Leader: 'Many will think the cuts hard-hearted'

THE threat of closure at BlindCraft Edinburgh will have shock waves well beyond its 70 employees - many of whom are disabled - and their families.

BlindCraft has been an institution in the Capital since 1793, when it opened as the world's first foundation for the welfare of blind people.

Generations of workers have made a living making beds since then, most recently for places as diverse as John Lewis, hospitals, hotels and cruise ships.

Lothian customers have been especially supportive and loyal, but sales have slumped in the recession and this year costs are likely to be twice as much as can be raised through sales.

In such a tough economic climate the charity is depending increasingly on public subsidy, especially the 1m it gets annually from the city council.

Many readers will think it hard-hearted that the council is targeting that sum as part of the massive cuts it needs to make in the coming years.

If, as planned, the subsidy is more than halved then BlindCraft will either shut or be downsized.

The organisation bounced back when faced with closure seven years ago, and many will hope it can be saved again.

But everyone has to realise that cuts have to be made - and that means tough choices.

Saving Blindcraft may well be the right thing to do, but if it gets cash, something else has to lose out.

If you want to have your say then take part in the council's public consultation - and let us at the News know what you are thinking.

Political dough

Muffins are a far cry from moats and duck houses. But one of the titbits to emerge from the latest disclosure of MSPs' expenses is the fact that local Conservative Gavin Brown clearly knows how to treat his guests - judging by the number of cakes he regularly orders.

Our Holyrood politicians of course were never caught up in the expenses scandal that engulfed Westminster, but, perhaps aware of the public scrutiny that would inevitably follow for all public servants in it's wake, their claims have nevertheless dropped significantly over the last year.

That means the Scottish Parliament has had no mess to clear up, but still shared in the benefits. It just goes to show that sometimes, you can have your cake and eat it.