Ayrshire MSPs expenses under the spotlight

Nov 27 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

JOHN Scott is the most expensive MSP in Ayrshire.

The Conservative politician claimed £38,623 in expenses last year.

That’s £11,000 more than Cathy Jamieson, who also represents South Ayrshire constituents.

Labour’s Ms Jamieson claimed £27,815.

Mr Scott’s bill makes him the 14th most expensive MSP in the country.

Among his claims were £100 for the installation of a mobile phone car kit in his Audi in May last year.

He also pays £404 a month on the mortgage on his Edinburgh home.

The Ayr MSP insists his expenses will be reduced next year.

Mr Scott said: “I moved office during that period. I used to be based at 1 Wellington Square, but I have moved to 17 Wellington Square which is a more cost efficient office.

“But there were costs associated with that move and with letting people know that I had moved.

“By next year, with any luck, my reduced office costs will be reflected in my expenses.”

Cathy Jamieson’s main expense claims also relate to running her office and travelling around her rural constituency of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley.

Ms Jamieson rent on her flat in Edinburgh is £625 per month.

She also claimed £81 in postage stamps in November last year.

Ms Jamieson said: “The bulk of my expenses are for the flat that I rent in Edinburgh.

“My travel is reasonably high since I cover a rural constituency. But my office costs are reasonable and I keep my costs down by renting a property in Edinburgh.”

Adam Ingram, SNP MSP for the South of Scotland, who has an office in Ayr, claimed £23,393.

Irene Oldfather, Labour MSP for Cunninghame South, claimed £21,358.

And Willie Coffey, the MSP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, was the lowest claiming MSP in Ayrshire. The SNP man claimed £18,582.