The Scotsman

The problem was highlighted by Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan, who asked for details of pensioner income.

Finance minister Andy Kerr revealed that 280,000 pensioner households, or 44 per cent, have an annual income of less £10,000. A further 28 per cent make between £10,000 and £15,000 a year, while only 14 per cent have an income totalling more than £20,000.