English cider galore

The effects on problem drinkers of minimum pricing for alcohol in Scotland, which comes in today, remain to be seen. It has already caught the attention of ingenious Scots hoping to bring in cheaper booze from England. Savings are considerable. Supermarket vodka at £13.13 in Scotland is only £9.99 over the border, and two litres of strong cider at £5 only £1.99. Bridges over the Tweed may soon rumble with laden vans and trailers. Even online orders from suppliers without Scottish premises can be had at English prices. Like sex, drink brings out the absurdity as well as the tragedy of human life. Not so long ago good people from Aberystwyth, dry on Sunday, would catch a train to Machynlleth junction for a drink on board and take the next train back again. The law in Wales changed. Now it’s Scotland’s turn.