Free advice

Derek Mackay is reported extolling the virtues of Scotland where we “benefit from free access to more public services than the rest of the UK,” (Scotsman, September 27).

I suppose he has in mind baby boxes, prescriptions, bus passes, personal care, university education. Have I missed anything out?

In this freebie life style he recommends, what has become of the authentic Scottish traits of self reliance, endeavour and ambition?

Why should we all be subject to hand-outs when we are able to provide for ourselves

the services we want or need on his list?

The notion that any of them are free is a deceit. They all come at the expense of core services which are being constrained by this SNP government. By all means provide benefits to those who need them but spare us from something for nothing.

Spend our money on teachers, qualified in their subject, support staff, classroom assistants, who have been culledoutby thisgovernment. Sort out funding to GP practices. Mend the roads for goodness sake. I could go on! ALISON FULLARTON Lumsdaine, Eyemouth