“A disruptive polariser like Reform UK could reshape the system without facing a coherent counterforce. In such a scenario, the rules of the political game are not just changing – they may be dissolving altogether.”
Scottish Government
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 by businesses run by men, who secured 75% of all deals….The disparities highlighted in this report, particularly the concentration of capital in a handful of typically male-led, later-stage ventures and urban centres, risk stifling the very dynamism a healthy start-up ecosystem depends on.”
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 transition.”
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 the way of solutions.”
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 the shrunken Conservatives in its pockets would be the most desirable outcome of Holyrood 2026. A coalition of the ready, willing and able set on initiating reforms that will usher in transformative change and give genuine hope to a disillusioned, alienated people.”
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 centralisation of power
What the ferries fiasco means for Arran
The launch of MV Glen Sannox marks a significantly delayed step towards improving ferry services between Arran and the Scottish mainland. Uncertainty persists regarding the ferry base location, with economic and social implications for Arran residents. Despite potential government intervention, concerns about service reliability, accessibility, and local economies remain critical as residents wait for improvements.
Fiscal sustainability and the Scottish budget
The draft Scottish Budget raised concerns regarding financial planning, particularly about the Funding shortfall for Employer National Insurance and the late commitment to mitigate the two-child limit on benefits. Mitigation aims to help families affected by this policy, but fiscal sustainability and proper planning are crucial to effectively address child poverty targets by 2030.
Energy privatisation is a disaster for Scotland
Energy poverty in Scotland affects 31% of the population, which is significantly higher than in England and the EU. Despite abundant energy resources, especially renewable, local costs remain exorbitant due to ineffective regulations and privatization. High energy bills drive families away, worsen health issues, and threaten economic growth, with profits benefiting external shareholders.
The gift nobody wants to open
Spare a thought this Christmas/New Year for the person at the Fiscals’ office on whose desk the file marked ‘Operation Branch Form’, the investigation into the SNP’s finances, is resting.