THERE are times, when surrounded by issues such as Brexit, independence for Scotland, the Spring Budget, the political stand-off in Northern Ireland and the Trump presidency, that we should pause and try to count our blessings. I have in mind Ken Smith’s choice of photograph (“When folk really had to slum it in Glasgow’s decrepit housing”, The Herald March 9). One would have to have a heart of stone not to feel for the Cochrane children being raised in such an environment with their parents probably doing their best, with limited means, for them.

Life in the UK today is obviously less than utopian. We should, however, be grateful for the progress which has been made since April 1949 when the photograph referred to was taken.

After the Second World War, both Labour and Conservative Governments resolved to do something about the shortfall in the British housing market. Indeed in 1953, when Harold Macmillan was in his final year as Housing Minister, 318,000 houses were built, more than two-thirds of which were erected through the public sector. The housing, such as that shown in Calton, has long since been demolished and replaced with housing fit for occupation. Amen to that

If and when we do pause to look upon the bright side of life, it is difficult not to arrive at the conclusion that, compared with many other places in the world, we are indeed fortunate to live in the UK. Think of the many who wish to come and live here. It is not all down to the level of benefits available.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road, Lenzie.