So Scots and Londoners are different? Think again 18 Jul 2018 at 12:04am
FOR decades some Scots have been calling for an end to ?London Rule?. They probably should have worried more about being under the political influence of the rest of England.
Boris Johnson accused of breaching rules over newspaper column 18 Jul 2018 at 12:00am
Boris Johnson appears to have broken rules governing jobs for ex-ministers by not seeking approval to restart his £250,000 newspaper column after quitting as Foreign Secretary.
May facing Commons defeat as Labour set to back rebel Tory customs union move 17 Jul 2018 at 2:54pm
THERESA May is facing the prospect of a humiliating Commons defeat later today after Labour made clear it would support a rebel Conservative amendment to keep Britain in a customs union with the European Union.
SNP MP Angus MacNeil calls for IndyRef2 ?within a year? 18 Jul 2018 at 11:03am
A long-serving SNP MP has called for a second referendum on Scottish independence within 12 months following last night’s Brexit vote, which saw Theresa May avoid a damaging Brexit defeat in the Commons.
Jo Swinson slams "breaking of trust" on pairing for maternity leave 18 Jul 2018 at 9:47am
The Conservative Party chairman and government chief whip have apologised to Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson for breaking the parliamentary convention known as pairing, which takes account of unavoidable absences during votes.
MSPs ?should pay? for free gym at Holyrood 18 Jul 2018 at 7:00am
POLITICIANS are being told they should have to pay to use a new full-time gym at the Scottish Parliament, which costs almost £4000 of taxpayers’ money each year.
Scots more supportive of tax rises 18 Jul 2018 at 6:10am
Scots are significantly more supportive of tax rises to fund public services than other parts of the UK, new research has found.
Brexit: SNP MPs demand rerun of EU referendum amid Vote Leave probe 18 Jul 2018 at 6:00am
The Scottish Government has said a new EU referendum is “essential” after the official Vote Leave campaign was referred to the policy following an official investigation that concluded it breached spending limits and broke the law.
Revealed: Hidden toll of tragic veterans ?falling through the cracks? 17 Jul 2018 at 9:07pm
The number of UK veterans who take their own lives is being overlooked by the Scottish and Westminster governments, allowing the Ministry of Defence to “turn a blind eye” to the human cost of conflict, a Johnston Press investigation has found.
Donald Trump back tracks over Russia interference comment 17 Jul 2018 at 8:18pm
US President Donald Trump has said he meant the opposite when he said in Helsinki that he does not see why Russia would have interfered in the 2016 US election.
Theresa May steps back from brink with narrow Brexit victory 17 Jul 2018 at 7:05pm
Theresa May came within six votes of the possible collapse of her government as MPs narrowly rejected an amendment to trade legislation that could have forced the UK to stay in the EU customs union.
Don?t knows and don?t cares by Rev. Stuart Campbell 16 Jul 2018 at 12:58pm
The Daily Record’s politics lead story today is a slightly underwhelming poll that shows 41% of Scots believe the Tories are carrying out a power grab against the Scottish Parliament, against 34% who think they aren’t (and 25% who have no idea). Which seems a good time to round up the last results of our own most …
A cordial invitation by Greg Moodie 13 Jul 2018 at 10:36am
Dear Mr. Trump, I?m a big fan of your work. Especially your later stuff. You are the obvious natural successor to those other great leaders, Richard Nixon and George W. Bush ? the perfect combination of dodgy and thick. You?ve got it all. Since the first day of your tangeroid slithering into Barack?s old gaff, …
Sliding-out doors by Rev. Stuart Campbell 12 Jul 2018 at 10:51am
Most of Scottish Twitter has been enjoying itself greatly for the last few hours after England’s exit from the World Cup, but scattered in amongst the amusing memes has been a fair amount of angst about victors Croatia – a nation of 4 million people – being in the final when Scotland once again failed …
Back home by Rev. Stuart Campbell 11 Jul 2018 at 10:06pm
Scotia episode 2, because posting anything about the World Cup feels too mean.
Too Wee Too by Rev. Stuart Campbell 11 Jul 2018 at 10:38am
Second in a series.
The Talent by Rev. Stuart Campbell 10 Jul 2018 at 10:22am
So we stumbled, we thought, across a random Twitter idiot this morning. Alert readers may have spotted a flaw or two in that claim. Because as can be clearly seen in the thread, the data being used in the analysis only went up to 2011, so at an absolute maximum the SNP government at Holyrood …
And then there were fewer by Rev. Stuart Campbell 9 Jul 2018 at 10:28am
In the light of David Davis’ resignation last night and the continuing shambolic chaos that is UK politics, it seemed a pertinent time for these findings from our latest poll. Readers probably won’t be too shocked that it’s Scotland Vs The Tories again.
Folding your aces by Rev. Stuart Campbell 8 Jul 2018 at 12:09pm
Alert readers may recall that a few weeks ago we revealed how an independent Scotland could reduce its budget deficit by billions of pounds a year – by renting out the Faslane naval base to the rest of the UK to keep their nuclear weapons in. Voters in England, we learned, were more than happy to …
Vote Leave claims 'unacceptable if true' 17 Jul 2018 at 6:31pm
The Brexit group's former Scottish director says he is shocked by allegations that it broke electoral law.
Creative Scotland chief quits her post 17 Jul 2018 at 12:12pm
Janet Archer is standing down from Creative Scotland which has faced criticism over its funding decisions.
Trump leaves Scotland on Air Force One 15 Jul 2018 at 5:35pm
The US president flies out of Prestwick Airport, ahead of a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki.
Sturgeon leads Pride march in Glasgow 14 Jul 2018 at 2:55pm
The First Minister is named honorary grand marshal at the event which attracted thousands.
Scot Goes Pop
SCOT goes POP!
A pro-independence blog by James Kelly - voted one of Scotland's top 10 political websites.
More about that sensational Survation poll by James Kelly 14 Jul 2018 at 12:58pm
Just a quick note to let you know that I have a new article in The National about yesterday's Survation poll, which put the SNP back up to levels of support that haven't been seen since before the ...
Spectacular Survation poll suggests SNP are on course for landslide by James Kelly 13 Jul 2018 at 9:16am Scottish voting intentions for next UK general election:SNP 42% (+3) Conservatives 24% (n/c) Labour 23% (-4)Liberal Democrats: 8% (+1)Scottish Parliament voting intentions (constituency ballot):SNP...
The Brexit delusion over who calls the shots by James Kelly 7 Jul 2018 at 2:32am
I don't know about anyone else, but I've been rubbing my eyes in disbelief over the last few hours. If you've been listening to the mainstream media's verdict on what was agreed at Chequers, you'd...
Thoughts on the Plaid Cymru leadership election by James Kelly 6 Jul 2018 at 4:41am
This speaks volumes about just how unequal this "union of equals" actually is, but I would have been totally oblivious to the fact that a Plaid leadership election is now underway if I had been rel...
Yer das sells Avon! by /u/TheColinous 18 Jul 2018 at 10:37am
I was casually looking at the subscriber count and realised that nearly 1% of Scotland's population is now in this sub. Unless most of you have like 10,000 accounts each. Throwaway T_D or Furry Fa...
PCV vaccine by /u/verygneiss 18 Jul 2018 at 6:28am
This is a long shot, but do any of the medical bods on here know what PCV vaccine is used in Scotland? I have moved abroad with a baby who needs a 1 year PCV vaccine, but we need to know if NHSGGC ...
Scots show the Americans how to do a soccer riot by /u/SuperJew113 17 Jul 2018 at 11:36pm
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEiRE\_-qdo8\\](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEiRE_-qdo8\) Always wondered what real Scots thought of this rather funny scene from the Simpsons. Soccer is not th...
Football fans or r/Scotland. What team and why? by /u/crow_road 17 Jul 2018 at 5:57pm
I was a kid in Glasgow and had a Celtic fan as a dad and a Rangers fan as a Grandad. submitted by /u/crow_road
So long as men worship the Caesars and Napoleons, Caesars and Napoleons will duly arise and make them miserable. - Aldous Huxley
Nation 2 ? Iceland, The Extreme Nation by michaelgreenwell 12 Jul 2018 at 10:53pm
The second in a series of films with Lesley Riddoch exploring Scotland’s inspiring northern European neighbours and what we can learn. Phantom Power and Lesley Riddoch working together on a marvellous new series. Not to be missed? Advertisements
The Scottish Tories and Dark Money by michaelgreenwell 3 Jul 2018 at 11:56am
A great video by Sarah Mackie on the Scottish Tories and dark money. This is something I mentioned on this site as far back as January, and plenty of other bloggers have been on it too. It’s strange that busy people who have to work can find some things about this but professional journalists can’t …
If This Is A Surprise? by michaelgreenwell 17 Jun 2018 at 7:24pm
Sorry to say it but IF the BBC are finding this concept surprising, they really haven’t been paying attention to Scotland fans for a long time. That said, they must know, as every time there is a tournament that England are in and Scotland aren’t, they tend to trawl every town and village in Scotland …
Scottish Independence Podcast 166 ? Pensioners for Indy and more by michaelgreenwell 3 Jun 2018 at 9:09am
The 166th episode of The Scottish Independence Podcast features, amongst other things, an interview with Peter Swain of Pensioners for Independence (courtesy of Independence Live). You’ll also find out why I was very tempted to call the episode “Archie, Archie, What’s the Score?”, even if part of that joke will only make sense if you … Listen
Nation 1 ? The Faroe Islands by michaelgreenwell 29 May 2018 at 10:07pm
Phantom Power and Lesley Riddoch working together on a marvellous new series. Not to be missed…
Scottish Independence Podcast 165 ? BBC 1943 or 2030? by michaelgreenwell 21 May 2018 at 11:34pm
We’re back. Just a little reminder of why… Hope you enjoy. You can download here if you click THIS LINK. You can listen online at the show?s spreaker webpage, or you can subscribe with itunes. We can also be found on youtube and on facebook. These podcasts are independently minded and independently funded, you can … Listen
Not Going Here by michaelgreenwell 21 May 2018 at 10:44am
Here’s somewhere I won’t be going today, not that I think they would have me. All the same, it is interesting to see that the Tories and Labour have decided to get together again…
The Department For Exiting The European Union? by michaelgreenwell 18 May 2018 at 11:02pm
Here is Herbert Asquith talking about The War Office from World War One. Seems strikingly similar to something at the moment. For the record, World War One was an essentially pointless exercise in sabre-rattling that led to the death and impoverishment of millions of people.
Brexit Britain and Nuclear Decommissioning by Bella Caledonia Editor 18 Jul 2018 at 10:50am
As we head over the cliff to a Disaster Capitalist No Deal – it’s good to take stock of the British state we’re tied to. What food, energy and key infrastructure points do we have to mitigate against any coming shocks? The Office for Budget Responsibility July report is just out and makes for some …
The United States of Arms by Bella Caledonia Editor 17 Jul 2018 at 7:04pm
U.S. weapons exports from 1950 to 2017. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s Arms Transfers Database. Units are expressed in trend indicator values (TIV). Each dot on the map = one TIV. Visualization by Will Geary. The United States of Arms from Will Geary on Vimeo.
To Infinity and Beyond by Bella Caledonia Editor 17 Jul 2018 at 12:03pm
The A’Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland has been announced, to some fanfare, as the host of the UK’s first Spaceport (whatever that is). The Indy reports, in a sentence that requires some deconstruction this will mean “paving the way for “space tourism’ that could be worth £4bn to the UK economy.” The announcement raises a number …
Learning from Assynt ? 25 Years On by Bella Caledonia Editor 17 Jul 2018 at 9:48am
..."Because to colonise the land, the agents of the landed classes had to colonise the soul. They had to take power outwardly and inwardly. They did that by methods that the Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire, called ?cultural invasion? - Alastair McIntosh on 25 Years from Assynt
How is it possible to have infinite growth on a finite planet? by Bella Caledonia Editor 16 Jul 2018 at 8:16pm
Our world is a diverse place, brimming with millions of ideas. But isn?t it strange: when it comes to economics, for some reason we?ve all ended up settling for the same system, a single story. Capitalism. Capitalism is everywhere. It dominates nearly every country on the planet. We talk a lot about what capitalism is …
Aamer Anwar Message to Trump by Bella Caledonia Editor 14 Jul 2018 at 9:35pm
Speech by Aamer Anwar at the Meadows festival of resistance anti-Trump rally today. Donald Trump what can I say that hasn?t already been said Trump is a racist who glories in obscene wealth, boasts of sexual assaults on women, has a cabinet full of white supremacists, Islamophobes, and conspiracy theorists. He is a billionaire property …
Hand in Hand Spearfishing Democracy by Bella Caledonia Editor 14 Jul 2018 at 10:58am
The images of Theresa May being led up steps by the POTUS just reek of a craven diminished human being acting like a child. Trump’s visit has thrown up two simultaneous phenomena; the elite prostrating itself to global power and the people expressing their disdain for this collection of thieves and liars clinging to office. …
Trump in Dundee by Bella Caledonia Editor 13 Jul 2018 at 10:22am
Dear Mr. Trump, I?m a big fan of your work. Especially your later stuff. You are the obvious natural successor to those other great leaders, Richard Nixon and George W. Bush ? the perfect combination of dodgy and thick. You?ve got it all. Since the first day of your tangeroid slithering into Barack?s old gaff, …
Thousands protest across Scotland as Trump plays golf by Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent 14 Jul 2018 at 4:48pm
Marchers stream through Edinburgh and group chants ?no racist USA? in Ayrshire Thousands of people have protested on the streets of Edinburgh against Donald Trump?s visit to the UK as the US president played golf at his Turnberry resort, on the west coast of Scotland.Trump was seen playing golf w...
'Well below par': protesting paraglider flies over Trump?s Scotland resort - ... 14 Jul 2018 at 11:38am
A paraglider has flown over Donald Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. The Greenpeace protester was trailing a banner saying: 'Trump: well below par'. Police are currently searching for the protestor, who breached a no-fly zone Continue reading...
Wings Over Scotland blogger's defamation case against MSP starts by Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent 12 Jul 2018 at 10:15am
Stuart Campbell is suing Kezia Dugdale after she accused him of homophobic commentA £25,000 defamation claim brought by a blogger against the former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale will be heard in court in Edinburgh on Thursday.Stuart Campbell, who runs the blog Wings Over Scotland, sued th...
UK government to foot police bill for Trump's golfing trip to Scotland by Severin Carrell Scotland editor 3 Jul 2018 at 4:33pm
Treasury to provide ringfenced funding of up to £5m should planned visit go aheadThe UK government has pledged to cover up to £5m in extra policing costs if President Trump visits Scotland to go golfing later this month.Liz Truss, the Treasury secretary, wrote to the Scottish government?s new jus...
Scottish government plans restrictions on sugary and fatty foods by Severin Carrell Scotland editor 2 Jul 2018 at 2:28pm
Ministers to tackle obesity by targeting sale, advertising and promotion of unhealthy foodsThe Scottish government is preparing for sweeping restrictions on sugary and fatty foods including ice-creams and takeaway meals to cope with surging rates of obesity.Ministers in Edinburgh outlined plans o...
Slowly and patiently, Sturgeon is preparing for a new Scottish independence b... by Kevin McKenna 1 Jul 2018 at 6:00am
The first minister may appear too patient and careful, but her tactics are worthy of NapoleonNicola Sturgeon is gathering her forces once more for another tilt at Scottish independence. Her strategy has been a careful one; too careful for some. Thus when she called for an independence referendum ...
MSPs demand action over use of Scottish airports for rendition by Severin Carrell Scotland editor 29 Jun 2018 at 2:49pm
Calls for public inquiry after report reinforces concerns over refuelling of CIA flightsMinisters in Edinburgh have been urged to step up their investigations into the use of Scottish airports to support CIA rendition flights.The Scottish Greens and Labour said a damning report into the UK govern...
Theresa May criticised for lack of progress on Brexit as EU summit begins ? a... by Andrew Sparrow 28 Jun 2018 at 5:43pm
Rolling coverage of the day?s political developments as they happen, including the start of the EU summit in Brussels.Afternoon summary 5.43pm BST If I can deliver a humanitarian operation and it is cost appropriate and effective for me to seek the use of UK military assets to do so, then I will....
Fundraiser update
Tuesday was a long and tiring day. I had to drive all the way to Peterhead to speak at an event for The National Roadshow, and then drive all the way back to Glasgow again. It tiring, but well worthwhile, and I heard some great news about The National that I’m not allowed to tell …
Meaningful consequences
It is now official. The UK is leaving the EU on the basis of a corrupt campaign that was conducted illegally. Vote Leave has been fined a record amount by the Electoral Commission for breaches of electoral law during the EU referendum campaign. The Electoral Commission has taken the further step, reserved for the most …
Impotent imperialists and the pursuit of the impossible
Away back in 2016, when the world seemed a saner place – which is saying quite a lot because the world was pretty messed up in 2016 – the idea that the UK might crash out of the EU without any deal or with a deal that left us outside of the single market and …
The imodium to Trump?s logorrhea
I had planned to attend the anti-Trump rally in Edinburgh today, but the dug has eaten something that disagreed with him and is shiting everywhere. Rather like Donald Trump, although to be fair there are some significant differences. Whereas the dug is confining his crapfest to the local area, and it can cleaned up with …
Wee Ginger fundraiser
It’s that time of year again. It’s been a year since I last did a fundraiser. This year is going to be a particularly expensive one for me personally. There’s a wedding to pay for, and I need to ensure that my earnings are sufficient to prove to the Home Office that I am able …
The baby has landed
You have to feel really sorry for people in London. There they were, depressed and hungover, out of the World Cup, home to what’s quite possibly the world’s most dysfunctional government, heading out of the EU despite voting heavily to remain and without even the prospect of an independence referendum to offer a modicum of …
Nation 2 ? Iceland, the extreme nation
The second episode of Phantom Power and Lesley Riddoch’s Nation series of documentaries has been released, exploring Scotland’s northern neighbours and what we can learn from them. This episode focuses on Iceland, the extreme nation. A nation of just 300,000 people face the challenges of life in the far north with style and panache. Help …
Wee Ginger T-shirts
You wanted t-shirts, you’ve got t-shirts. For the best part of the past two years I’ve had readers of this blog asking me for Wee Ginger t-shirts and now, finally, I’ve got some organised. The long awaited Wee Ginger t-shirts are now on sale. Only they’re not ginger, they’re white, but you get the drift. …
Far-right hate must be challenged every time
THE new faces of political extremism, 21st-century style, had plenty of airtime over this past week. There was Steve Bannon on the radio, calling the fight to ?take your country back? a ?war? when the fader was up, and being even less pleasant when the faders came down, according to LBC?s political editor, who said the former White House chief-of-staff called him ?You expletive liberal elite?.
MPs call for arms trade loopholes to be closed
LOOPHOLES in arms dealing must be closed and the Government should consider monitoring where exported weapons ?finally end up?, MPs have said.
Back in the Day: Tom Johnston, a legend who shaped our nation
REGULAR readers will know that this column eschews the ?book review? approach to telling Scotland?s history, but every so often a book comes into my hands which is so definitive, so magisterial and well written that I have to let another person effectively tell the story of Scotland Back In The Day.
Jackie Baillie MSP says it is shameful that under the SNP and the Tories wome...
16 Jul 2018: Working Women in Scotland Earn significantly Less than Men Jackie Baillie MSP, Scottish Labour?s economy spokeswoman, said it was ?shameful? that under the SNP and the Tories women were earning less than men over the course of their careers. She added: ?Closing the gender pay gap isn?t just … Continue reading "Jackie Baillie MSP says it is shameful that under the SNP and th...
Conservative Party Voters With Their Hearts and Minds in Scotland Should Not ...
Renewable Heating Incentive Scheme (Cash for Ash) The UK and Northern Ireland agreed to meet a EU target (15%) for obtaining energy from renewable sources by 2020. Eligible homeowners and businesses were persuaded to install biomass boilers which create energy from woodchips or pellets, rotted trees, manure and sewage. First … Continue reading "Conservative Party Voters With Their Hea...
Emasculation of the Scottish Government Through the Adoption of Conferred Pow...
Confirmation of the Intent of Westminster to Subjucate Scots is contained in the last verse of the UK National Anthem Lord grant that Marshal Wade, May by thy mighty aid, Victory bring. May he sedition hush, And like a torrent rush, Rebellious Scots to crush, God Save The … Continue reading "Emasculation of the Scottish Government Through the Adoption of Conferred Powers Conflicti...
Austerity ? Tory Government Policy ? Let The Needy Starve ? So That Foreign A...
11 March 2018. Millions of Scots families on brink face deepest benefit cuts in years Not a lot of Scots are aware of this but the Tory Government, having inflicted austerity on the UK for 10 years provides £100 million annually in overseas humanitarian aid to Saudi Arabia which … Continue reading "Austerity – Tory Government Policy – Let The Needy Starve – So That Foreign Aid Can b...
Tories in Scotland flirting with the Orange Order and DUP will encourage the ...
Tories in Scotland flirting with the Orange Order and DUP will encourage the return of this sort of terrestrial reptile Pastor Jack Glass established his Zion Sovereign Grace Baptist Church in Glasgow’s Polmadie area in 1965. From that place he conducted a near 40 year “fire and brimstone” crusade against the LGBT … Continue reading "Tories in Scotland flirting with the Orange Order and D...
ulster-orange-order-democratic-unionist-party-the-tory-party-scotlands-future...
The Orange Order and the the Protestant “Caliban” of Northern Ireland Established in 1998 the Caleb Foundation (https://web.archive.org/web/20150307200052/http://www.calebfoundation.org/) is the leading creationist pressure group in Northern Ireland. It also lobbies on a range of social policy issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage from an evangelical Protestant perspective, and ...
ulster-orange-order-democratic-unionist-party-the-tory-party-scotlands-future...
This is What the Orange Order and DUP Would Bring to Scottish Politics 1. Same sex marriage The Party opposes same sex marriage repeatedly vetoing any change in the law. Jim Wells, (MLA) said “Peter will never marry Paul in Northern Ireland”. 2. LBGT … Continue reading "ulster-orange-order-democratic-unionist-party-the-tory-party-scotlands-future-in-the-uk-heed-the-warning...
Ulster-Orange Order- Democratic Unionist Party ? The Tory Party ? Scotland?s ...
2007: Scandal and abuse of power – Buzzwords summarising the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP in Northern Ireland In 2005 the DUP became the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland, replacing the the Ulster Unionists who had dominated the unionist vote since the partition of Ireland. Introducing a new approach and ignoring … Continue reading "Ulster-Orange Order- Democratic Unionist Pa...
Sewel: no "constitutional safeguard", just a "self-denying ordinance..."
By any reckoning, Richard Keen QC is an uncommonly political lawyer. Former Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, and now the UK government's chief adviser on Scots law, Ruth Davidson appointed him chairman of the Scottish Tories in 2013. While in office, he reportedly summoned the party's MSPs to his "small castle", and subjected them all to a dres...
"A quintessential matter of political judgment for Westminster..."
Last Friday, the Lord Advocate published the Scottish Government's intervention in the ongoing Brexit litigation before the UK Supreme Court. James Wolffe QC weighed in behind the Divisional Court's judgment, arguing that the royal prerogative cannot lawfully be used to trigger Article 50. But Scotland's senior law officer also ranged beyond tha...
"Ane absolute power to Cass, Annull & Dissable -- Contrair to Law..."
Last night, the Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC published the Scottish Government's written intervention in the Article 50 litigation. The case is scheduled to be heard by all eleven of the UK Supreme Court's Justices between the 5th and 8th of December. It is, as you'd expect, a weighty legal document which you may not find instantly digestible....
Lord Carloway's right to silence
Earlier this year, the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee launched an inquiry into "the role and purpose of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service," to focus on:"... its core role and examine the effectiveness and efficiency of the COPFS, how well it works with its stakeholders, and the support it provides to witnesses and victims o...
Escaping the Mire
Longstanding readers of this blog know what I think about the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act, and the events which led to its introduction. Alex Salmond seized on an Old Firm fracas in 2011, arguing that this so-called "shame game" required special legal measures.Elected with a majority in the Holyrood election of that year, there was no re...
Legally, can Holyrood "block" Brexit?
"100 days on from the referendum and with up to six months until the triggering of Article 50 it is time the government got serious and put our economic interests and membership of the single market at the front of their negotiating plans. With a clear majority in the Scottish Parliament for retaining membership of the single market - expressed ...
19th September, 2014
On the 19th of September 2014, I wrote a piece entitled ?under the low sky.? It is an evocative line ? stolen ? from a book I read years ago about the experience of living in the Netherlands, where the horizon presses down on you, without the thrown elbows of mountains to keep it at bay. But the phrase seemed apt to the slate-grey Glasgow aftern...
A Bill for Criminal Letters
"Criminal Letters" sounds like a pot-boiler crime novel, written by one of Agatha Christie's less talented impersonators. But in Scots law, this evocative phrase has a more precise meaning. The overwhelming majority of criminal cases in this country are pursued by the Procurator Fiscal, prosecuting individuals in the public interest, under the ...
People Make Glasgow: Let?s live up to that phrase after the GSA fire
People Make Glasgow: Let?s live up to that phrase after the GSA fire Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, June 27th 2018 Glasgow is a proud and vibrant city. William McIlvanney, who must count as the sage of this city, beautifully described it when he wrote: Glasgow is a great city. Glasgow is in trouble. Glasgow is …
Brexit is aiding the break-up of Britain but this crisis has deeper roots
Brexit is aiding the break-up of Britain but this crisis has deeper roots Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, June 20th 2018 Brexit isn?t going well. Two years after the referendum vote for the UK to leave the EU there is still no agreed plan on what kind of Brexit the UK Government wants. Theresa May?s administration …
The Good Ship Britannia Sinks Below the Waves: Scotland, Brexit and the Thoug...
The Good Ship Britannia Sinks Below the Waves: Scotland, Brexit and the Thoughts of Tim Shipman Gerry Hassan Bella Caledonia, June 13th 2018 The events of the last two days have shown how the British establishment, political classes and their supporters view the UK. There is the contempt and chaos in the Brexit process; ?Taking …
Celebration and a Politics of Collective Joy is central to making Scotland?s ...
Celebration and a Politics of Collective Joy is central to making Scotland?s Future Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, June 13th 2018 The sunshine has been out a lot in Scotland recently and in more ways than just the weather. It seems us Scots are feeling happier about things and more optimistic about the future – 36% …
What would Power to the People really look like? And are our politicians read...
What would Power to the People really look like? And are our politicians ready to let go? Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, June 6th 2018 The people are continually cited and invoked everywhere in democracies. Not only that but this is the age of directly asking the population via referendums ? such is the disdain mainstream …
A Tale of Two Nations and Becoming Normal: Ireland and Scotland
A Tale of Two Nations and Becoming Normal: Ireland and Scotland Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, May 30th 2018 Ireland has made international headlines in the last week as the country voted to legalise a woman?s right to choose, overturning decades of religious and moral dogma. Meanwhile in less dramatic terms Scotland?s debate on independence and …
The Royal Family, Britishness and Living in Disneyland
The Royal Family, Britishness and Living in Disneyland Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, May 23rd 2018 The Royal Family are an important part of what it means to be British, and whether you like them or loath them, they are one of the few remaining national symbols of cohesion which unite lots of people. Yet the …
The coming rebellion against the world of the Sunday Times ?Rich List?
The coming rebellion against the world of the Sunday Times ?Rich List? Gerry Hassan Scottish Review, May 16th 2018 Starting in 1988, The Sunday Times ?Rich List? is now in its 30th year. It has survived and prospered through all sorts of political seasons and economic social periods, from the high point of Thatcherism and …
SNP hails 'historically high' Scottish independence support ? but voters don'...
SNP hails 'historically high' Scottish independence support ? but voters don't want quick IndyRef2 iNewsPoll: Half of Scots oppose second independence referendum The ScotsmanSupport for independence rises ? but most Scots do not want vote this year Press and JournalFull coverage
White House declares Scottish independence claiming Donald Trump 'left the UK...
White House declares Scottish independence claiming Donald Trump 'left the UK' as he flew to Prestwick airport The Scottish SunWhite House Mocked for Saying Scotland is Not Part of UK in Now-Deleted Tweet Sputnik InternationalWhite House Twitter blunder claims Scotland not part of UK CGTN (press release)Welcome to Scotland? No love lost for Trump in ancestral home Stuff.co.nzFull coverage
Brexit: SNP MPs demand rerun of EU referendum amid Vote Leave probe
Brexit: SNP MPs demand rerun of EU referendum amid Vote Leave probe The ScotsmanScottish Brexit minister says 2nd EU vote ?now essential? following revelations Vote Leave broke electoral law CommonSpaceFull coverage
Vote Leave claims 'unacceptable if true'
Vote Leave claims 'unacceptable if true' BBC NewsSecond EU referendum 'essential' after Vote Leave broke law The TimesEU referendum result questioned after Vote Leave campaign failed to declare £500k dodgy donation Scottish Daily RecordFull coverage
Brexit slowly becoming a Farce.
Let's face it, this Tory Govt has no intent on pulling out of EU. It will go on and on and on until lie of land changes!
What is the point of Labour
Much as I hate the tory party (and christ do I do) you have to give them credit for a couple of things.
1. They have stupid unionists voting for them despite the fact Scotland is going to shit.
2. They think brexit is a good thing for the UK and bring stupid unionists to think the same an...
Polling: 2017 General Election, Council Elections and Independence
Despite the roaring success of the polls in recent years; it may be worth starting a thread specific to upcoming elections. All UK, Scottish subsamples, specific Scottish polls and leader popularity welcome; not to mention the independence question.
General Politics Thread
Firstly, what happened to capybara's thread? I've went back about four pages and can't find it. Am i going blind/dottled?
Anyway, until it is found.
I know it's purely an English/Welsh issue, but the junior doctors' dispute is not improving. Looks like the government is going to try to impose ...
When will indyref2 happen?
Not when you would like it to happen, but when do you believe indyref2 will happen?
UKIP
Dedicating this thread to all that's too do with the United Kingdom Independence Party. I don't in anyway support them but I don't think we can write them off as a diddy party like the greens.
As well as this they have won one of the 6 EU seats in Scotland and have also found there way into West...
Teeth
How good are your gnashers? I?m just out of the dentist and still at 38 I?ve never needed 1 single filling. Never smoked once and have never ever had a sweet tooth at all. As long as I remember I?d refuse sweeties and shite when I was wee.
Discuss the pearlies.
Indy Ref 2
Since no-one's started the thread...
A lot of former No voters including some pretty prominant activists, politicians and commentators either coming out for Yes or softening their position - even Chris Deerin saying today that he's not saying that he would vote Yes but that he couldn't say th...
This Board Needs Tunes
Been off the board for a few weeks and have no idea what's going on.
Couldn't resurrect the original thread so here's a timely new beginning. Come on back folks!
Our beautiful Scotland.
Harsh sentence or not
21 months
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Crim/2018/1510.html
Series Worth Watching
Wee bit like the movies thread - just got this showbox app on my tablet and it's got hundreds of different series on it.
Anybody recommend any worth watching?
Am about halfway through Homeland - quite enjoying it and have watched Peaky Blinders (which I found surprisingly good).
Tried Game of Thr...
Scots words
So, from time to time you see a Scots/Scottish word written down you'd never seen written down before, or suddenly hear a Scots word on radio or TV that you'd never heard broadcast before, your realise you'd only ever heard it word of mouth.
So it can feel strange out of context (which may ha...
Press conference video & statements: President Quim Torra, Clara Ponsati and ...
Video from press conference at the Principal Hotel, Edinburgh. PRESS STATEMENT1 STATEMENT ISSUED AT PRESS CONFERENCE BY AAMER ANWAR ON BEHALF OF CLARA PONSATI FOLLOWED BY THE STATEMENT ISSUED BY PRESIDENT QUIM TORRA- 11TH JULY 2018 11AM-12PM Good Morning I would like to start by welcoming President of Catalonia Quim Torra and his delegation to…
Westminster forced to admit the Scottish people are Sovereign
What happened? The SNP have played an ace card when using their allocated Opposition Day debate. Standing order number 36 was agreed and resolved without contention late last night in the House of Commons. This was a motion proposed for debate by Ian Blackford the SNP MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and leader of…
Today was the day we said enough
There was an inevitability about what happened in that sham of a democracy they call Westminster. Scotland?s perspective being completely shut out on something as fundamentally important as the EU withdrawal bill is wholly unacceptable as is the power grab of devolved issues that rightfully belong with the Scottish Parliament. How long could democratically elected…
FFS Let?s have a referendum!
The Scottish Parliament is under attack and its power being undermined. Brick by brick the foundations of the little devolved power we have is being eroded and undermined by the very people who promised we would lead the UK if we remained part of it. As a nation we do not have to accept this.…
e-Voting in Scotland
In Scotland electronic voting may soon replace traditional paper ballots and polling stations as the Scottish Government plans to roll-out a pilot scheme to test this new digital approach to the electoral system. In response to a letter organised by Webroots Democracy and co-signed by 30 leading academics and charity bosses, Minister for Parliamentary Business Joe Fitzpatrick MSP has reaffirmed the…
The Scottish Government Are Being Filibustered
Just over 1 year ago, March 28th 2017 to be exact The Scottish Parliament voted for a second referendum on independence by 69 to 59 in favour of seeking permission for a referendum before the UK leaves the EU. About 1 week earlier in advance of this Theresa May first uttered her ?Now is not…
The Indy Pledge Launches Today
Please use the following link to sign up to the Indy Pledge. IndyPledge.Online Read the background to the Indy Pledge here. This pledge was, in principle, agreed at the Local Groups Conference, in Dunblane. It was agreed that this would be done with Yes Kelty taking the lead with the support of YES Dunfermline and…
Judge Jails Catalan Deputies
Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena has decided to send Jordi Turull, Josep Rull, Raül Romeva, Carme Forcadell and Dolors Bassa into pretrial detention without bail. Both the public prosecutors and the acusación popular1, right-wing party VOX, asked for the measure. Whilst the public prosecution yesterday seemed to be uncertain whether to ask for prison or not, evaluating…
