Show support and remembrance for RAF veterans
To mark Armistice Day (11 Nov) and Remembrance Sunday (12 Nov), I would like to take this opportunity to commemorate those who bravely served in the Second World War, including RAF veterans who fought for their country.
I joined the RAF towards the end of 1940. My flying training was carried out in America prior to their entry into War (before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour) in December 1941.
I carried out 50 bombing raids over Germany as a Mosquito Bomber, including 13 over Berlin. It was the heavy bomber crews, flying from the same base, who were the real heroes to me though.
They flew much more vulnerable and slower aircraft, and suffered far higher casualties than we did. We all lost many men however, including dear friends of mine – their sacrifice will stay with me forever.
During Remembrance weekend, our thoughts naturally turn to the Second World War veterans like me, but we must also remember those who answered their country’s call to serve more recently in Ukraine, Afghanistan and other conflicts.
We must collectively show support for serving personnel and their families, veterans, cadets, and reservists.
This year, as I turned 102, I wanted to do my bit to raise much needed funding for three charities, including the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The charity does the most amazing job in supporting members of the RAF Family though thick and thin, providing practical, emotional and financial support.
I raised over £8,000 for the charity thanks to the generous support from friends, family, and the general public.
During this anniversary and always, I’d like to remind all members of the RAF Family that support is available from the fund, whenever it is needed.
Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell (DFC AE FRICS), WW2 Mosquito Bomber Pilot
NHS staff shortages are not acceptable
A leading doctor has warned that NHS Scotland is failing to provide basic care to patients, due to chronic staff shortages.
Worse still, deaths last winter were at their highest for more than 30 years.
Last year, First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP presided over a winter crisis as health minister.
He must now take this warning seriously and ensure the NHS is properly prepared for the coming winter or the consequences for patients could be severe.
In his Winter Preparedness Plan, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care Michael Matheson showed that he has learnt nothing from the failures made by his predecessor.
Instead, he looks set to preside over an even bigger crisis in our NHS.
Councillor Alastair Redman, Kintyre and the Islands ward
Cardiology waiting times are cause for concern
Waiting times for cardiology appointments in Scotland are at record levels and have more than doubled since before the Covid pandemic.
Between September 2016 and June 2023, the number of people waiting for an appointment rose from 10, 496 to 22,720. In the last year alone, the waiting list has grown by 6,000.
The British Heart Foundation is deeply concerned by these figures, not least because deaths from heart and circulatory diseases are also increasing in Scotland.
Last year, 18,073 people (around 50 a day) died from heart and circulatory diseases – this is the highest number of deaths since 2008.
At the BHF we know that delays in the diagnosis and treatment of a heart condition can have devastating consequences.
As also understand the human impact behind these figures – the families dealing with grief and loss, worry and anxiety.
That’s why we are asking members of the public who have been impacted by cardiology waiting times to get in touch with us.
If you are willing to share your experience of waiting for a cardiology appointment in Scotland with the BHF please e-mail scotland@bhf.org.uk or call 0131 555 5891 to speak to our team.
David McColgan, Head of British Heart Foundation Scotland