Edinburgh Speaks Out

I was in Edinburgh yesterday and met a lovely group of women - who were just back from BBC Scotland to share their experiences about the long fight for equal pay - in Scotland's capital city.

The women were all clients of Action 4 Equality Scotland - having been represented in the long-running court battle by Fox Cross Solicitors.

So we had a great old chat and reminisced about the times - years ago now - when these women came to meetings in various 'airts and pairts' of Edinburgh - to discuss equal pay - often on cold windswept days and nights, as I recall.

But all these years later the women are now reaping the rewards - despite being kept in the dark by their trade unions - and being discouraged from taking a stand against the widespread pay discrimination - that was as plain as the nose on your face.

I just glad that they made the right decision - along with many of their colleagues.

What these women had to tell BBC Scotland was reported on the radio earlier today - and I think I'm right in saying that the piece will being featured again on TV later this evening - on the BBC's Reporting Scotland at 6.30pm.

The BBC journalist who put the package together said that COSLA - the self-styled 'voice' of Scottish local government - had been invited to comment on the issues raised - but declined to do so.

Imagine that - the voice of Scotland's 32 councils losing its power of speech - and at such a vital and important time. 

Draw your own conclusions.