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Sceptical Scot

Asking Questions. Seeking Answers.

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Scottish Government

A fresh start: time to make devo really work

May 28, 2023 by George Thorley Leave a Comment

“A government that operates on the basis of centralisation and control; micro- management and a misplaced lack of faith or worse still, a lack of trust in local government to deliver locally based solutions to both national and local issues will not succeed.  It must exploit the full toolbox offered by devolution.”

UK-wide constitutional reform is an unavoidable must

May 25, 2023 by Glyndwr Cennydd Jones Leave a Comment

“Intergovernmental relations across the UK should be redefined on a stronger, formal footing and codified in a new constitutional framework which enhances arrangements for self-government and secures mechanisms for effective isles-wide collaboration.”

Scotland’s centres of power need reform: Part 2 (Holyrood)

May 15, 2023 by James Mitchell 2 Comments

James Mitchell’s survey of Scotland and its centres of power ends with reflections on the glaring need for reforming Holyrood after two decades of devolution. “The Scottish Parliament is not a delicate flower that needs protection but a robust institution that required robust critiques, especially from those who support it.”

Plotting Scotland’s unsettled future

May 11, 2023 by Emma Congreve Leave a Comment

“There is no question that leaving the EU will leave our economy smaller and less successful than would otherwise have been the case. But rather than dwelling on this ‘borrowed future’, we need to have consensus on how to move forward. That consensus can be especially hard to find when politics in Scotland is often binary and confrontational in nature….”

What’s going on at the SNP?

April 22, 2023 by Jackie Kemp Leave a Comment

SNP supporters on 2015 election night

“History may judge the police search and arrests to be over the top – or justified. We don’t know yet. But I think the interests of justice would be best served by a speedy decision from the Procurator Fiscal on this.”

Humza faces a hard landing

March 27, 2023 by David Gow Leave a Comment

“If Sturgeon’s reputation is already being shredded, he doesn’t have one to defend. A hard rain gonna fall on him. And, more than likely, his party too.”

Eradicating poverty in Scotland: a long way to go

March 27, 2023 by Emma Congreve Leave a Comment

“Relative poverty needs to move down to 18%  by 2023-24 to meet this target (and then down to 10% by 2030-31). It goes without saying that there is a long way to go!

How sustainable are Scottish tax and spend policies?

March 22, 2023 by Mairi Spowage Leave a Comment

“under current Scottish and UK fiscal policies, if public services in Scotland are to continue to be delivered as they are today, Scottish Government spending over the next 50 years will exceed the estimated funding available by an average of 1.7% each year.”

Prospects for future fiscal devolution?

February 25, 2023 by Graeme Roy Leave a Comment

Winter-flowering spikes of Witch Hasel, yellow against a blue sky: photo Fay Young

“Are current fiscal powers optimal for managing day-to-day and longer-term risks? And do the devolved administrations have the right tools to manage the financial risks they are likely to face now and in the future?”

Scotland’s currency options under independence

February 25, 2023 by Iain Hardie Leave a Comment

“The transition to full use of a S£ would take time, with high use of the UK£ within Scotland even once the S£ is established, whether at independence or soon after. In my view, it should start on day 1 of independence.”

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Welcome to Sceptical Scot, Scotland’s premier non-tribal forum for passionate, informed debate. Sceptical Scot is for all who care about Scotland’s future, regardless of how they vote: for party, independence or union, EU or Brexit. We aim to provide an arena that is both broader and deeper than current online/print offers with a rich diet of well-researched, polemical, thought-provoking writing. Read more » about About Sceptical Scot

What’s new on Sceptical Scot

  • Sunshine on Rachel House June 4, 2023
  • Glasgow’s LEZ kills off Sylvia June 3, 2023
  • A fresh start: time to make devo really work May 28, 2023
  • UK-wide constitutional reform is an unavoidable must May 25, 2023
  • Scotland’s centres of power need reform: Part 2 (Holyrood) May 15, 2023
  • Scotland’s centres of power need reform: Part 1 (Westminster) May 14, 2023
  • Rewilding the Highlands: Glen Affric and Dundreggan point the way May 13, 2023
  • Plotting Scotland’s unsettled future May 11, 2023
  • Forget the tough talk and flag waving, Labour May 11, 2023
  • Will Scotland switch to Labour in a big way? May 9, 2023

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