Every early death, like that of Karen McDade who died in Dundee aged 43, is a tragedy for that person and their family. Sadly, an increasing number of families in Scotland are affected by these tragedies. In 2018, 1,187 people died as a result of drugs. This is a record, up 27% compared with 2017, and in just a decade up 107% from 2008. Scotland’s … [Read more...] about National scandal – and emergency
UK finally disunited?
Recent polls have suggested that opinion on independence versus staying in the UK is split almost 50:50. And once Boris Johnson and a possible ‘no deal’ Brexit are added into the mix, support for independence moves into the lead.The political dynamics here are, though, complex. Different Brexit scenarios still loom – no deal, deal or no Brexit (and perhaps another Article … [Read more...] about UK finally disunited?
Brexit: worst crisis for devo
This year marks the 20th anniversary of devolution.The political landscape has changed markedly since the first years of devolution. Yet, little has changed in the way intergovernmental relationships are managed in the UK. With this in mind, my cross-party committee at Westminster launched an inquiry into the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments, for which … [Read more...] about Brexit: worst crisis for devo
Aspects of Edinburgh (and Dundee)
At heart she possesses a sliver of iceIce MaidenIt’s a warm night but the windows must be closed to keep out traffic rumblings and sudden sirens in the street below. Blackwells is full to bursting for a book launch and the audience wants to hear the poet speak.Edinburgh, as Stewart Conn detects, might well have a sliver of ice at her heart, but Auld Reekie warms … [Read more...] about Aspects of Edinburgh (and Dundee)
‘Children of the Devolution’: really?
It was twenty years ago today that the Scottish Parliament officially opened. Donald Dewar spoke eloquently, the Queen attended, and there was a small amount of pomp and circumstance in Edinburgh Old Town.Time for reflection and an assessment – cue Allan Little’s ‘Children of the Devolution’ shown on the new BBC Scotland channel, and subsequently BBC Scotland in early July. … [Read more...] about ‘Children of the Devolution’: really?