Members only

It seems ironic that when bars country-wide are closing down because, inter alia, of the government’s smoking ban, our parliamentarians at Holyrood should be able to imbibe in a spanking new bar mainly courtesy of the taxpayer (your report, 4 September).

It’s easy to understand why our representatives should need a small refreshment after a gruelling day but why the secrecy about the layout of the bar?

Surely it wouldn’t be hard to find a moment when no MSPs are present to take a photograph which would satisfy the public’s curiosity once and for all.

Otherwise perhaps we may be in for a “Prince Harry” moment with our members’ shenanigans appearing on YouTube.

Or will the MSPs’ invited guests be strip-searched and mobile phones confiscated before entering this private world more secret than Fort Knox?

Bob MacDougall

Kippen

Stirlingshire