Sir, I refer to the recent figures from the Scottish Government highlighting that 69% of families rely on grandparents for childcare.
As the cost of childcare increases, more of us are realising the invaluable role that the older generation plays.
Without the help of grandparents, both financial and practical, fewer people would be ableto balance work andhome life, making it harder for families to earn.
More often than not, grandparents do this job for love.
There is no financial benefit; in fact they usually end up dipping into their savings.
Grandparents can be a great support to working families but it works both ways.
There is no price forthe experience, wisdom, life skills and love of the older generation, but while the older family members look after the young, we should perhaps think about how we are going to look after them in their later years.
Alan Innes. Head of LaterYears, Pagan Osborne, Queen Street, Edinburgh.
EU fund: all still to play for
Sir, I noted with interest that Scotland is set for a cut of about £250 million in European funding for growth investment and jobs over the next six years according to the Scottish Government (February 20).
While the European Structural Fund budget for Scotland would be cut by 30% for the 2014-20 round, that for England is potentially set to increase because the new formula used to allocate the money favours densely populated areas of the UK.
The point has to be made, however, that it is highly unlikely that the 2014-20 budget will come to fruition in its present form as, while it has been approved by the European Council, it is set to be rejected by the European Parliament.
The four largest parties in the European Parliament EPP Group, ALDE Group, S&D Group and Greens/EFA have all raised their concerns with the budget and see it as not strengthening, but weakening the competitiveness of the European economy. It will also, they claim, lead to the EU running a budget deficit which it is forbidden to do.
MEPs are likely to vote on the governments’ deal during the next Strasbourg plenary session in March and are set, quite disgracefully, to do so by secret ballot.
Should it be rejected the EU will revert back to the 2013 budget, so when it comes to a potential cut in Structural Funds for Scotland there is still all to play for.
Alex Orr. Flat 2, 77 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh.
Course is not a museum
Sir, The Old Course is not a museum as Geoff Ogilvy seems to think (Top golfer furious about changes to the Old Course). It has evolved steadily throughout its history and will to continue to do so.
The process of modernisation has changed golf in many ways, including changes to the places for play. Which changes does Ogilvy want to keep? The increased consistency and smoothness of the turf, for example? Which does he want to reject? Changes to the shape and positioning of some bunkers maybe?
The object of changes to the course for the professional level is to draw the error and provide us, the punters who put the money in their pockets, with more Watson, Duval or Jimenez moments at, for example, the Road Hole, at the climax of a championship. Professional golf, like it or not, is part of the lucrative sports entertainment industry.
Paul Miller. 38 Campbell Crescent, Cupar.
Deserve to be praised
Sir, I would like to praise the doctors of Ninewells Hospital Dundee for the excellent care and prompt professional treatment which I received, during a recent admission, from a team of kind, caring compassionate and dedicated individuals.
They were looking after really poorly people. Some patients were deaf, disorientated, acutely confused and distressed, others had dementia but all were treated as individuals with differing needs, dignity and respect.
There was no irritation, no rush, just genuine compassion, care and concern for their comfort. If someone needed longer to be turned or to be washed, so be it.
There was a constant round of routine measurements, monitoring, reviewing and turning patients as well attending to those being admitted or transferred from other wards and people on dialysis which was relentless, and constant throughout the day and night.
I was so impressed and feel that these conscientious, committed people should be congratulated.
Beena Rawlinson. Haton Farmhouse, Abernethy.
Shame them
Sir, While we are “naming and shaming” those who choose to use schemes to avoid payment of taxes, would it not also be prudent to “name and shame” those politicians and legislators who have failed miserably to introduce legislation to curb these “legal” schemes?
James McAllister. 324 King Street, Broughty Ferry.