Category Archives: News

Where’s The Opposition? – 19 January 2023

  

My old friend Alex Neil, the former Health Secretary, raised hackles when saying there were too many careerists in the Scottish Parliament and MSPs were simply nodding donkeys for party whips. His fire was ranged across the Chamber, not just at Scottish Government benches. The ills of Holyrood are also a microcosm of Westminster, although greater numbers and different operating… Read more »

“TORIES HAVE DECLARED WAR ON THE WORKING CLASS THROUGH ANTI STRIKE BILL – INDEPENDENCE NOW ESSENTIAL TO PROTECT WORKING PEOPLE” SAYS MACASKILL

  

Speaking at the Scotland’s Way Forward – The way ahead for Scottish Independence being hosted by the ALBA Party in Edinburgh today (Saturday) ALBA Depute Leader Kenny MacAskill MP said: “The right of working people to withdraw their labour is a right hard won over many decades of struggle and it is not one that we can surrender without a fight.  That is… Read more »

A Gangster Government – 12 January 2023

  

There’s been much said by the UK Government about the evils of Iran and Russia and I’m not going to disagree. But you’re also judged by the friends you keep not simply the paragon of virtue you seek to portray yourself as. The UK’s unseemly closeness to Saudi Arabia has long been challenged but executions and state murders of journalists… Read more »

Celtic Tories – 12 January 2023

  

I’ve never been a Tory and never will be. But I’ve friends who are and despair at the lack of entrepreneurism and seek a more dynamic society.  I’ve some sympathy for them as Scotland’s clearly underperforming and some aspects of the municipal socialism I was reared in were plan daft. The rules on council house door colours spring to mind… Read more »

East Lothian Courier – 12 January 2023

  

The New Year’s bringing challenges for many and not just individuals but collectively. Charities and organisations providing support in the community or for the common good are feeling the pressures of rising costs, especially in energy. Many such as Churches have been trying to provide a respite with warm spots available but that comes at a considerable cost, and most… Read more »

Defending Jim McColl – 6 January 2023

  

The Scottish Government announcement of an order for two new CalMac vessels going to a Turkish shipyard confirms the malaise on the Clyde. We have communities desperately needing new vessels to replace an ageing fleet and we’ve a yard in Scotland with the potential for its expansion. We also seek an industrial strategy for our heartlands in the 21st Century. It’s not rocket science… Read more »

Crumbs From The Table – 5 January 2023

  

Maybe it’s the Energy Sector equivalent of trickle-down economics but I’m not impressed by the crumbs we’re getting from the table, as I never bought into the Reagan economic doctrine. Renewable energy’s a remarkable bounty and I want to know where’s our fair share.  Recently, I saw both Labour/Tory East Lothian Council and the SNP/Green Scottish Government effusive in their… Read more »

Sturgeon Exposed – 29 December 2022

  

The Gender Recognition Reform Bill has been driven through the Scottish Parliament but at a heavy price for Nicola Sturgeon. The minor SNP rebellion solidified, and she now has a group within her parliamentary party with neither loyalty to her, nor anything to lose from further revolts. Those may be only a handful but they’ve a great deal of sympathy… Read more »

Fermenting Strikes – 29 December 2022

  

There’s a quantitative difference in how the Scottish and UK Governments are handling the wave of strikes we’re now facing. Now I preface my comments by stating I support the strikers. The wage demands are legitimate given rising costs and inflation predates their claims. But its still never easy for any government and I’ve been involved in some sensitive discussions… Read more »

Xmas Message – 22 December 2022

  

A Merry Xmas and a Guid New Year when it comes to one and all. This has been a very challenging year for most and extremely so for many. Despite the challenges that people face I still hope you will be able to enjoy the Festivities. It’s a special time of year especially for children but likewise for many others… Read more »