Monday August 10th 2026
Katherine Sangster, MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East, Scottish Labour Party
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Katherine Sangster has called for improved dementia care across Scotland after meeting people living with dementia, their families and frontline campaigners in East Lothian.
During a visit organised with Alzheimer Scotland, the Scottish Labour MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East met with representatives to discuss the charity’s campaign to end the postcode lottery in dementia care by introducing Dementia Care Pathway Guarantees.
Discussions focused on improving timely diagnosis, strengthening care pathways and ensuring people affected by dementia can access the support they need throughout every stage of their condition.
She later visited Alzheimer Scotland’s dementia café in Musselburgh, where she spoke directly with people living with dementia, carers and volunteers about their experiences of accessing support.
The visit reinforced concerns that too many people continue to face inconsistent dementia care depending on where they live, with long waits for diagnosis, limited access to specialist support and significant pressures on families who often provide care without adequate assistance.
Speaking after the visit, Katherine Sangster MSP said:
“No one should face delays in receiving a diagnosis or struggle to access the care and support they deserve because of where they live. People affected by dementia deserve timely and consistent care at all stages. The Scottish Government must ensure that high-quality dementia care is available across the country, backed up by the resources needed to deliver it.
“It was a lovely few hours meeting those affected by dementia and their careers. Alzheimer Scotland’s dementia café was inspiring and their work provides an invaluable source of friendship and connecting, showing the importance of strong community support, but they cannot be expected to fill every gap left by the system.”
Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh said:
‘As always it was an informative, inspiring visit to the Dementia Café this week. The Dementia Café in Musselburgh is of such vital importance to those living with dementia, but also friends and family supporting their loved ones with dementia.
It is clear that nation-wide dementia care is lacking, families are placed under financial strain and often do not receive the specialist care they so desperately need. I welcome the forming consensus that a conversation on social care is long-overdue, and I will do all I can to ensure that the wonderful people I met at the D-café, are rightly at the heart of a conversation that lead to the tangible changes we need in the care system.’
Michael Huddleston, Alzheimer Scotland’s Policy and Research Lead, said: “It was lovely to welcome Katherine Sangster to Alzheimer Scotland’s dementia café in East Lothian and to introduce her to some of the many people who greatly value the support and friendship this resource provides.
“Vital community services that support tens of thousands of people living with dementia, their families, and carers are being cut across the country.
“We’re very grateful to have Katherine’s support for our campaign to introduce a national standard that guarantees consistent, quality care for everyone affected by dementia – no matter where in Scotland they live.”
Katherine has said she will continue working with Alzheimer Scotland, local organisations and constituents to ensure the experiences of those affected by dementia help shape future policy.
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