BY EFFIE DEANS The problem with Scottish politics is that we have a devolved parliament that is uninterested in devolution. Scottish politicians of all political parties pretend to be interested in those areas of life that the Scottish Parliament actually controls, but campaign primarily on issues that we don’t control. The same goes for supporters. What areas are controlled by the Scottish Government. Well here … Continue reading The SNP Whelk Stall
BY EFFIE DEANS There is a view I like on the west coast of Scotland which takes in the islands of Raasay and Rona, behind them Skye with its Cuillins and in the far distance the Outer Hebrides. It is perhaps the best view in Europe if you can find an evening in June with the sun about to set and fine weather. Scotland is the … Continue reading An English Appreciation Society
BY EFFIE DEANS In Moscow Lavrentiy Beria, Head of the NKVD, used to cruise around in his limousine looking for cute girls. When he found what he was looking for he would point her out and have her brought to his dacha. There would be wine and food and afterwards he would sleep with her. On departure the girl would be given a bouquet – … Continue reading Scotland Becoming Russia
BY EDWARD THOMAS BLACK Every country has its shameful past. Fortunately – for most – the past is well in the past. A product of different times and difference circumstances. However one country in Europe is in the unfortunate position of simultaneously living its shameful past and its shameful present. That country is Scotland. Why should we Scots be living through shameful times? For one. … Continue reading SNP Shame
BY EFFIE DEANS The Conservative manifesto promised that there would not be a second Scottish independence referendum. The Conservatives won a large majority. That should be the end of the matter. This being Scotland it isn’t. Independence is the bone, Nicola Sturgeon is the dog. Scottish nationalists will teach their toddlers that “No means No” or else raise spoilt brats. Young independence supporting women will go … Continue reading Nae
BY EFFIE DEANS One of the key tasks in British politics is to stop voters voting tribally. For generations people in the north of England voted Labour automatically. The same was the case in Scotland. It didn’t matter how good or bad a Conservative Government was, these voters would vote Labour no matter what. But this has changed in the past five years. Voters in … Continue reading Scotland Ripe for Tory Surge
BY MARK LEES There’s plenty to admire about Nicola Sturgeon. She’s come a long way since being nicknamed “Seaweed” at school – back then even the tide wouldn’t take her out. She’s graduated all the way up to First Minister and con-woman to boot. Be clear, people. Scottish Independence is a misdirection play. A distraction from the dire state of the NHS under SNP government … Continue reading Get Stuffed, Seaweed
BY BERT BURNETT On Thursday STV were too quick to highlight that Scotland’s wildlife population is in a state of consistent decline, referencing a new report. 70 wildlife groups joined forces with Scottish government agencies for the first time, to analyse data about nearly 6500 species across land and sea for the latest ‘State of Nature’ report. It found that in the five decades since … Continue reading A Scottish Gamekeeper Speaks Out
All you need to know about Point-to-Point horse racing: Point-to-point action, live at Whittington Racecourse. Photo by Extraordinary, CC BY-SA 3.0 Point-to-point horse racing is one of those things that most people don’t even question when they head into a bookmakers. That’s because most people prefer to watch horse races hosted at the major flat or National Hunt racecourses involving professional jockeys. The key difference between … Continue reading The Point to Point Horse Racing Guide
