Politics
Reasons to be cheerful – or ca’ canny
The Scottish Conservatives talked up their Holyrood election prospects at their recent conference at Murrayfield. But their past record and the wider economic and political context suggest they would be wise to err on the…
Putting council tax reform to bed
The SNP still calls its proposed Council Tax ‘reforms’ radical. But one of Scotland’s leading experts on local government finance disagrees profoundly. This is really about ruffling as few feathers as possible.
Presumption against prison – a game changer
The Scottish Government under the SNP is clear about its ultimate goal but sometimes confused about what are the best policies – and the powers to use. Women for Independence have proposed taking prison off…
Sturgeon’s runner-up on May 5?
Nicola Sturgeon will still be first minister on May 6. Kezia Dugdale and Ruth Davidson are vying for the role of opposition leader in the next Holyrood term but both are really positioning themselves for…
Swinney frets – or frits – about SRIT
The row over a 1p rise in income tax or SRIT has for once put the SNP and Scottish Government on the back foot. And that’s before increases in tax allowances kick in. This leaves…
A solution to my Holyrood dilemma
How do students and other young people plan to vote on May 5? In the first of a series the author considers the case for Scottish Labour getting his crucial second vote but opts instead…
EU referendum: the emotional case for In
Scotland’s First Minister wants to run her own campaign to persuade voters to remain in the EU, warning against a Project Fear 2. Here a pro-EU Scot sets out five lessons learned from the Indyref…
Welsh Labour outperforms its Scottish comrades
Labour in Wales may be facing a tough election in May 2016 but unlike its Scottish counterpart it is likely to benefit from a divided opposition – and may hold on to power in Cardiff…
No need for new alcohol search powers
Police Scotland is seeking to reinstate non-statutory stop and search of children for alcohol despite new laws abolishing it. But new SG evidence, published here for the first time, suggests that under-age drinking offences have…
Smith and Juncker: Scotland’s EU agenda
Two thirds of Scots, polls tell us, will vote to stay in the EU. Scotland’s stance pre-EUref is more positive but Cameron calls the shots. Yet the new post-Smith powers could enable Holyrood to deal…
Does Dry January work?
Scotland, like other western countries, has a drinking problem. Many of us will give up alcohol this month to aid charities – and get healthier. But is it worth it?
Fiscal federalism UK: total mess
The model of fiscal federalism on offer for the UK is incoherent and, without a genuine federal constitutional settlement, the rationale for Scottish independence is strengthened.