Number of children struggling with poverty is a source of deep shame

The number of children who grow up in poverty in Scotland should be a source of deep shame. Too many families struggle to afford a reasonable place to live while also feeding and clothing their kids.

The consequences for youngsters can be devastating. Children growing up in the poorest households should not have to expect a lifetime of struggle.

The fact one in three kids has their upbringing blighted by poverty should be a major subject of debate during this General Election campaign.

And yet Scotland’s largest children’s charity has felt the need to share its deep disappointment with what all the major parties have said so far on the matter. Aberlour warns the issue has slipped down the table of priorities for ­politicians.

There is no single reason for ­stubbornly high child poverty rates but there are a few obvious ­contributing factors. The UK has been a low wage economy for too long. Too many people work hard and yet still struggle to pay their bills.

There is no easy fix to this. But poverty rates can only be reduced by determined political will.

All eyes will turn to an incoming Labour government to show leadership on this issue. But all major parties must be putting forward solutions during this General Election campaign.

Child poverty cannot be an issue the well-off in society can choose to ignore. It’s in all our interests to create a society that gives everyone a good start in life, not just the privileged few.

Army of peace

The German media have reacted with disbelief to the peaceful partying of the Tartan Army. In Munich and now in Cologne the locals have been pleasantly surprised that 200,000 football fans can gather in one place without a hint of violence.

Indeed, broadcaster NTV said many Germans now considered the Scots “brothers” thanks to our supporters’ impeccable conduct. Even fans of the Auld Enemy were greeted like brothers when they bumped into the Scottish support yesterday in Cologne.

That’s a stark contrast to the scenes in nearby Gelsenkirchen, where England and Serbian supporters clashed violently. The Scotland fans deserve great credit for how they have conducted themselves.

They have partied hard, for sure. But it has never spilled over into hatred, violence and bitterness. The Scotland fans represent the best of what international sport can achieve – bringing people from different countries together in a spirit of friendship.

No matter what happens on the pitch, the Tartan Army showed ­themselves, yet again, to be world class.

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