MSPs to change charity law

THE Scottish Parliament was called in yesterday to change a historic law to allow a charity to help more people.

The William Simpson's residential home, which helps men with alcohol-related problems, was established by an act of parliament in 1864.

The home in Plean, near Falkirk, was set up as an asylum for elderly, impoverished men, especially those who had served their country in war. The trustees now want also to help women and younger people at the home, which has 44 residents.

To allow them to do that, new legislation is needed, so a private bill has been introduced at the Scottish Parliament.

Former MSP Dennis Canavan, the patron, explained: "The present institution was actually set up by an act of parliament and the trustees now want to modernise the constitution to make it fit for purpose in the 21st century."