Beyond Tribal Politics
Independent journalism and commentary on politics, society, culture, climate and Scotland’s future.
‘A shambles and a disgrace’ – why have Scotland’s high streets declined? (Part 1)
Andrew Neil blames a “national scandal” of local government failure and incompetence, others argue the rot goes much deeper. In a two-part…
Business anticipates uneasy start to 2026
Business confidence in Scotland remains weak, according to the Fraser of Allander Institute’s Scottish Business Monitor with firms pointing to cost pressures,…
How will next SNP government tackle fiscal mess left by this one? #ScottishBudget
Eradicating child poverty? Growing the economy? Tackling climate crisis? Ensuring quality public services? Reviewing the Scottish Budget and Spending Review 2026, John…
Trump’s tariffs: who pays the cost?
As Donald Trump’s second term unfolds, the contradictions at the heart of his “America First” agenda are increasingly apparent. What began as…
The rise of fascism and why the churches must speak out
As an elder in the Church of Scotland, Tim Bell calls on churches of all denominations to ‘become part of the resistance’…
In this Scottish Budget the silences were loudest
The Cabinet Secretary chose to talk about policies such as higher bands of council tax on million-pound-plus properties and increases in the…
A new year message from ancient times
Perhaps there’s something quietly comforting in the thought that people were gathering for a December dawn five thousand years ago in a…
Les enfants de la patrie – but the enduring trap of populism is not unique to France
Trump has seized on opportunities Macron and Starmer have created. Macron and Starmer. alike in their determination to ignore politicians of the…
UK Budget 2025? Get real. The world has changed
John McLaren explains in no uncertain terms why the UK Budget is such a disappointment, doing nothig when so much needs to…
