AXING the role of minister for older people and equalities left elderly people in Scotland “let down and betrayed,” the charity Age Scotland said today as it called for the position to be restored.

The charity’s chief executive Katherine Crawford warned that there was “a growing dissatisfaction among older people about their elected representatives” after a survey for the charity found two-thirds of older people in Scotland were not satisfied with politicians’ actions on issues affecting them, up from 56 per cent in 2023.

More than three-quarters of respondents would like to see the ministerial post restored by the next Scottish government.

Backing that call, Ms Crawford said: “Older people have made it very clear to us that they want to see the role returned.

“There are more than 1.8 million over-50s living in Scotland — a substantial proportion of the country’s population — and that number is growing.

“Bringing back a minister for older people would be a significant step towards showing a commitment to improving the lives of disaffected older voters and recognising the valuable role that all older people play in the rich tapestry of this country.”