Beyond Tribal Politics
Independent journalism and commentary on politics, society, culture, climate and Scotland’s future.
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…
Labour’s road to victory runs through Scotland?
“Labour once again is seeking a middle road in its pursuit of power, both north and south of the border, attempting to…
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…
Lost opportunities to last a lifetime 1
“We can sum all this up by concluding that current Scottish policy is not working, whereas current policy in England – whatever…
Lost opportunities in Scottish education 2: lack of leadership
“Bringing forward new proposals to improve literacy and numeracy, in response to the PISA results, may produce some improvement, but there are…
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…
Patagonia 2023
Our colleague Jackie Kemp posts a guest blog by her partner, Rob Bruce, whose images often grace our pages on a trip…
Scottish economy outperforming the UK but for how long?
Looking forward to the Scottish Budget on Dec 19, the FAI says: “With monetary policy determined at UK level and little in…
What does the Autumn Statement mean for Scotland?
“As these are devolved matters, the Scottish Government receives this funding but is under no obligation to match the policies announced by…
Cut to the bone. Is this what Scotland’s culture is worth?
“At the end of a year of confusing cuts, un-cuts and renewed cuts, the Scottish Government’s latest pledge is to invest £100m…