Readers' Best Comments

The garden party at Holyroodhouse for the General Assembly has been scrapped following cuts in the Scottish Government budget for such events.

Why is the Scottish Government funding the social activities of the Church of Scotland? Scotland does not have an established church. Why are we paying the costs of one?

Duncan

Cutting back on receptions, etc. at this time seems a relatively sensible move. I've no problem with government hosting receptions for the General Assembly. After all, it was Scotland's nearest thing to a parliament for centuries and still represents the people of Scotland, via its territorial ministry across the land, in a way which is quite different to the Scottish Parliament itself – where receptions happen every day.

CRAGman

How much can five loaves and two fish cost? The church claims to have fed 5,000 on two fish suppers! They would have no problem producing a plate of mini Bruschetta for a handful of dignitaries.

Jimmy Fae the West

The SNP's Sandra White is asking the Scottish Parliament to allow councils to ban lap-dancing

Ever since the Scottish Parliament came into being, they seem obsessed with banning things. If Sandra White hates lap-dancing bars so much, don't go to them. You don't need to ban everything you don't like!

Mr Bones

Just get on with your work, let the normal people enjoy what they like.

The Real Alfonsa Pedrosa

These places are safe for the women and they clearly earn good money for doing it. How about the do-gooders go and ask the women who actually work in these places if they want it closed down.

Leither1875

Sandra White, did you take the time to ask the girls what they think? Or do you know what's best for them? It's mad that we have people in positions of power, like Sandra White, who seek to ban clubs where women can charge men to watch them dance (in safety).

Softly spoken mellow North Korean gentleman

Very few politicians measure up to any reasonable moral standard, as the ongoing expenses scandal shows. They should not be lecturing anyone about how they choose to earn a living, or spend their free time.

Reality Cheque

A few voices backing Ms White's stance:

And the gender of everyone who wants to keep them? It's about the wider issues not whether you want to ogle at women and choose to ignore what harm it does. Wake up.

Fed up with stinky streets

Although I tend not to support bans, I would be interested to know why the same men who were paying for this entertainment did not like the idea of their own girlfriends or sisters taking part in it.

Sarah B

When I walk from my office to my gym I have to pass strip clubs and brothels. Sometimes, especially in summer, drunk men congregate outside, crowding out passers-by and watching women as they walk by, sometimes shouting comments. If strip clubs have to exist they should be put on an island in the middle of the Forth!

Sugar