“Lanthimos’s film and Gray’s text are independent but related works. It is worth remembering that adaptations are under no obligation to be faithful to source materials. There is no governing body adjudicating and no code of laws to apply. Traces remain, however. Look out for the interrogation of authority, the imagination of an alternative future, and the indomitable spirit of Bella Baxter. Then read some Alasdair Gray.”
Blog
An industrial strategy for Scotland
At the start of general election year a leading Scottish trade unionist and policy wonk reflects on the industrial strategy challenges facing both SNP and Labour.
Normalising the Far Right: Warning signals from Austria
“Those opposing the Far Right in June across Europe should focus on emphasising and protecting the liberal-democratic values for which they stand and present a compelling programme to address voters’ concerns,” writes an Austrian social democratic thinker ahead of June’s Euro-elections.
Ten predictions for how the EU evolves in 2024
Two experts on EU policy issues look forward to yet another turbulent year in Brussels, Strasbourg, European capitals – and the world…
Shared links with Europe suit Scotland’s purpose
Forget David Cameron’s muscular unionism and Humza Yousaf’s sense of grievance: Scottish and UK foreign policy must go through Europe
Look this way: the glass is half full
“Around 70% of Scotland is covered with farmland and agricultural funding has made its mark on the landscape. Scotland, for all its apparently wild beauty, is like the rest of the UK “one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth….”
Lies, damn lies and education stats
“For the Scottish government to claim that this supersedes PISA – as they do in their statement today – is either disingenuous or evidence of dismaying statistical ignorance.” (Prof Lindsay Paterson)
Gaza: No words
No words can capture the scale of destruction, pain and misery in Gaza but the late Palestinian poet, Refaat Alareer, prompts Kirsty Hughes to reflect on our collective responses…
Patagonia 2023
Our colleague Jackie Kemp posts a guest blog by her partner, Rob Bruce, whose images often grace our pages on a trip to Patagonia…and more.
Remote? The Highlands? Get awa’
“Remote” seems to me to have a useful meaning in the IT sense of performing an activity when you are not there in person – eg a surgeon might operate remotely, or a teacher give lessons remotely. I don’t think it is useful to class whole communities as “remote”.