Campaigns Climate & Environment Democracy Scotland Scottish Greens Scottish Independence

Within Our Grasp – a response…

Common Weal has published a lengthy document called “Within Our Grasp”, about Independence for Scotland. Although published by them, this document states it isn’t necessarily the policy of Common Weal – but it’s written by the Director of Common Weal, Robin McAlpine!  I once had a bit of a debate with both his faither, Tom […]

Democracy Education Equality & Inclusion Human Rights Scotland

How to Perpetuate Social Inequalities – An SQA and Scottish Government Guide

Today, learners who studied S.Q.A. National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher courses during the 2019/2020 academic session received their grades. Yet, for the first time, these results are not down to how students performed in a final one-off exam (itself already a problematic approach), rather gradings are the result of predictions by teachers in high […]

Brexit Climate & Environment Coronavirus Democracy Economy & Finance Education Health Media Neoliberalism Scottish Independence Sport

The World Through A Window

There’s a wistfulness in the air. We’re no longer marvelling at clear skies above China and translucent blue canals in Venice. We’re watching from behind the sofa as death rates continue to rise around the globe, and fluctuations occur, leading to second, or even third wave and Lockdown periods, such as in Hong Kong and […]

Campaigns Corruption Democracy Feminism Left Politics Liberal Democrats Media Scotland Scottish Independence Westminster

Strange Rumblings in Scotland: Blade Runner Strikes Again

Everyone is becoming edgy and kind of toe curlingly, stupidly nervous.  The Tory Party sent their colonial fixer to the house of Carlaw  sometime between the Covid-19 Prime Minister’s visit to Scotland and last night, and Unionism in Scotland, seems to have surrendered.  Adam “Up the Republic… oops… no, up the Union…” Tompkins has waved […]

Black Lives Matter Brexit Campaigns Democracy Education Fascism Feminism Poverty Privilege Scottish Independence Ungagged Writing

What is Happening to the The 45G%?

I think it is a dangerous sign of our times that conspiracy theory is becoming increasingly prevalent on our Scottish social media, than actual, solid material fact. Ungagged asked me for my opinion on the state of Scottish politics. I am really not that qualified to do so. I am old, I suppose and I […]

Brexit Campaigns Coronavirus Crime Democracy Equality & Inclusion European Union Fascism Human Rights International LGBTQIAP+ Scottish Independence Sport

Queer Spaces: Opportunities & Threats by Luke Campbell

We may have been in various phases of lockdown across Europe over recent months, yet queer politics remains an ever present issue for we L.Q.B.T.Q.+ folk, but seemingly also for those who police and legislate our lives. Advancing the Gender Recognition Act in Scotland to protect and safeguard the lives of trans folk has been […]

Campaigns Democracy Economy & Finance Scotland Scottish Independence

Will ‘Max The Yes’ Independence Voting Work? by Mike Moss

Will using our list vote for one of the new independence parties increase the number of independence supporting MSPs in the next Holyrood election? Spoiler alert, no. If your only concern in voting on the list is to vote for an independence supporting party, then in general we should use our list vote in the […]

Campaigns Democracy Left Politics Scotland Scottish Independence Ungagged Writing

To Plan B or not to Plan B

That is the question some are asking, as the SNP contemplates the May 2021 Scottish Parliament election. The discussion takes place in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic – and the huge public health effort to manage and suppress the virus rightly takes precedence over all political matters at present. As we move forward, voters […]

Campaigns Coronavirus Democracy Education Equality & Inclusion International Left Politics Scotland Scottish Independence

Just Another Cog In The Wheel by Hilary Long

“It is poverty that robs children of life chances be they health, education, unsafe communities, food insecurity and poor housing.” Schools have now been closed for the vast majority of children since 20th March. They won’t be re opening until August at the earliest.  Coronavirus has dominated the headlines from a health point of view […]