Shetland to the Isles of Scilly – there’s more that binds us than divides us

I WROTE AN ARTICLE on ThinkScotland back in August on why I believed Scotland should stay as part of the United Kingdom around my main argument of the economic stability that pooling and sharing our resources ...

Six is not a number it is arbitrary and dystopian

WE ARE NOW officially living under the Rule of Six. The police are charged to enforce it. In Scotland, more than six people (not counting children under 12) from a maximum of two households are ...

The Mummy Diaries – Mummy’s worst week

I KNOW in my previous blogs that I’ve joked about having ‘the worst week ever!’ and maybe at the time, it seemed that way. But believe me when I tell you that this time, I ...

Hell hath no fury like a partner scorned

THE RESPONSE of the Johnson Government to blatant EU bullying has been one of moderation in the extreme. Far from being an outrageous breach of international law it is a cool, reasoned response to unacceptable ...

From Auld Alliance to creating the United Kingdom

Mythology in the history of Anglo-Scots Relations – part two

It’s time for Scottish unionists to oppose nationalism

I HAVE been selected as the prospective candidate for the Westminster constituency seat of Airdrie & Shotts by the Scottish Unionists. I expect there to be a by-election in the coming months. 

ThinkMovies: Bill & Ted face the music

FRIENDS, I’m sorry to say that this review will require somewhat of an abnegation of my responsibilities as ThinkScotland’s resident film critic. As I am given to understand it, my role at this publication is ...

The logic of devolution requires reviving local democracy

THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT has undoubtedly brought power and democracy closer to Scots while enabling greater time and focus to be given to our specific circumstances and priorities. 

However, while devolution transferred power ...

Mythology in the history of Anglo-Scots relations

THERE CAN BE little doubt that the relationship with England has been the key factor in the birth, development and for some the decline of the Scottish nation. England is Scotland’s larger, richer and more ...

The Scottish Government has no levers – just knobs

THE ANNUAL PANTOMIME over the GERS report has produced its usual storm of conflicting statistical commentary. I won’t add to that fruitless numbers game, but right-minded folk do need to question the claims that more ...

Musings of a Real Tank Commander – Part 18 Defending the Green line from Turks, Greeks and our own rascals

HALFWAY THROUGH our 6 month tour to Cyprus we moved up to the UN Green Line and put on our blue berets – we were UN soldiers now! By way of background, the United Nations ...

Does the Treasury really want a death spiral?

WELL PLACED LEAKS suggest HM Treasury is indeed looking at the ‘traditional response’ to try and plug a £350bn plus covid-19 induced hole in public finances by raising taxes. According to reports the Treasury is ...