Mad, Mad World

A thought occurred to me the other day - about the state of 21st century Scotland.

Isn't it crazy that people are entitled to know the salary of Scotland's soon to be appointed 'top cop' - yet South Lanarkshire Council tells the world that we are not entitled to know what a council refuse worker or gravedigger gets paid?

The newspapers reported yesterday that the chief constable of Scotland's new single police force will be paid a salary of £208,000 - although it's not clear whether this figures includes pension contributions.

I suspect not - but it's still an eye-watering amount of money in anyone's language - though I can't say I'm entirely convinced that a figure of £208,000 is justified - given what other senior public officials in Scotland are paid.

Anyway put that aside for another day.

For the moment just reflect on the fact that a major Scottish council - a Labour-led council - is refusing to abide by a decision of the independent Scottish Information Commissioner and three senior judges in the Court of Session - Scotland's highest civil court.

The decision being that South Lanarkshire Council should come clean - and release information which explains how traditional male jobs within the council are paid. 

Now where is the outrage from local members of the Scottish Parliament - what do local South Lanarkshire councillors have to say about this extraordinary state of affairs?

Which is wasting huge sums of taxpayers money and - making a complete mockery of Scotland's commitment to freedom of information.