Scottish Parliament

  • Alex Salmond dies

    In a shocking bit of news, it appears former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond has died. It marks the end of a strong career in politics for a firebrand Scottish politician who was known for never putting a pen down or a foot wrong – according to his closest compatriot’s, that is.

    In general, a politician that does something ‘new’, or different, isn’t liked because it’s difficult to pursue a new plan of action in an old and self-centered system. If it doesn’t fit, it’s a different pair of gloves. Salmond blazed a trail, but even the best of us go cold after a while.

    His last effort on X is a string of posts lamenting the consideration of Scotland as a part added onto England and not a nation in itself. He defends it ably, ending by quoting, “Scotland is a country and not a county”. In his own lifetime he saw it move in that direction.

  • What’s the mood in Scotland?

    The weather isn’t the only difference north of the border.

    Scotland has a different set of priorities in mind but what is the real mood of the people?

    It’s fair to say Scotland works by a different calendar.

    There are separate celebrations and different traditions that bring forward or set back particular things.

    However it has to abide by the date of a general election. This year it falls in Royal Week and members of the Royal Family have already visited Scotland this week to celebrate its history and culture.

    It’s also the 900 year anniversary of St Giles Cathedral – an important seat in religion in Edinburgh and Scotland at large – and it’s a milestone in Scottish life and worship.

    The timing of a general election couldn’t be more apt especially because of dreams of independence.

    Yet this isn’t a referendum so it’s back to basics when it comes to thinking about this election.

    In general the feeling is Scotland is ready for change but it depends on what it is.

    If life is largely the same it’s ok, but the reality is politics can bring with it a tinge of regret than only Scot’s will feel if it doesn’t go to plan.

    Mainly because it’s only they who will suffer if it does.