John Butterly’s lasting legacy
IT was great to see John Butterly, pictured, getting a mention (“Memories of a doughty campaigner”, The Herald, October 2). He was both feisty and great company. He was also part of a formidable team in the early days of the community-led housing association movement.
Through his and many others’ hard work communities were changed irreversibly for the better.
Unfortunately his successors are now questioned on whether they are fit to be volunteer committee members after only nine years’ commitment to their community by the Scottish Housing Regulator. Politicians pay lip service to the strengths of the community-led model while they receive no consideration in difficult financial times (increasing tenant arrears, and more).
Fortunately, John has left a strong tradition with new community heroes who will pick up the cudgels for another fight with officialdom.
FREE school meals have become something of a political hot potato. Charities, including Children in Scotland, have given their support for Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s announcement that primary one to three children in England will be given a free lunch from September next year.
This could provide relief to hardpressed families living in poverty and the opportunity to boost children’s health and wellbeing; not to mention the measurable benefits to a child when they come to school ready and willing to learn. But politicians have been silent about their commitment to make this happen for children in Scotland.
Latest figures put child poverty in Scotland affecting some 20,000; about one child in five going hungry and many not achieving their full