Beyond Tribal Politics
Independent journalism and commentary on politics, society, culture, climate and Scotland’s future.
Should the Scottish Government fund public interest journalism?
“Don’t get me wrong – the journalists employed by these papers still work hard and do a pretty good job. I would…
Fiscal challenges for the Scottish Government, Pt 96
The new Medium Term Financial Strategy from the Scottish Government sets the scene for the upcoming Scottish Budget in December and marks…
Make Europe Great Again
Ultra-conservative central European thinkers among others are joining forces with MAGA protagonists to work for the break-up of the EU as we…
The spending rollercoaster is well and truly back
The Scottish Government says it and Scotland have been “short-changed” by Rachel Reeves but what does the Spending Review mean for us…
The fragmenting map of Scottish politics
“A disruptive polariser like Reform UK could reshape the system without facing a coherent counterforce. In such a scenario, the rules of…
Scottish paradox: a £704m boom on a foundation of sand
“The most striking disparity is gender. For every £100 of investment capital distributed in Scotland last year, a colossal £87 was captured…
Are Scotland’s ferries too cheap?
Subsidising tourists to ship their vehicles to the isles is not a good use of public funds
More green energy jobs
“Policymakers must continue to focus on creating competitive conditions for renewable energy to ensure we reap the economic benefits of the energy…
Fox News wins it for Trump
“When the Trump era is over, incumbent Democrats are going to have to repair US institutions that this administration has damaged. If…
What tighter immigration controls mean for Scotland
“The Scottish Government faces a tight fiscal environment. These reforms may pose additional challenges to the Scottish economy without offering much in…
A coalition willing and delivering change
“That’s why – in the middle of tectonic turbulence geopolitically – a progressive coalition that can see off Reform with or without…
Power from the grassroots
Why improving local democracy is vital: continuing a Sceptical Scot series of analyses from the Mercat Group of the Scottish Government wilful…