@lesleyriddoch.bsky.social
Journalist, Blossom, Thrive, Director http://nordichorizons.org, Columnist http://thenational.scot Podcast http://lesleyriddoch.com NEW Finland film screenings https://lesleyriddoch.com/events. Denmark & other films https://www.youtube.com/@Lesley_Riddoch
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialWhat is @Scotgov plan for local government? Huge regional councils, 160 Scandi-style powerful local councils or glorified community councils? VIP fringe this Friday at #SNP26 9.15 (ouch) with hot rolls.
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialIs Andy Burnham a plausible but economically shallow neo-Liberal? Will the UK rejoin EU & what impact on Indy? Is Kemi the new Maggie? Will Zionism vote at Green conf help or hinder Zack Polanski’s bid to win Starmer’s old seat? Was John Swinney right on pensions? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.social‘Seismic’ Andy Burnham proposals already quite familiar for Scots. Right to buy abolished here 2016, free personal care 2001, comprehensives never axed, 62% Remain vote, water never privatised, PR standard. So what do Scots make of the PM’s big speech? Listen LesleyRiddoch.com/podcast
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialDid Michael Marra turn the dial on independence when Labour backed Scotland's right to decide this week – or is it just spin?
www.thenational.scot/politics/265...
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialFinland film screenings plus Q&A in Moffat, Lismore and Ardrishaig. Huts talk in Kinloch Rannoch & interview with former FM Humza Yousaf about his new book in V&A Dundee this Monday. Tix and info lesleyriddoch.com/events
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialMalcolm Offord says Holyrood debate on Scotland's right to decide future is pointless - and has led Reform MSPs in walkout. Ross Greer says he hopes nearby pub is fully staffed - they might be busy. Michael Marra says he respects indy view but doesn't back it. All waiting to see how Labour votes.
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialFew events coming up - Finland film plus Q&A in Moffat, Lismore and Ardrishaig. Also chairing discussion at V&A Dundee with HumzaYousaf on his new book Sept 28th. Tix and info at lesleyriddoch.com/events
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialFaced with Celtic Alliance, Labour hasn’t the gumption or self-awareness to get off its laurels & act to stave off disintegration of the Union. Just like Horatio Nelson Andy Burnham sees no ships. No dangers. No warnings. Because he cannot deal with them.
www.thenational.scot/politics/265...
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialBuilding a feminist nation. Feminist academics & writers propose excellent manifesto of well researched policies to improve women's lives in Scotland. Free download. books.sup.ac.uk/sup/catalog/... @sarasheridan
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialTrump backs a United Ireland. Burnham accidentally backs Indyref2. Welsh, NI & Scots FMs back a proper path to independence. Scotgov signals Curriculum for Excellence reform & hints at truly local councils alongside big strategic ones. It’s all go. Listen at lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialWhy would Scots want to exercise our right to indyref2? Because Nigel Farage plans a dicatorship.
www.thenational.scot/politics/265...
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialHi there. I'm writing about Scotgov health board reforms and would love to speak to someone in Scottish Greens. Ive left phone messages all over the place. It's for tomorrow's paper.
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialSelf-proclaimed racist who hit police & set up demo to heckle peaceful campaigners was central figure in BBC Disclosure Glasgow doc. Why no analysis of links with Belfast Far Right or balancing interview with Violence Reduction Unit experts?
www.thenational.scot/politics/264...
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialDoes Anas Sarwar regret saying Scottish Labour leader has world’s hardest job or that Lords should be abolished & joining it? If only one MSP qualifies to replace him, how bad will that look?
Fires rage & climate causes food prices to soar. Is North Sea drilling really ok?
lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialAnas Sarwar quitting ScotLab confirms old suspicions. In the branch office, promotion to head office is the stuff of dreams. Holyrood is always the lesser gig. Joining the world’s 2nd largest unelected chamber is always unproblematic. Rotten legacy for new leader
www.thenational.scot/politics/264...
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialSongwriter Bobby Motherwell recorded this Declaration of Independence, celebrating US 250th anniversary with an adaption of their famous case for Independence. youtu.be/aVG5Rcg29SM
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.socialIn the 1840s the Galson estate on Lewis was cleared for sheep. Most people were put onto emigration ships to Canada. Finally in 2007 - a community buyout. This commemorative sculpture by Will Maclean & Marian Leven is shortlisted for Marsh Award. If it moves you pls vote. pssauk.org/2025-pssa-ma...
