News just in. Scottish people careful with money.

Cliches are usually cliches because they’re true. And it would seem that the old stereotype about Scots’ parsimony has basis in fact. In a survey of 120 UK areas to find which residents are most careful with money, the Orkneys and the Shetlands came first and second. “We have a save, save, mentality here” boasted one Orkney denizen. My own area, North West London, came 119th. Equally unsurprising. I’m not stupid with money but neither am I worried or frightened by it. Spending too much cash is what gives me the impetus to go out and earn some more. Money has only one ultimate purpose. Sooner or later, you have to spend it. Because as any generous-to-a-fault person will tell you, there are no pockets in a shroud.