Politics
When you’re in a fiscal hole – stop digging
Taking the easy way out is the rapid route to oblivion, says John McLaren, except perhaps in Scotland?
How to devolve powers in Scotland? Put principles first
If the Scottish Parliament is serious about local government reform then devolution must mean devolution beyond Holyrood.
Reform in haste, repent at leisure
Scottish Government rushed ‘reforms’ will weaken local democracy, accountability and delivery, warns George Thorley
Can Scottish government learn from English successes?
‘Not everything needs to have a Saltire added to it’ is a refreshing and healthy message.
When IndyRef2 is a question of law
A constitutional right that depends upon the changing language of individual prime ministers is not a dependable constitutional right, writes David McWilliam
Elected mayors in Scotland – benefit or distraction?
Andy Burnham’s commitment to devolve powers based on “a new set of principles and rules for running the British state” promises more transfer of public services to local democratically accountable bodies. In Scotland the reverse…
Farage versus Binface: what that tells us about Britain’s mood
“when voters are shouting at you, it’s bad. When they’re laughing at you, it’s over”. Count Binface received 9,455 votes – one in four of those cast. Farage refused to attend the declaration after his…
A new government of bold reform. Or more psychodrama?
“He has an ambitious agenda and vastly more tools of government but he will need support from across the UK” James Mitchell
Scotland needs to ‘come clean’
Civic curiosity is a fundamental characteristic of a healthy democracy. The question mark has always been a focal point of Sceptical Scot, co-founded by David Gow in 2015, and will remain so.
The SNP must own its mistakes – and learn from them
Is the SNP up to the task? Real reform requires crucial changes to policies on tax, education, health and governance: John McLaren
Scotland after the election – what new opportunities?
What next in Scotland? After a tired election new hope, new ideas and new policies are needed says Kirsty Hughes
Scunnered Scotland but energised England?
Voter turnout is down in Scotland’s parliamentary elections but up in England local elections. What does that mean?