Beyond Tribal Politics
Independent journalism and commentary on politics, society, culture, climate and Scotland’s future.
Cawin the feet from the Curriculum for Excellence?
Standardised testing – as proposed by Nicola Sturgeon – is almost certain to undermine the goals of the Scottish Government’s flagship Curriculum…
ScotPound misses its targets
It’s the currency issue wot lost it for Yes a year ago, they say. So how about a Scottish currency to meet…
Who speaks up for the EU?
The Queen has been the sole Brit speaking up for the unity of Europe. What will Labour’s new leader say – and…
Yes and Corbynmania: new face of British politics
Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour leadership campaign has resembled and/or been inspired by Scotland’s Yes movement in its mass appeal. Other similar movements are…
An underwhelming programme for government
Nicola Sturgeon’s pre-election programme for government is, well, worthy but provides no evidence that the SNP in power at Holyrood for another…
Injustice: why social inequality still persists
Danny Dorling’s magisterial analysis (2009) of inequality has been republished in a revised edition and, as this review underlines, the gap between…
Whispers behind the scenes at Edinburgh Festival
Freedom of expression is at the heart of culture but is increasingly coming under threat. This was explored on the Fringe at…
Culture, class and connections in Scotland
Darren McGarvey, aka ‘Loki’, a Glasgow-based hip hop singer/rapper, performer, community activist and writer discusses Scottish culture, how class manifests itself within…
Scottish TV channel could be non-starter
Nicola Sturgeon’s call for a dedicated Scottish TV channel is a good idea and has been widely welcomed but there are plenty…
Catalonia and Spain: future options
Catalonia goes to the polls next month as the pressure for independence from Madrid intensifies. Here a prominent political scientist from Barcelona…
Why the left is split over Europe
How has opposition to the EU changed since the Greek bail out, Cameron’s re-election and referendum pledge and the migration crisis? A…
Poetically challenged: satirical lines on party leaders
Corbynmania has spawned a book of dedicated poems but what of other political figures? Fay Young casts an acerbic and affectionate eye…