It was typical of David’s open-mindedness and intelligence that he was himself somewhat conflicted about which way to vote. ‘No’, he told me, though he confessed to spending some time agonising in the polling booth
Justin Reynolds, a writer now living in Norwich worked with David Gow and Fay Young to set up the Sceptical Scot website in 2015
I’m honoured to have the opportunity to say a few words about my friend David.
I met him back in early 2014 when we both participated in the ‘No’ campaign during the Scottish independence referendum.
The referendum was rekindling my interest in politics after some years concentrating on my web design consultancy. David’s interest had never wavered. When he found out I had some technical skills he asked if I might set up the Sceptical Scot site.
Impressed by David’s formidable knowledge of British and European politics, and the talented array of writers he had lined up for the project, I was glad to do so.
As the site’s title suggested, it was designed to cast a sceptical eye on that excitable and increasingly fevered debate which would continue long after the votes were counted..
Though most contributors were opposed to independence, the site was sceptical about the sceptics, recognising the energy and vigour of the ‘Yes’ campaign, and inviting contributions from some of its many thoughtful supporters. It was typical of David’s open-mindedness and intelligence that he was himself somewhat conflicted about which way to vote. ‘No’, he told me, though he confessed to spending some time agonising in the polling booth. His indecision was borne of a great love of Scotland and concern for its future.
And it was characteristic of David’s kindness that, despite my having moved on from journalism many years ago, and my writing quite unknown to him, that he was willing to allow me to be one of the contributors. My rather freewheeling essays were some way from the evidence-based work the site was intended to showcase, but David was unfailingly encouraging.
Under David’s editorship Sceptical Scot soon established itself in a crowded field, gaining a reputation for well written, thoughtful contributions to the debate. It is a testament to David’s determination that there was never really any doubt that it would do so. There was steel just under the irreverent and jovial face he presented to the world.
The magazine’s momentum born of the referendum, never faltered. Sceptical Scot continued to offer informed commentary through the 2015 general election, and, of course, the 2016 Brexit vote and its chaotic aftermath. As a committed European the decision to leave was hard for David, but Sceptical Scot burned bright throughout.
I’m so glad that this valuable document of its times has been committed to the National Archive of Scotland. And to have had the opportunity to meet and work with David. I will miss his fine writing, and his kind and generous friendship.
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