“The British government – whether Conservative or Labour – has decided to veto another independence referendum for Scotland. I think in the end that strategy may prove counterproductive for the Unionist cause. Whether Scotland’s future is as an independent country or within the UK is a matter that the people who live here should be able to decide, hearkening, of course, to the voices of their consciences.”
Saving Loch Torridon
“It should be up to the government, acting on behalf of all of us, to protect the maerl beds of Loch Torridon. They are in a stronger position to stand up to the rich and powerful and all the marketing and muddying of the water that money can buy.”
The excessive price of the energy Union
“Energy is a clear example of how Scotland is being held back by being part of the UK. The price of Union is an energy policy set in the south of England which means Scotland’s potential as a renewable energy powerhouse is being squandered. “
The Scottish Covenant at 75 should be revived
“Like Hamilton and MacCormick, most of the people whose names are on the Scottish Covenant are no longer with us. But it would be a fitting tribute to their efforts to find a place for it in the Scottish Parliament, which was finally reconvened 50 long years it was launched.”
The Road to the Isles littered with phone masts?
“The map of applications to build masts in ‘Not Spots’ – the financially-exciting areas for the phone companies under this contract – is almost exactly the same as the map of areas designated as wild land – go figure! Clearly, the UK government didn’t.”
Who is Lynda Myles?
Shining a spotlight on a trailblazer in film festivals who often goes un-recognised or even forgotten in Scotland
What next for Yousaf and the SNP?
“Scotland has harvested much of the low-hanging fruit when it comes to reducing carbon emissions – although there are still big gains to be made from insulating homes. The Parliament’s powers are very limited. It can’t borrow money to invest and its capital budget has been slashed. A greater degree of cross-party unity will be needed to make serious progress in the areas which are within its reach.”
Flying the flag for Belarusian dissidents
“Belarusian troops are not being sent to the front in Ukraine. That is because the response of a patriotic Belarusian in these circumstances would be to immediately surrender, taking their weapons with them and then turn their fire on Russia. “
The paradox of Scotland’s ‘Gold Coast’
“Saving the Highland’s rural schools, and with them the traditions and future of the communities they serve, will take joined-up thinking and a strong and determined approach to regulation of the housing market.”
Sunak’s day of two (poor) speeches
Bring on the election and put us out of our misery, urges one of our regular columnists in a partially updated piece written before this week’s UK Budget which has apparently failed to turn the dial for the Tories.