The SNP manifesto launch yesterday had all the confidence of a party that believes it is on the verge of being returned to power at next month’s election.
It’s a document packed full of bold policies aimed at grabbing attention and pleasing as many voters as possible.
Nicola Sturgeon was able to say Scotland required “fresh thinking” to recover from the pandemic despite the party she leads having now been in power for 14 years.
The manifesto does contain several pledges that have the potential to make a real difference to thousands of Scots.
Scrapping charges for NHS dentists is a big call – it’s an issue that split Labour 70 years ago.
But while these progressives policies are welcome, the SNP will have to make sure they are carried out.
It’s easy to make promises but it’s harder to keep them.
As the First Minister admitted herself at Tuesday’s debate, her government took its “eye off the ball” regarding
Scotland’s shocking number of drugs-related deaths.
There are other examples and it’s up to opposition politicians to highlight them.
For example, Anas Sarwar was right at this week’s debate to ask again about infections at Glasgow’s super hospital.
That’s why Scotland requires strong opposition to hold the SNP to account following their inevitable election victory. And why the self-serving Tories aren’t up to the task.
Protect our pets
Lockdown has left many Scots grateful for the companionship provided by their pets.
Demand for dogs has risen massively in recent years and accelerated in the last 12 months.
So it’s shocking to hear that thefts of beloved pooches has also soared – the SSPCA reports such crimes have risen by 170 per cent.
This week at a farm in Ayrshire, thieves stole four black Labrador pups from a litter of 12.
The overnight raid came before the seven-week-old pups were due to go to their new owners.
And as David Waters tells in today’s Record, some crooks are willing to use extreme violence to steal dogs.
Some have even been posing as animal welfare staff in an attempt to lift dogs from their rightful owners.
While police are stretched at a time of a national pandemic, these criminals must be taken seriously, with every effort made to stamp out their appalling tactics.
But it’s important to remember thieves will only steal dogs if there is a market to sell them.
Members of the public should make sure that when they buy a dog, they do so responsibly and from a reputable source.
RAIDERS GRABBED OUR PUP – PAGES 4&5
