Corrie
Article in Question:
What happened to Scottish independence?
When the SNP government was elected, a lot of people were in favour of the Scottish Parliament's power to levy taxes independently from the Westminster government. As recently as September of this year, a poll commissioned by the BBC showed that 55% of the Scottish people backed the use of tax-varying powers with just 32% opposed. Yet last week, it was revealed that Ministers have let the tax-varying powers lapse – and kept this information from Parliament.
This in itself must raise a few eyebrows, but it now appears that the SNP's local income tax proposals have been affected too. The ability of HMRC (Revenue and Customs) to distinguish Scottish taxpayers is – or was – a key part of the now-lapsed mechanism, and that same ability is clearly essential to the SNP's local income tax plans. The Scottish Green MSPs have backed a call for an emergency statement by Scottish Ministers to explain their decision to hand back powers to London, powers which were democratically approved by Scottish voters.
John Swinney has twice this week failed to give Parliament accurate information about the status of these powers. Patrick Harvie, Green MSP, said the lapsing of the primary tax-raising power ‘overwhelmingly backed in a referendum’ meant that the next Scottish Government would be prevented from using that power for three years, ‘just as the devolved budget is under the most stress ever.’ He pointed out that the same power would have been ‘essential to the operation of their now-abandoned Local Income Tax’, and that even if Alex Salmond is re-elected in May he will be ‘impotent to deliver it until 2013.’ Harvie declared this to be ‘a muddle of incompetence and counter-productive short term thinking, and means the SNP have undermined their own arguments for more powers while leaving themselves without a credible way to limit the impact of Tory cuts on Scotland.’
At a time when Scottish voters tend to believe we should look at ways to raise revenue rather than simply handing on those cuts, these actions seem extraordinary in their secretive determination. On two occasions this week the Cabinet Secretary dishonestly failed to disclose that the SNP administration have let the tax-varying powers lapse. On Wednesday, during the Budget debate, he said in response to a question from Patrick Harvie MSP:
‘I do not think that there is a compelling argument in favour of using the tax-varying powers at this time.’ The tax-varying powers had in fact already been given away.
See:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-10/sor1118-02.htm#Col30629
‘It is of paramount importance that Ministers give accurate and truthful information to the Parliament, correcting any inadvertent error at the earliest opportunity. Ministers who knowingly mislead the Parliament will be expected to offer their resignation to the First Minister.’
Letter for Voice 03.06.2010
I'd like to use the Voicemail to reach the members of Lochranza Choir and give them, on behalf of Douglas and myself, our heartfelt thanks. As I've often found myself saying, 'I had a ball!' We had lots of fun rehearsing, and we both thoroughly enjoyed the concert, scary moments included! A huge thank you, not only for the beautiful flowers and the musical mugs, but also for all the friendship, dedication and sheer hard work put in by every member. As the old song goes.......'See You in September'!
Diana and Douglas.
Letter for voice 27.05.2010
Dear Sir,
Over the last few days I have received several enquiries in relation to the well being of the Arran hen harrier population. As many residents will remember such was SNH’s concern for this ‘important population’ of birds that they pushed through an SPA designation in Arran. At the time I thought that their concern was genuine and while SNH Ayr were involved in the population this proved to be the case. Alas things appear to have changed and it is somewhat humbling to realise that in hindsight I was probably wrong in offering both support and data.
Indeed, Ross Johnson of SNH this week advised me that:
- It is unlikely that we (SNH) will fund a further research contract on hen harrier dispersal on Arran.
- We (SNH) will not be funding annual monitoring contracts for the Arran Moors SPA.
This is very disappointing as one my fears is that young birds dispersing from Arran may be being shot or poisoned in areas less well disposed to the presence of hen harrier. It is regrettable that SNH suddenly appear not to share my concerns. There seems little point in spending public money improving habitats in one area if the dispersed young are being obliterated in another. It is strange that SNH appears untroubled by this possibility. Harrier populations at other SPA’s have been decimated by illegal persecution.
I am proud and delighted that my long term monitoring efforts have led to financial rewards for some local land managers; it is earned. I am not proud of a body that told the residents of Arran how honoured they should feel to host an SPA but then claim that only rarely will they monitor the birds. How do they know that public monies spent on land management are good value? They are leaving things to chance and it is a disgrace.
Prior to the Arran SPA designation, neither SNH nor RSPB had any worthwhile information about the island’s harriers and so relied on me to supply the data for this and other moorland species. Very generously, I allowed them use of my information but in the interests of nest site security retained control of the way information was disseminated. Without that data the SPA would not have been possible. In essence I have studied Arran hen harrier and golden eagle populations for over thirty years and am a founder member of the South Strathclyde Raptor Study Group. To this day and at my own expense, I continue to monitor the well-being of both populations of birds and still regard them as special. I therefore suggest that anyone with a genuine enquiry about Arran Harriers contact me at my Kilmory address.
Disappointingly, we will soon be back to the pre-SPA position where SNH will have no up to date information on this species in Arran. Sadly it is already the case with golden eagle. Fortunately, I will be in a position to supply answers to genuine enquiries.
This whole matter bears no little resemblance to the situation COAST find themselves in. I am disillusioned but I am in good company, many SNH staff are equally disgruntled. As evidence I direct interested parties to Rob Edwards article in the Glasgow Herald. It is available on line and is entitled Revealed: The crisis of confidence within Scotland’s wildlife watchdog.
Dr.Deborah Long, conservation manager of Plantlife Scotland has accused the board of steering SNH away from its prime goal of conserving and improving Scotland’s natural environment. Michael Scott has been equally damning and states that “the board have been totally insipid in their duty as guardians of Scotland’s natural heritage.” I wholly endorse both observations.
Yours sincerely,
John Rhead
Old Schoolhouse
Kilmory
Housing on Arran
Despite some fall in house prices Arran’s housing market is beyond the scope of many. That is why it is so important for those in need of a house to remain on the Arran housing list and ensure that their place is renewed each year when the list is reviewed. It is a peculiarity of the system that Isle of Arran Homes have the right to nominate 50% of the applicants to available housing and North Ayrshire the other 50%. The implication of this is that Arran applicants should ensure that they are also registered on the North Ayrshire list which, as residents of North Ayrshire, they are entitled to do. The outcome of this is that people on Arran have a chance to be housed under North Ayrshire’s nomination as well as Arran’s, thus increasing their chances. It may seem unfair that Isle of Arran Homes have only a 50% say in allocating Arran housing but it could also be viewed an advantageous concession.
The housing shortage on Arran remains huge while the NAC housing budget has been cut by 60% which means that the intention to build 140 houses in the next few years has been shelved. Instead Arran will have 24 houses at Corrie and the possibility of about 18 more at Benlister. The prospect seems bleak with punitive, unannounced cuts still in the pipeline but, more than any other area, housing should be prioritised and the key is the extent of need demonstrated by the size of the housing list. That is why it is essential for those in need of a house to remain on both lists and renew their registration annually. The list is the justification for action and the means of prioritising Arran’s shortage in future lobbying for resources. It could help secure Arran’s share of a proposed £136 million recently mooted for housing, about which details are still scarce. The recent Rural Housing Conference raised the possibility of local authorities or Housing Associations building unsubsidised houses for rental which would require the tenant to pay a rent covering mortgage and maintenance but at a lower rate than the private sector. This may suit some on Arran’s housing list who could afford the rent but are not able to buy a house at island prices.
There has been more movement in Arran’s existing housing stock with 33 houses becoming available this year, a small bonus in addition to new build. As the housing stock increases (now over 270), more are likely to be re-let as people leave for a variety of reasons. Houses will continue to be allocated and, with evidence of a large housing shortfall in the form of the local list, Arran is in a position to expect priority status in the political wrangling to come.
J Inglis, High Corrie
Letters for the Voice 20.05.2010.
Letter from a blind golfer
Jim Henderson supplies a report of the visit to Lamlash by members of the Scottish Disability Golf Partnership, and since then he has received a wonderful letter from their chairman, Jim Gales MBE. Although completely blind, Mr Gales writes with tremendous warmth and good cheer, and Jim Henderson thought readers would like to share in the pleasure that his letter brought.
I am writing on behalf of the Committee, members and coaches of the, following our recent visit to your golf club.
We had a most enjoyable trip to Arran, with a special day at the Club, in good company and in some great weather. What more could we have asked for? The course was a good challenge to our members and coaches, and from the feedback I have already received, special mention has been made of the warm welcome, the condition of the greens and the
friendly relaxed atmosphere in the clubhouse. Our compliments to your staff and green keepers.
Accompanying us that day were several new members, who were very impressed with the event, set-up and standard of the Club. They have also stated that they would be recommending the Club to their friends.
The visit incorporated one of our 2009 Scottish Order of Merit competitions for players and coaches, and to stage it on such a highly prestigious course was very welcome. I would be most grateful if you could pass on our thanks and appreciation to all your colleagues at
the Club, who made our visit such a memorable and friendly affair and we look forward to a future visit.
Thank you.
Jim Gales MBE
Chairman
Letter for the Arran Voice 05/05/2010
Dear Patricia Gibson,
BIODIVERSITY. 14.4.10.
Having attended the Hustings meeting held in Brodick Hall, I have little or no comment other than to say I found the proceedings rather boring, acknowledging that you had no control over the questions raised by the floor.
However I have just read the content of the email, which you sent to Mr Wood of Coast on the above date.
HOW can any educated person or any political party for that matter claim that the SNP are champions of sustainable fishing?
Enter the real world- the record of sustainable fishing around Scottish waters is abysmal. I have no knowledge of the claims you make about the North Sea but I question whether the facts relayed are accurate.
I am very familiar with the true facts and situation of the Clyde, not just around the shores of Arran where I reside, but the entire reaches of the Clyde.
The Clyde is the Newfoundland of Scotland, a direct result following the abolition of the 3-mile limit in 1984, which enabled a fish breeding area to exist.
Your party continues to support the CFA (Clyde Fishing Association) the SFF (Scottish Fishermen’s Federation) and give legal right for the continuance of bottom trawling for prawns, (which is the only commercial product left in the Clyde-at the bottom of the food chain) and dredging for clams, which destroys and decimates the eco system of the seabed. There is plenty of evidence of young fish spawning but they never survive the 6 years of maturity to breed. The action of the by-catch caused by the above mentioned practice, which aught to be banned in the Clyde estuary for a period of time to allow the fish stocks and nature to recover and many other areas surrounding the Scottish Islands.
Your leader Alex Salmond at a public meeting in the Arran High School affirmed to a Director of COAST that if Richard Lochhead, Scottish Rural affairs and Environment minister had promised that the remainder of Lamlash Bay would become Scotlands first MPA (marine protected area) ‘it would in fact happen ‘
Another year has passed and all that has been achieved is the building of a giant brick wall with no political will to implement MPA’s. A marine proposal, supported by a wide range of the community and many academics, they are essential not only for Lamlash, but for many aspects of tourism on the Island of Arran and for the resurgence of Scottish fishing in general.
At this present time if I went out in Lamlash Bay in a rowing boat I would have to spend all day-I mean at least 8 hours and would be extremely lucky if I managed to land one small fish of any description.
Remember that at one time Lamlash Bay used to be the location of the biggest fishing festival in Scotland attracting people from all parts of the U.K and further a field, the competitors landing not only a large selection of varieties, the weight was in tons of fish.
For some time now a lot of effort by scientists & ecologists has been put in to identifying areas around the U.K, which are suitable to be managed as MPA’s. The English proposals are streets ahead of Scotland. The number of locations being identified in Scotland is still growing, if implemented I am of the opinion that the MPA’s will be almost impossible to manage or police.
I humbly suggest to the SNP that it would be much better all round to rescind the decision of 1984 and re-establish the 3-mile limit, which would be much easier and less complicated to manage and police.
At present we often witness fishing boats trawling within 30 yards of the beach and there is nothing we can legally do to stop them. Despite complaints received from the local community.
In inclement weather conditions the Island shop shelves get sparse within a period of 3 days. Communities require becoming more self sufficient to sustain life.
In the present climate the population need sustainable fish, agriculture and forestry resources – it is not rocket science.
Yours truly,
James Henderson.
Letter for the Arran Voice 29/04/2010
OPPORTUNITY!
Here, in this paper, is an opportunity not often offered to a community. Usually a newspaper is controlled from the top, with all the restrictions and prejudices that brings, and everything is measured and tucked into nice little boxes.
However, here is the chance to make something rare and valuable, but it needs more than a few people contributing. It needs anyone who is doing anything, has seen anything, is organising anything, has any thoughts and feelings about anything, to write it and send it in. It is a chance for voices to be heard that are rarely heard, and then the whole will represent the "Voice of Arran", and everyone will benefit from a wide range of views and accessibility to events that never get published elsewhere.
There is no reporter, we are ALL the reporter! No longer can Alison be ship's captain, officers and crew! She can guide from her experience, but even the editorial job can be shared too.
So this is an INVITATION to join in, and be part of an exciting and very possible enterprise, if it gets the support. And that needs to happen soon, so it all grows from the authentic roots of willingness to contribute to this island community project, rather than from a struggle to keep going.
To create together something of integrity in this world spin and postures is a truly beautiful and worthwhile thing to do.
Joan Calder
Sir
I am sorry Katy Clark would not withdraw the inference, contained in her election leaflet, that the SNP were responsible for the abolition of free travel for Arran concessionary card holders. Katy must know that the concessionary card system is not controlled by the Scottish Government. The scheme is operated by SPT. ( Strathclyde Passenger Transport ) which is a Labour controlled organisation . When I pointed out these facts to her at the hustings meeting, I gave her the opportunity to correct the inference in her leaflet. Unfortunately Katy refused to correct the impression her leaflet was designed to leave on the reader. In an election campaign, political parties will of course put a favourable spin, from their point of view, on the issues that affect the electorate. This is expected and is a legitimate tactic which all parties partake in. What is not legitimate is to print statements that imply a situation which is demonstrably untrue. In other words the inference is a lie. The impression the leaflet was designed to leave on the reader is a lie. Printing election leaflets such as this does the Labour Party a great disservice and brings politics in general into disrepute.
Yours
Jim Lees
Cir Mhor
Sannox
Isle of Arran
Letters for the Arran Voice 15/04/2010
Minimum Pricing of Alcohol
Your reader, Jim Henderson of Lamlash, makes a number of important points about minimum pricing in last weeks Voice. However, his view that the Scottish license trade would be damaged by minimum pricing is entirely wrong and indeed the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) fully backs SNP proposals for minimum pricing, as does a host of other organisations ranging from the Police, the Health Service, the Churches and a host of children's charities.
First of all, the reason why the SNP wishes to bring in this legislation is not to penalise drinkers but to reduce the horrendous social cost of over consumption. Over 42,000 people are hospitalised in Scotland every year through alcohol misuse. Fatalities have tripled in 20 years and the majority of serious violent crime in Scotland has alcohol as a direct component as does much social disorder.
Scotland can no longer continue having the eighth highest consumption in the world and Arran is not immune.
Obviously, one of the main reasons for such high levels of consumption is the price at which alcohol is sold. Some cheap ciders and lagers are sold for less than the cost of a mineral water or fruit juice. To suggest that price does not affect consumption is entirely wrong in that, as any economist would point out the higher the price is, the lower the consumption is for any given product.
The reason why the SLTA backs the SNP’s proposals and why these would be good for Arran is because most cheap drink is not bought in hotels or public houses but through supermarkets. This enables people to drink higher quantities of alcohol at home or in the street rather than moderately in a social setting.
Hundreds of pubs and other licensed premises in Scotland have closed in recent years due to more and more people buying cheap alcohol and drinking it at home. Therefore, minimum pricing will in fact be good for the licensed trade which its senior body recognises.
The University of Sheffield, which carried out much of the research on this issue made it clear that moderate drinkers will in fact be very modestly affected by such proposals. The reason for this is that those who drink the most are the ones least likely to be discernable with regard to brand and are most likely to buy on the basis of price. Heavy drinkers, according to the University of Sheffield, are estimated to be 15 times more likely to be affected by minimum pricing rather than modest drinkers and this is the target group we wish to reach.
Scotland has to change its relationship with alcohol and the enforcement of existing licensing laws, investment in rehabilitation for those suffering from alcohol misuse, the budget for which has doubled since the SNP has come to power and minimum pricing all have a part to play in ensuring that Scotland changes it relationship with alcohol.
Yours sincerely,
Kenneth J Gibson MSP
We know this does not apply to Arran, but perhaps readers might like to join the campaign to stop brutality happening in abattoirs elsewhere.
Over the last fourteen months, Animal Aid has secretly filmed inside seven British slaughterhouses. Far from meeting a quick, humane death, our film shows animals suffering untold torments as they are kicked, punched, goaded and dragged into the stun room. Once inside, pigs and sheep run around in terrified circles, desperate to escape the electrified tongs. Many are inadequately stunned and may meet the knife while still conscious. In most of the slaughterhouses, the vets – who are charged with ensuring that animal welfare laws are adhered to – are nowhere to be seen.
Animal Aid is calling for CCTV to be installed in all UK slaughterhouses. If workers know that they are being filmed, they are more likely to work humanely and legally. And for those who don’t comply with the law, the film will provide evidence for their prosecution. Anyone wishing to help reduce animal suffering by supporting our campaign should contact Animal Aid at www.stopthebrutality.com or on 01732 364546
Kate Fowler
Head of Campaigns
Animal Aid
The Old Chapel
Bradford Street
Tonbridge
Kent TN9 1AW
What is happening to Lamlash Co-op?
The Co-op website says, ‘The Co-operative Group is a unique business democratically run by members to meet their common needs and aspirations. In turn, the strength and commitment of our membership is vital in helping us achieve our goals. So instead of blindly chasing profits like businesses controlled by shareholders, we are able to steer our business in a more responsible direction.”
However, the Lamlash Co-op is gradually being converted to a “convenience” store and many who live in Lamlash and its surrounding area are unhappy with the loss of many products, these being replaced by acres of crisps, instant food and masses of alcohol. It appears that ordering is now done centrally, and it seems the Co-op assumes that since Lamlash is only 4 miles from Brodick, the villagers from the area can traipse to the bigger store. Gone are spring onions, cooking apples, very low fat yoghurt, bread crumbs, some of the dried vegetables for casseroles and soups, a range of fresh fruit and vegetables and selections of dried herbs.
The Co-op needs to be reminded that Lamlash is the largest village on the island with over 1300 permanent residents, 30% greater than in Brodick. Pensioners account for 1 in 3 households on Arran and many do not drive. Compared to the mainland Arran has more older people - 24% over 65 compared to 18% in North Ayrshire and 16% in Scotland as a whole. On Arran almost 50% of pensioners are 70-80 years old. Further, many still cook from basic ingredients and use ovens, not just microwaves! They do not buy in bulk, so do not want to have to buy 6 onions In the Lamlash store when they want only one. This store used to have two displays of fresh fruit and vegetables; one is now full of fizzy drinks and instant food. Having seen off all the family food shops in Lamlash, and indeed most of the food shops on the island, the strategy seems to be to downgrade the Lamlash store, but increase the profits from it. It is well known that prepared food has a higher profit margin for supermarkets, even though it is also well known that they are bulked up with sugars, salt and fat, which are a less healthy option when compared to home cooked food.
The reality is that the Co-op should be looking to enlarge the Lamlash store since most of the development on the island is taking place in Lamlash and Whiting Bay. 21 new houses have just been approved for Lamlash. The Co-op statement above suggests that it is not purely chasing profits. Traditionally it centred its policies round people - employees, customers and communities. It is known for cutting its food miles and being sensitive to its carbon footprint, but people living in Lamlash see their carbon footprint increasing because they have to drive to Brodick.
Sally Campbell
Lamlash.
Letters for Voice for Arran 8.4.10
Black Grouse on Arran
Since its formation many people have contributed effort, time, expertise, money and land to the Arran Black Grouse Group (ABGG). A number of these people do not communicate by email or find meeting times inconvenient and may be unaware that Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) recently produced a REVIEW OF THE ARRAN BLACK GROUSE RE-INTRODUCTION PROJECT.
This review supersedes an earlier report, drawn up in 2004, which assessed the habitat on the island in its present condition as ‘not suitable for a large scale re-introduction.’ The new review states that, ‘The ABGG disagree strongly with the [previous] conclusion. KK and RM came to the conclusion that the ABGG were correct.’ (KK - Kenny Kortland, FCS species ecologist. RM – Dr Robert Moss, scientist/consultant and co-author with Adam Watson of ‘Grouse’ in New Naturalist series of publications.)
The new report further states,‘Given the large amount of apparently good quality, interconnected habitat and the commitment of the ABGG, Arran is a good location in which to attempt to re-establish a population of Black Grouse.’ It adds, ‘If the ABBG fulfil the six recommendations in this report and obtains the support of the Scottish Black Grouse BAP Group, FCS should allow FCS land to be used for releasing birds.’
In an Appendix, Dr Moss observes, ‘Even if the project fails, establishing causes for failure would make it scientifically worthwhile.’ The ABGG concurs with this statement and welcomes the opportunity to fulfil its long held ambition to release birds into the best habitats available in Arran. From the outset, ABGG has understood that for the experiment to have any scientific merit, release into best habitats is essential. Until recently, however, the possibility of this happening has been denied by FCS.
The new report totally supports the view of island residents as to the state of Arran habitats and rightly informs on the ‘worthiness’ of the group. Hopefully the ABGG can now look forward to greatly increased co-operation from FCS.
Yours sincerely,
John Rhead
Arran as a green energy exporter
Callum Rae, a 5th year Building Design Engineering student at Strathclyde University, is joining with a fellow-student, Ben Ross Mowat, in a project on Scotland's renewable energy resource. He e-mailed the Voice on April 3rd to ask if Arran might be interested in ‘the concept of island self-sufficiency … particularly regarding wind power.’ The correspondence continues.
I was interested to hear that Arran's potential as a green energy exporter is limited by the cable linking you to the mainland. Our project presents the combination of wind power with Hydrogen production (via wind-powered electrolysis of water, which splits water into Hydrogen and Oxygen) as a possible method of overcoming some of the barriers associated with remote large-scale generation. Essentially, this involves using unwanted/excess wind power to produce Hydrogen gas, which can then be stored for use in fuel cells that provide power when the wind isn't blowing. In addition to overcoming the intermittence of wind energy, this method also presents the opportunity to export energy in the form of Hydrogen, for use in fuel cell/transport applications. I believe the PURE project on Unst has run a small-scale trial on this. (http://www.hydrogenassociation.org/advocate/ad93sref.asp). Our proposal for Arran would be based on the same principle, but on a scale that would meet the whole island's needs. It could be expanded to supply the mainland with renewably produced Hydrogen. This would bring with it the obvious additional benefits (jobs, investment, tourism etc) that are the by-products of such self-sufficiency schemes. These benefits are exemplified by the Danish island of Samso (http://www.energiakademiet.dk/flashmap_uk.asp) which provides an interesting precedent and a useful model for island self-sufficiency.
Callum Rae
cal@genh.co.uk
Alcohol minimum pricing.
Alcohol has been the centre of folks responsible drinking socially for many years. In the 1700’s illicit stills were in a number of locations on the Island of Arran. Having full knowledge of the Scottish sickness and the trade in general I cannot support the view that minimum pricing of alcohol will make a difference to regular consumption. The statement that minimum pricing will not affect the responsible drinker is also surely a fallacy. Because it will be across the board, affecting all basic pricing at source, it will not reduce consumption but will merely add to the coffers of taxation and frequenting the local will become even scarcer as the general public will act accordingly.
The main problem in Scottish society is not what is consumed in the clubs or bars, but without doubt sales in the supermarkets. It would be more productive to ease the Scottish problem if off-sales were controlled by increasing the minimum age allowed to purchase and the hours of trading reduced. In the Scottish Cities the problem is exacerbated by youths drinking before they visit the clubs or bars.
Sales in the trade (clubs, hotels and bars) has dropped dramatically in the past two years, according to figures released by the ‘Scottish Licensed Trade’, and many establishments have closed their doors, resulting in the loss of many jobs. Arran has not been immune from this. UK figures show a drop in sales of £650 million for 2009. The statistics raise many questions about the facts and figures released to support the SNP proposal for the above.
Budget increases are already affecting the trade; minimum pricing would just create another wedge in the weekly budget of most households. Yet they will do absolutely nothing to reduce the effect of irresponsible drinkers.
Repressing the supply of alcohol is a counterproductive strategy, which will encourage illegal entrepreneurs and create ways of folk purchasing alcohol by other means at a reduced cost.
How can any government legislate for parents who purchase alcohol legally for their minors’ consumption? It does happen! Even on Arran.
Jim Henderson
Lamlash.