Beyond Tribal Politics
Independent journalism and commentary on politics, society, culture, climate and Scotland’s future.
And the winner is…The Absent Voters Party
However in all six Scottish Parliamentary elections since 1999 of the roughly 4 million people registered to vote, those actually voting averaged…
What’s ‘good for Scotland’ in 2026 election?
The SNP is in no fit state to fight a referendum. It has not begun to address weaknesses exposed in 2014.
Four poems in defiance of an uneasy spring
In times of war, poetry is a kind of defiance, a resistance. Humanity reclaimed?
Mind the (implementation) gap: Neurodivergence in Scotland
A key theme running throughout the evidence was the stark gap between Scottish Government policy and practice
Inside the Wall of Death, a wealth of human kindness
‘Wall of Death!’ the taxi driver sounds surprised – incredulous might be a better word – but also intrigued and wanting to…
Certain uncertainties of Iran War, inflation and public finances
What to do? Take a targeted approach to support those in most need
When a night club demolition becomes a radical right dog-whistle
Last week, the demolition of the Atik nightclub on West Tollcross attracted substantial media attention. Originally opened as The New Cavendish dance…
Global food insecurity: another dividend from Trump’s war of choice
Markets have reacted to the global impact of closing this incredibly busy shipping channel, focusing on the risk to oil and gas flows, the prospect…
Public pay settlements: a crisis waiting for the next Scottish government
The Scottish government has long practised the exercise of kicking problematic cans down the road. Perhaps wider world crises will keep eyes…
‘A shambles and a disgrace’ – why have Scotland’s high streets declined? (Part 1)
Andrew Neil blames a “national scandal” of local government failure and incompetence, others argue the rot goes much deeper. In a two-part…
