On:
In: Political News

Ahead of a debate on rural affairs in the Scottish Parliament today (Wednesday), the Tories have been accused of ‘spectacular hypocrisy’ on farm support – after lodging a motion on the issue which fails to explain how they would guarantee support for farmers if the UK votes to leave the EU. Tory Farming Minister, George Eustice, has announced that he will vote for the UK to leave the EU – effectively campaigning for an end to all EU support for Scotland’s farmers and rural communities. CAP support in Scotland is worth around £4 billion in the period from 2015 to 2020 – and the ScottishRead More →

On:
In: Political News

SNP PRESENT DAVID CAMERON WITH “CHECKLIST” The Scottish National Party has provided David Cameron with a “checklist” on International Women’s Day, urging him to take action on key issues affecting women. SNP Women and Equalities spokesperson Angela Crawley MP has written to the Prime Minister setting out five key areas where the UK government can and should take urgent action to improve the lives of women in the UK. •             Scrap the Rape Clause •             Close the Gender Pay Gap •             Protect Maternity Pay and End Maternity Discrimination •             Commit to Ending Violence Against Women •             Scrap the Tampon Tax Scrap the Rape Clause NewRead More →

On:
In: Michael McEwan

When it comes to an election everyone has a part to play, and some organisations produce a manifest in the run up to the Scottish Election. One of these has been produced by The Alliance, a national third sector intermediary for a range of health and social care organisations. The Alliance has over 1,500 members including a large network of networks of national and local third sector organisations, associates in the statutory and private sectors and individuals. Many NHS Boards and Health and social care partnerships are associate members. The Alliance worked closely with their member, and those they support, represent to develop the manifestoRead More →

On:
In: Maureen Forbes

We have 9 weeks of campaigning left for the Holyrood elections and I’m sure that many people were already looking forward to a well deserved rest after the last vote had been cast.  However, as suspected, that period of relaxation will have to wait a bit longer as we will be heading straight into the Euro Referendum and several more weeks of door chapping and street stalls. Canvassing is already seeing Europe as a discussion that many people want to have with you on the doorstep; some already know their mind and are only to eager to share it with you but many more areRead More →

On:
In: Guest Blogger, Uncategorized

Former Professor of Media Politics at the University of the West of Scotland, Dr John Robertson writes ‘So, on the objective evidence presented here, the mainstream TV coverage of the first year of the independence referendum campaigns has not been fair or balanced. Taken together, we have evidence of coverage which seems likely to have damaged the Yes campaign.’ Roughly two years ago, in January 2014, as a member of no political party, I concluded an interim research report, titled Fairness in the First Year, on BBC and STV/ITV coverage of issues, relevant to the outcome of the forthcoming Scottish Independence Referendum, with the aboveRead More →

On:
In: Stephen Bird

Over the years there have been many predictions of dirty campaigns, some justified some not but we are, I suspect, now in a very dirty campaign which will last till May 17, and for a very simple reason; Labour in Scotland are genuinely frightened that they face complete oblivion. Labour once had three legs to their power base. It seems strange now to even say Labour once had a power base. The first leg was, of course, Westminster. Well, we sorted that out last year in no uncertain manner, and Labour have become poorer not only financially, but their whole psyche has been rocked. TheRead More →

On:
In: Margaret Hamilton

As I have not been riled by anything this past week I have decided to do a wee list of positive things. Things have been happening politically in Scotland that are either ignored by the press or reported in wee dark corners. Seem that only David Cameron has been worth reporting on this week as he sneaks around Europe trying to get support so he can call a referendum on Europe and wipe out any coverage on the Scottish elections. These are just bites of what is happening. Full information links at end of each topic. Funding for Macmillan advice services. Cancer patients and theirRead More →

On:
In: News

For our subscribers not in easy travelling distance of Carrbridge this could be a weekend away with a difference. A deal for B&B has been negotiated with the hotel.The event will also be supporting the Scots Independent newspaper by promoting us. Join Grantown and District SNP branch for a fun-filled evening of socialising and horse racing. Friday 4th March 2016 at 1915 hour (7.15 pm) Light buffet and wine included. Tickets £15. £5 from each ticket going to support the Grantown SNP Branch. Tables seat 10 and can be reserved for groups. Tickets available from The Bookmark, Grantown and The Carrbridge Hotel, at the door, orRead More →

On:
In: Grant Thoms

Last night I went to see an Oscar-contender film, Spotlight. The story of how the investigative journalism team at Boston Globe exposed not just that 243 priests had abused over 1,000 boys and girls over decades but that the church had systematically hidden what happened through bullying, pay-offs and a network of people it could rely on to suppress any potential. A telling scene where the importance of getting the whole story, being patient to research and evidence the systemic abuse, was an important part of being able to nail the church once and for all. No more excuses or blame on one or twoRead More →