The cost-of-living crisis is already placing families under intolerable pressure to make ends meet.
The astronomical rise in energy prices is perhaps the greatest burden of them all to bear.
In modern-day Scotland it is depressing to think some people have to make a choice on whether to heat or eat.
Predictions that the situation is going to get much worse will give many sleepless nights.
It really is something too when the boss of a major energy company takes the government to task for not doing enough.
Scottish Power chief Keith Anderson has warned that bills are likely to increase by another £1000 next winter.
How are struggling households meant to find the money?
The UK Government’s paltry £200 loan was described by the Scottish Power chief as “not going to be anywhere near enough”.
It is clear to business leaders and the people facing months of robbing Peter to pay Paul that things are bad and are getting worse.
The cost-of-living crisis should be treated as a national emergency.
Poverty restricts life chances and damages mental and physical health.
Where our politicians can help, they should do for the good of all.
But Boris Johnson’s Tories don’t have the answers to deal with the reality faced by millions across Britain.
They tinker around the edges or do nothing, ideologically conditioned to blame the poor for their own misfortune and to suck up to big business.
Things can only improve when the Conservatives are removed from office.
Sadly, a general election is still two long years away. Plenty of time for the Tories to inflict even more damage on the most vulnerable.
New Doctor Who has Scot the lot
Ncuti Gatwa is a great choice as the new Doctor Who.
The Rwandan-born Scot will become the 14th Time Lord.
The role has a special place in the pantheon of British TV characters.
Everyone has their favourite Doctor and before long we are sure Ncuti will make the part his own.
Scots have punched well above their weight when it comes to playing the great sci-fi character
Ncuti, a graduate of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, is the fourth star from north of the Border to play the Doctor.
He follows in the footsteps of Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi, who all put their own stamp on the role.
Another Tartan Time Lord is just what the Doctor ordered.
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