There are a number of reasons why the bin strikes are a calamity for Scotland.
Scenes of over-flowing bins and litter scarring Edinburgh’s streets will damage tourism to the Capital. Who in their right mind would want to visit Edinburgh a second time when their first impression is of a filthy mess?
It is also a reminder of the low wages council workers have endured for years and the lack of political will to sort it out. But, as Deputy First Minister John Swinney has warned, the public health implications are also “deeply concerning”.
Rotting rubbish is attracting vermin and the last thing we need is a breeding ground for disease. With the strikes spreading to around half of all council areas, this is not simply a problem confined to Edinburgh.
Swinney must also recognise that the pay dispute between councils and trade unions has been largely caused by the Scottish government. Local authorities have not been funded properly by the SNP-led administration and their pay offer to staff reflects this reality.
Calls for a Barnett formula-style settlement for councils, just as Holyrood gets from Whitehall, are rooted in common sense. But the immediate priority is ensuring an industrial relations dispute does not spiral into a public health catastrophe.
The Government, councils and the unions are talking, but what is really needed is action. Swinney must bring more money to the table and ensure that these low-paid workers are shown the respect they deserve for the vital service they provide.
No place for racism
Our hearts goes out to young Lucas Macdonald, who was racially abused while he was playing football.
An utter idiot – a grown man, no less – made monkey gestures towards the 13-year-old from the touchline in Balerno, Edinburgh. The lad was left in tears by the vile abuse and no wonder.
Absolutely no one should have to put up with such disgusting behaviour, far less a young kid playing football. His dad, Jamie, had to be restrained by other fathers when he was told what had happened.
But who can really blame him for wanting to take matters into his own hands when he heard how his son had been treated? The incident has now been reported to the police.
Hopefully, they will find the culprit and he ends up answering for his conduct in a court of law. Racism has no place in modern Scotland.
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