In times past, much has been made of the SNP’s progressive credentials. The 2010’s were a time of unparalleled success for our party for a plethora of reasons – the natural desire of Scots to seek self-governance, the inclination towards a party of government that had proven themselves capable, and of course – the aftermath […]
Mental Health
Tears, Fears and Electioneers…
by Damien Donnelly While I’m well used to elections being preceded by a period of desperate on-the-hoof policy, from all sides, this coming UK general election seems especially to have thrown into stark relief how low we have sunk as a country. Where that’s most evident is, as always, in how minorities are being treated. […]
My Old School… Brandon and Me
By Neil Scott During my first year living as a mature student in Scotland in a breeze block built room in the University of Stirling in early 1994, we crowded around the only TV in our corridor. It was owned by a working class Scot, Gary. On the flickering, fuzzy screen (the aerial being one […]
A Hill to Die On by Val Waldron
“The political and media exploitation of an under-resourced NHS and the scapegoating of our Health Secretary for political gain undermines the real need for cross party work towards progress. Let’s hope that the newly formed Long-Covid Inquiry group is well intentioned. We cannot afford to take our eye off the ball when it concerns the […]
‘Take A Drink’ A review of Darren Loki McGarvey’s Addiction series. part 1 Alcohol by Val Waldron
A review of Darren Loki McGarvey’s Addiction series Part 1 Alcohol ‘Take A Drink’ ‘Take A Drink’ the encapsulation in three familiar words our shared history that runs through Scotland’s relationship with alcohol. We’re hooked immediately by the series introduction, which promises a broad spectrum look at addiction; food, drugs, gambling and alcohol. Somewhere along […]
Holyrude Episode 2.2 – And You Know That You‘re Toxic
David (Twitter: @DavoMc82), Debra (@HeathPeaPict) and Brian (@WeeSociologist) discuss the latest events in Scottish and UK politics NEWS – Keir Starmer Speech to Labour conference – Are The Police Institutionally Misogynist – Scottish Poet Bullied Off Twitter – Queen Booed outside Scottish Parliament Music by @HippyMusic Art by @HeathPeaPict And Connor Beaton (Twitter: @cdbeaton) Gives […]
Holyrude Episode 15 – Cursed, But Carrying On
David (Twitter: @DavoMc82) and Brian (@WeeSociologist) discuss the latest events in Scottish and UK politics NEWS – BBC Bias re. potential breaches of the ministerial code ? – Taxpayer may foot the bill for Prince Andrew sex abuse case! – Plymouth Mass Shooting – Ken Loach expelled from Labour Party MORE TORY CORRUPTION – UK […]
Holyrude Episode 9 – The Long Sad Rollercoaster
This week David (twitter: @DavoMc82), Debra (@HeathPeaPict) and Brian (@WeeSociologist) discuss NEWS – Are the DWP killing people through systemic failures? – Scotland would vote to keep monarchy after independence, poll suggests – Billions needed to protect Glasgow from climate effects, report says – Labour win Batley & Spen – Mhairi Black Pride speech in […]
The Best Way Is Always Through by Hilary Long
The Best Way Is Always Through. (Robert Frost) An ancient building in the middle of nowhere. Now it is a luxury housing development. In 1985 when I entered its austere walls I suddenly found myself in a 40 bedded psychiatric ward amongst people of all ages and experiencing the most severe forms of mental illness. […]