Interactive: Point-scoring over alcohol pricing costs Scotland dear

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Evening News, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS

THE childish opposition of the Tories, Lib Dems and Labour in Holyrood to alcohol minimum pricing shows that they are far more interested in point-scoring than the health of Scotland.

Who could honestly object to a measure that will raise the supermarket price of big bottles of white cider sold for 3 and bottles of vodka sold for 7? A measure backed by doctors, nurses, the police, pubs and children's welfare charities?

Claiming, as the Tories do, that banning below-cost selling would be an effective alternative is a total red herring. Such a move will make barely any difference to the price of the cheapest alcohol and will only serve to punish small retailers who already find it hard to compete with supermarkets.

With the Lib Dems at Westminster backing minimum pricing, it is particularly cowardly of their Holyrood corps to shy away from it. Meanwhile, Labour and the Tories have been only too happy to swallow the bogus arguments against minimum pricing from drinks-industry lobby groups.

James Tout, Water Street, Edinburgh

Carers urged to check entitlement

THIS Carers Week (14-20 June 2010), we're urging readers throughout Scotland who care for loved ones and aren't claiming Carer's Allowance, to find out about the new Carer's Credit, which launched in April.

As it's new, many might not be aware that it exists. In addition, carers may not realise it could even apply to them if they don't think of looking after a loved one as "caring".

Anyone giving up their time for 20 hours or more a week, whether it's to help an elderly parent with shopping and cleaning or support a disabled child or ill spouse, could qualify. Carer's Credit is not a cash sum but rather a National Insurance credit for the weeks you've provided care for others. It helps people build up the qualifying years they need to get a full basic state pension when they retire.

Our research shows that one in six carers give up work or reduce their hours in order to look after others. So to find out if you, or someone you know, could be eligible, visit www.direct.gov.uk/carers or call 0845 608 4321 or Textphone 0845-604 5312.

Debbie Pollard, carers unit manager, Department for Work and Pensions

Leuchie offered much-loved care

I WAS astounded to hear that Leuchie House was to be closed and to hear the director say that the reason for closure was that the service was not what people with MS required in this day and age.

I had the privilege of working at Leuchie for some five years and on retirement returned as a volunteer assisting the guests to evaluate their stay at Leuchie.

The overwhelming response was that they thoroughly enjoyed their stay and looked forward to their next visit. This was also the response from their carers and family.

When the director of the MS Society says that people with MS no longer require this service it makes me wonder where he got his information from. I feel convinced that he did not get it from any of the guests who visit Leuchie House.

I realise that providing such a service is an extremely costly business and if The MS Society cannot afford to do this they should be up front and say so. To say that the people with MS do not require this service would appear to me to be completely dishonest.

The management and staff at Leuchie deserve much better treatment from the MS Society.

WM Irvine, St. Martin's Gate, Haddington

Vulgar vote call isn't helping city

THERE is little doubt that the massive disruption in the city caused by the tram project is hugely unpopular. Councillor Cardownie's hatred of the project is also well known.

His idea of a referendum is both vulgar and patronising.

The council should be sitting down with Bilfinger Berger and the TIE consortium and sorting this out, as that is what it is elected to do.

If he is frightened or not good enough to do this he should resign.

Bruce Findlay, Edinburgh