Expecting the unexpected in Scottish politics Friday, 3 May, 2024 Even when events look like they are going only one way, it’s pointless to try to predict when to expect the next big moment in Scottish politics because so often what’s widely anticipated doesn’t quite materialise. But like Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation and then the arrest and subsequent charging of her husband and ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell in relation to embezzlement allegations, they... Opinions
Council doing virtually zero about reaching net zero 29th September 2023 One benefit of being an MSP is use of Holyrood’s underground car park, but living on the edge of Edinburgh and with regular appointments across Lothian, it’s no... Opinions
How about an apology for trams fiasco, John? 22nd September 2023 Throughout my time as an Edinburgh councillor during the often bitter debate about the completion of the tram line to Newhaven, the administration repeatedly... Opinions
Broken pavements mean elderly resident is a virtual prisoner in her own home 15th September 2023 Ask anyone living in Edinburgh to point out a dangerous pavement, or jagged pothole in a cracked road which threatens suspensions and sends shockwaves up the... Opinions
Sturgeon’s back to show us how spinning is done 8th September 2023 She once styled herself as Scotland’s Chief Mammy, and with more front than Portobello there she was on Wednesday telling us all in the Scottish Parliament how... Opinions
Scotland's drug and drink deaths are a shameful record 1st September 2023 It is a sign of where Scotland under the SNP has reached when a report this month that only 1051 people had died from drug abuse in 2022 was seen as a positive... Opinions
Council paying a heavy price for its new STL rules 25th August 2023 I don’t know if Edinburgh Council’s senior officers inadvertently gave the game away about short-term lets in a committee report this week, but the cat is out... Opinions
Scottish health boards need a major shake up 18th August 2023 Like many women in her late 70s my aunt enjoyed a busy and energetic life, a real stoic who would never let a few aches and pains stop her living life to the... Opinions
Council's embarrassing climbdown over short-term lets 11th August 2023 Not for the first time City of Edinburgh Council has its tail between its legs with the embarrassing climbdown over short-term lets (STLs). At Monday’s... Opinions
Persecuting short term let owners won't solve housing shortage 4th August 2023 There is no disagreement that Edinburgh is suffering from a severe shortage of accommodation of all types, from one-bedroom apartments for social rent to... Opinions