“…One possible scenario outlined was […] Reform win at a canter in England, & Farage becomes Prime Minister. What possible legitimacy would such a government have to impose its agenda north? And what would that mean for devolution?” @lochansmill.bsky.social @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social

"Scotland needs to show the world what it is, because we won't get a second chance." theorkneynews.scot/2025/09/17/s...

The publication of Nicola Sturgeon's 'Frankly' has seen the usual division into opposing camps of admirers & detractors. Isn't it time for a more nuanced assessment of her leadership & period as FM? My thoughts on Bella Caledonia. #NicolaSturgeon bellacaledonia.org.uk/2025/08/15/l...

"I suggested to him that while the former First Minister’s personal thoughts and fears came across as entirely human and genuine, and they are, perhaps it was far too early for her to try to defend a legacy that will take years to determine." The End of the Affair theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/14/t...

With First Minister John Swinney about to embark on a tour of Scotland to roll out yet another relaunch of an independence strategy, it feels like an important moment to reflect on Scotland’s constitutional journey. Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/05/f...

How will Scotland greet the US President? | Alec Ross

Return of a Crass Act theorkneynews.scot/2025/07/21/r...

A niche one maybe, but I’ve been watching the golf from America – goodness me, it’s brilliant – and reflecting on the latest Rory controversy. In Praise of Rory theorkneynews.scot/2025/06/14/i...

Reform’s success is notable, but Scotland must confront its longstanding democratic deficit, preceding Nigel Farage’s influence | Alec Ross

There’s a story told about a speech at the Conservative Party conference in the early 2000s, at a time when the party was at a low ebb. New Labour was still a while away from its Iraq nemesis and had just been returned by a sizeable majority... Moving the Needle theorkneynews.scot/2025/05/07/m...

Who in truth has heard of Alexander Watson Hutton? And yet Argentina recently played an entire top division season with footballs emblazoned with saltires, in homage to the Scotsman who effectively brought the beautiful game to their homeland. Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/04/26/f...

That was the question addressed by the writer Gerry Hassan in his Bella Caledonia article earlier this week (After Sturgeon & “Sturgeonism”: facing up to the undemocracy of Scotland). Stands Scotland where it did? theorkneynews.scot/2025/03/26/s...

After the SNP era of Nicola Sturgeon, Sturgeonism & conclusion of Branchform what is the legacy of Sturgeon & Sturgeonism for the SNP, indy & Scotland? And what is the bigger picture & state of democracy in Scotland? My thoughts at @bellacaledonia.bsky.social bellacaledonia.org.uk/2025/03/25/a...

What a podcast. And what a song.

FT | EF 0-3 STR Dean Hawkshaw’s converted penalty is followed up by a Deryn Lang double, as we keep a clean sheet and take all three points in the Methil sunshine. We return to the Eco Gen Stadium next Saturday, when we welcome Forfar Athletic to town. #StickingTogether 🫶🏻 | #MONBLU 💙

"Independence is always better than dependence". It absolutely is which is why our neighbours are proudly independent and able to focus 100% on growing their economies and lifting living standards. Time to throw off WM's shackles, Scotland🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Starmer and Charles #NotMyKing have offered Trump a visit to Scotland ahead of a state visit to the UK. Our country is being whored out. www.thenational.scot/news/2497036...

Huge three points for les bleus. Magnifique #monblu

"It's their team as much as it's my team." Loved Michael Carrick as a player, love his approach to coaching. About unlocking potential and getting players to express themselves. Boro are playing lovely stuff and are on the up. He's doing brilliantly. www.thetimes.com/article/b9fb...

His support for Israel right from the start, brings him into question.

This is a fabulous piece of writing.

Isbell time baby.

I remember a political sketchwriter saying that when it came to commenting on politics it was important to have a long memory. Where was this guy’s solidarity with farming during the last decade?

Tough times in farming, so if you need cheering up….

There is no independence from Westminster without a Scottish Currency

Better than Zidane.

Watching a resurgent, brave, gallus Scotland do a very un-Scottish thing here. Like, change the narrative. Believe. Never give in. Win the game. A minor classic, available to watch on (checks notes) YouTube. Jings. How can Scotland believe in itself if we’re not allowed to tell its own story?⚽️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

My sketch of PMQs www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Let me think. Our biggest trading partner or Donald Trump www.theguardian.com/politics/202...