Part of John Swinney’s election prospectus is a claim that we have turned the corner in the NHS with long waits down, operations rising and GP walk-in centres open.
But where do the staff in the walk-in centres come from? From other parts of the hard-pressed NHS, of course.
As for ‘long waits’, they are not coming down in A&E. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) calls the long waits there a “national disgrace" and warns that people are dying because of poor performance.
There was a minuscule improvement in 2025 compared with 2024, with more than 75,077 people waiting for 12 hours or longer in A&E in 2025, compared with 76,510 in 2024.
At that rate, says the RCEM, it would take 237 years to reduce waits of 12 hours or more to the 2016 level of 1,000.
Now, there’s a thought to conjure with.
Jill Stephenson, Edinburgh.
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Rural voices must be heard
The ongoing discussions surrounding planning and infrastructure, especially regarding our rural communities, highlight critical issues that demand immediate attention.
Rural infrastructure often lags behind urban counterparts, resulting in significant disparities that affect transport, accessibility, and ultimately stifle economic development. Improved roads and public transport links are essential in fostering local businesses, which in turn boosts local economies and creates jobs.
Furthermore, it is crucial that the planning process incorporates the voices of rural residents.
Local insight is invaluable when it comes to creating developments that genuinely serve community needs. It is vital that planning decisions are made transparently and involve genuine consultation to ensure that new developments benefit and empower local populations.
In addition, sustainable development practices must be front and centre in our planning efforts. Prioritising environmentally friendly projects will enhance the quality of life for our residents while preserving the natural beauty that makes our rural areas so special.
These efforts contribute not only to the aesthetic pleasure of living in such areas but also to creating resilient communities equipped to face future challenges.
While some may argue that regulatory hurdles might slow down progress, it’s important to remember that appropriate planning can mitigate risks and long-term issues that arise from rushed development.
Instead of viewing regulations strictly as barriers, we should see them as essential safeguards that promote thoughtful and community-oriented development.
In conclusion, as we engage with planning and infrastructure conversations going forward, we must commit to addressing the unique needs of our rural communities.
Ensuring their voices are genuinely heard, and their concerns prioritised, will lead to a stronger, more inclusive future for Scotland.
Alastair Majury, Dunblane, Perthshire.
SNP all at sea
Calum Steele hits the nail on the head with his usual eloquence and passion (“Thanks, Calmac: The only ferry you can rely on is the one that takes you away”, The Herald, March 25).
The Scottish Government has condemned our island communities to a slow death by its rank incompetence and lack of interest in the most rural parts of our country.
A fire in Glasgow results in an instant £10m resilience fund, yet the entire Northern and Western islands communities only merit a resilience fund of £4.4m.
It’s easy to see the Central Belt is where the focus lies.
The government failed outrageously to plan the replacement of ageing ferries; it made a complete mess of procuring new ferries; and is failing miserably to make CalMac do the job it is paid to do. And the sustainability of our island communities becomes steadily more challenging.
I'm an independence supporter and, until now at least, a faithful SNP supporter.
But I'm fed up with this SNP government failing to solve key issues for our communities.
Not just ferries but social care, child poverty, social housing, the A83, etc.
Sandy Slater, Stirling.
Assisted dying: time for change
I attended the debate on assisted dying.
I thought all the MSPs were dignified and respectful of each others' views, though the outcome was not what I personally wanted.
I was therefore angry and somewhat saddened at Kevin McKenna's vitriolic article decrying Liam MacArthur (“Holyrood assisted dying debate was sickening display of narcissistic exceptionalism”, The Herald, March 19).
However, I was somewhat uplifted by the measured letters from both Andy Stenton and Alan Jenkins (Herald Letters, March 21).
There is certainly the need to invest in palliative care for end of life, however the right to choose is still only for those who can afford to go abroad.
As a retired nurse, now in my 83rd year, I have nursed and supported patients, plus their families and friends, at what is a distressing time.
The choice to die at a time of a patient’s choosing wasn't on offer.
This, sadly, will continue to be the case until legislation changes, both here in Scotland and south of the Border.
My thanks to Liam McArthur MSP for continuing to raise this sensitive issue, carrying the commitment handed on by the late Margo MacDonald.
Teresa McNally, Alloa.
Unclean getaway
Much has been written about the expansion and improvements to Edinburgh Airport during Chief Executive, Gordon Dewar’s time in charge (“Scottish airport chief reveals huge array of new flights on radar”, The Herald, March 20).
Very laudable, though I feel very strongly about the filthy conditions of some of the outside areas, one in particular.
As a passenger requiring assistance, I can’t praise Edinburgh Airport’s staff highly enough.
However, the entrance, as one returns into the airport building, is disgusting. Littered with all sorts of detritus, it has been like this for months. Please, could someone deal with this eyesore on a regular basis.
Marjorie Macintyre, Stirling.
The greatest story never told
Why are some shops selling Countdown to Easter kits for children, similar to Advent Calendars, with a toy, game or sweet for every day? I haven’t noticed this before.
Counting down to the crucifixion of Christ is in very poor taste, surely?
Also, what have dinosaurs and unicorns got to do with Easter; either the Christian faith or Paganism. Why are Easter eggs being sold decorated with these creatures?
I find it all puzzling. It seems to be all about the Easter bunny and consumerism now.
Are we bringing up a generation of children who are not even aware of the Easter story? Surely this shows a worrying gap in our education system?
Dorothy Connor, Rutherglen.
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