Pay of distinction

“No funds available: please remove card” flashed on the screen. I flushed in embarrassment and swore viciously under my breath. This is no way to impress a first date. I turned and smiled: “You couldn’t lend me a fiver?” She laughed and offered me a tenner.

Money is important: it reflects status and responsibility. General practitioners have been in the news recently for being overpaid. Now it is the turn of consultants, because the Scottish government has their “distinction awards” …