National Debtline for Scotland: 0808 808 4000

The Scottish Executive (aka 'Government') has set up a national debt hotline to give people who have got major financial problems, or are rapidly approaching the stage of having them, advice on how to ameliorate their situation. I don't often have much good to say about the Scottish National Party and its activities, but this is an exception; I think the aims of this project are worthy and I hope the execution lives up to these. Introducing the hotline, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is quoted as saying:

"As the recession bites, families across Scotland are feeling the pressure financially, with increases in food prices, rising bills and mortgage and lending uncertainty all adding to the headache. "National Debtline will provide the best possible support for people with debt problems. The advice is free, confidential and independent. "The main message we want to get across is for people to take control of their debt, before it controls them. "This government will do all it can to help those in difficulty, and that's why I would urge anyone experiencing financial problems to call National Debtline."

The National Debtline number is 0808 808 4000.