A JOHNSTONE couple making a FaceTime call to their grandchildren were joined by a surprise guest...Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.

The politician hooked up with Jim and Margaret Harkins yesterday as he hit the campaign trail ahead of next month's Holyrood election.

Mr Sarwar used his visit to Johnstone to unveil the party’s commitment to help all those aged 75 and over pay their TV licence.

Free TV licences for older people were introduced by the UK Government in 1999, when Labour were in power.

However, the right to a free licence for over-75s ended last August for all except those in receipt of the pension credit benefit.

Mr Sarwar said: “Labour would help every person aged 75 and over in Scotland with the cost of their TV licence or help with their broadband bills.

“Pensioner poverty in Scotland is a national scandal and it’s not fair that hundreds of thousands of older people are facing a new bill for TV licences.

"The Tories have broken their promise to these Scots but we can use Holyrood’s powers to protect a benefit Labour is proud to have introduced.

“For many older people, TV is a lifeline against loneliness and isolation.

"While the pandemic separated us all in our homes, the way many of us came together was over online video calls like Zoom. As we emerge from the worst of the public health crisis, it is essential that older people are not left behind in our recovery.

“It’s right that the Scottish Parliament delivers support to ease the cost of that.

“I am proud to present a positive vision for the vital years ahead in our manifesto, which focuses on delivering a national recovery to build a stronger and fairer Scotland.”