Appointing a dedicated commissioner for older people makes sense

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on too many older Scots.

Those of pensionable age are most at risk from the disease and about half of virus deaths during lockdown have occurred in care homes.

Then there’s the immeasurable impact on mental health caused by those left unable to see friends or family due to the months of restrictions.

Critics believe the Government should have done more to protect the elderly in the early weeks of the pandemic.

It’s little wonder there have been calls that older Scots deserve their own dedicated champion within Holyrood.

Other parts of the UK have a dedicated commissioner for senior citizens, but no post exists in Scotland.

In Wales, an Older People’s Commissioner has been on the front foot during the coronavirus crisis and has criticised the suspension of care home visits. So why can’t we have a similar position in Scotland?

The Scottish Government has both a junior minister and a senior minister – who attends Cabinet – who have responsibility for older people as part of their brief.

But few people outside of the Scottish Parliament could name them.

Appointing a dedicated commissioner for older people makes sense.

It’s the least the Government could do given the events of this year.