Five well-known Scottish actors have joined a campaign addressing pensioner poverty. Alex Norton, 75, of Taggart, is joined by James Cosmo, 77; Denis Lawson, 77; Sheila Reid, 87; and Bill Paterson, 80, in a campaign organised by the charity Independent Age.

The group has recorded a video urging the UK Government to ensure pensioners have an adequate income and to press the Scottish Government to develop a long-term strategy to tackle pensioner poverty. Norton said: “There are many reasons you can end up in financial hardship in later life, such as relationship breakdowns, bereavement, losing your job or ill health – but everyone facing it deserves support.” Reid added: “Too many older people in Scotland live in poverty, struggling to pay rent or even heat their homes. The Scottish Government must commit to a pensioner poverty strategy to change this.”

Independent Age reports that almost 160,000 pensioners in Scotland live in poverty, with four in five saying their state pension does not cover basic living expenses and 85% calling for a Scottish Government pensioner-poverty strategy. Debbie Horne, the charity’s Scotland policy and public affairs manager, said: “It’s unacceptable that pensioner poverty is on the rise.”

A UK Government spokesperson said supporting pensioners is a top priority, noting the triple lock has been reaffirmed and that the State Pension will rise by £1,900 this Parliament (€2,185). They cited the Pension Credit take-up drive, with more than 57,000 extra pensioner households being awarded the benefit, worth on average around £4,300 a year (€4,945). Pensioners with care needs can also receive Attendance Allowance, worth up to £5,740 a year (€6,601), and eligible individuals are urged to apply.