So much for handouts

Scotching the myth, part two. Last week, The Herald published figures which showed that, contrary to beliefs held by politicians in England and sections of the London media, Scotland is not a country of subsidy junkies lolling around in relative comfort waiting for the latest handout from the put-upon English (and specifically metropolitan) taxpayer to spend profligately. Based on an assumption that revenues from all North Sea oil and gas production were channelled into Scotland's account, we reported it was conceivable that, in a good year, the Scottish budget could be balanced. So much for handouts.