The Scottish Politics Thread

[Big D]

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scot ... source=nba

Neil Gray, Health Secretary, caught trying to buy Oasis tickets during Alzheimers panel at SNP conference. They are just not serious people and have no business in government.

Scum bag

He's come up with an excuse from the Michael Matheson playbook. The Editor has called him a liar.

I am in a quandary on this one. Don't believe Neil Gray but the Record is several rungs below the Beano and Dandy.

[Blackmac]

Scum bag

He's come up with an excuse from the Michael Matheson playbook. The Editor has called him a liar.

I am in a quandary on this one. Don't believe Neil Gray but the Record is several rungs below the Beano and Dandy.

So after initially claiming the whole story was nonsense, the papers sticking to their story and producing witnesses, Gray has now made a blustering, red faced admission.
These pricks just never change and their first reaction is always to lie.

[Blackmac]

So the minimum pricing of alcohol has had no effect on alcohol related deaths in Scotland, with yet another record year.
According to my sister who works in a senior position with one of the large supermarkets, the unintended consequence is a huge increase in the theft of booze.

[inactionman]

So the minimum pricing of alcohol has had no effect on alcohol related deaths in Scotland, with yet another record year.
According to my sister who works in a senior position with one of the large supermarkets, the unintended consequence is a huge increase in the theft of booze.

It's pretty depressing to hear there's another record year, but isn't theft (in particular shoplifting) on a sadly steep upwards trend anyway? Wondering if booze is disproportionately affected?


As an aside, I lived in Leith for a bit up until about 4 years ago, and would pop into the Alhambra to catch a few football matches - probably one in five times I was offered the chance to buy a bottle of booze with the security tag still attached.

[Blackmac]

So the minimum pricing of alcohol has had no effect on alcohol related deaths in Scotland, with yet another record year.
According to my sister who works in a senior position with one of the large supermarkets, the unintended consequence is a huge increase in the theft of booze.

It's pretty depressing to hear there's another record year, but isn't theft (in particular shoplifting) on a sadly steep upwards trend anyway? Wondering if booze is disproportionately affected?


As an aside, I lived in Leith for a bit up until about 4 years ago, and would pop into the Alhambra to catch a few football matches - probably one in five times I was offered the chance to buy a bottle of booze with the security tag still attached.

Do we take the glass half full option and speculate that things may be even worse if not for the policy.

[Simian]

So the minimum pricing of alcohol has had no effect on alcohol related deaths in Scotland, with yet another record year.

Although it’s true that the number of alcohol related deaths each year in Scotland continue to rise, it’s worth keeping in mind that the difference in the number of alcohol related deaths between Scotland and other UK countries has actually fallen in recent years (you’re still more likely to die of an alcohol related death in Scotland than other UK countries, but that difference is now smaller than it was). In fact, a recent University of Glasgow study concluded that the minimum alcohol pricing policy in Scotland reduced alcohol related deaths by 13% compared to what they’d have been without the policy (note that that’s not the same as where they were before the policy). So… yeah. The policy hasn’t reversed the increase in alcohol related deaths. But the available evidence is that it’s seen fewer people dying each year than would have without the policy.

[Biffer]

So the minimum pricing of alcohol has had no effect on alcohol related deaths in Scotland, with yet another record year.

Although it’s true that the number of alcohol related deaths each year in Scotland continue to rise, it’s worth keeping in mind that the difference in the number of alcohol related deaths between Scotland and other UK countries has actually fallen in recent years (you’re still more likely to die of an alcohol related death in Scotland than other UK countries, but that difference is now smaller than it was). In fact, a recent University of Glasgow study concluded that the minimum alcohol pricing policy in Scotland reduced alcohol related deaths by 13% compared to what they’d have been without the policy (note that that’s not the same as where they were before the policy). So… yeah. The policy hasn’t reversed the increase in alcohol related deaths. But the available evidence is that it’s seen fewer people dying each year than would have without the policy.

That goes against other posters desired harrative so can't possibly be true. Well shortly hear about how those researchers are dependent for their living on SNP money and how one of them has tattooed a saltire on their face

[Blackmac]

So the minimum pricing of alcohol has had no effect on alcohol related deaths in Scotland, with yet another record year.

Although it’s true that the number of alcohol related deaths each year in Scotland continue to rise, it’s worth keeping in mind that the difference in the number of alcohol related deaths between Scotland and other UK countries has actually fallen in recent years (you’re still more likely to die of an alcohol related death in Scotland than other UK countries, but that difference is now smaller than it was). In fact, a recent University of Glasgow study concluded that the minimum alcohol pricing policy in Scotland reduced alcohol related deaths by 13% compared to what they’d have been without the policy (note that that’s not the same as where they were before the policy). So… yeah. The policy hasn’t reversed the increase in alcohol related deaths. But the available evidence is that it’s seen fewer people dying each year than would have without the policy.

Confirmation of what I suggested above then. Ultimately few polices seem capable of effectively deterring alcoholics, drug users and smokers from doing what they are intent on doing.

[Simian]

So the minimum pricing of alcohol has had no effect on alcohol related deaths in Scotland, with yet another record year.

Although it’s true that the number of alcohol related deaths each year in Scotland continue to rise, it’s worth keeping in mind that the difference in the number of alcohol related deaths between Scotland and other UK countries has actually fallen in recent years (you’re still more likely to die of an alcohol related death in Scotland than other UK countries, but that difference is now smaller than it was). In fact, a recent University of Glasgow study concluded that the minimum alcohol pricing policy in Scotland reduced alcohol related deaths by 13% compared to what they’d have been without the policy (note that that’s not the same as where they were before the policy). So… yeah. The policy hasn’t reversed the increase in alcohol related deaths. But the available evidence is that it’s seen fewer people dying each year than would have without the policy.

Confirmation of what I suggested above then. Ultimately few polices seem capable of effectively deterring alcoholics, drug users and smokers from doing what they are intent on doing.

I can never quite get my head round this sort of view, tbh. It sounds like you’re saying a policy needs to reverse a trend to be judged effective. Ultimately, we’’ll need tk wait and see what health economists find in terms of the balance between the costs of the policy versus savings to NHS, employers etc. (and how or if that balance shifts in the short, medium, and longer terms).

I do find it striking how similar a lot of the arguments about the ineffectiveness of minimum alcohol pricing are to policies out in place over the years to deter smoking. The available evidence for those is that the economic benefits of those are enormous. We’ll need to wait and see if the alcohol ones, but early indications look encouraging, tbh.

[Blackmac]

Although it’s true that the number of alcohol related deaths each year in Scotland continue to rise, it’s worth keeping in mind that the difference in the number of alcohol related deaths between Scotland and other UK countries has actually fallen in recent years (you’re still more likely to die of an alcohol related death in Scotland than other UK countries, but that difference is now smaller than it was). In fact, a recent University of Glasgow study concluded that the minimum alcohol pricing policy in Scotland reduced alcohol related deaths by 13% compared to what they’d have been without the policy (note that that’s not the same as where they were before the policy). So… yeah. The policy hasn’t reversed the increase in alcohol related deaths. But the available evidence is that it’s seen fewer people dying each year than would have without the policy.

Confirmation of what I suggested above then. Ultimately few polices seem capable of effectively deterring alcoholics, drug users and smokers from doing what they are intent on doing.

I can never quite get my head round this sort of view, tbh. It sounds like you’re saying a policy needs to reverse a trend to be judged effective. Ultimately, we’’ll need tk wait and see what health economists find in terms of the balance between the costs of the policy versus savings to NHS, employers etc. (and how or if that balance shifts in the short, medium, and longer terms).

I do find it striking how similar a lot of the arguments about the ineffectiveness of minimum alcohol pricing are to policies out in place over the years to deter smoking. The available evidence for those is that the economic benefits of those are enormous. We’ll need to wait and see if the alcohol ones, but early indications look encouraging, tbh.

You are clearly missing my point, I am saying the opposite. I said above, we could take the glass half full view that the policy has stabilised the situation. No policy will ever completely reverse these problems as peoples habits are far too entrenched. Preventing things getting worse seems to be the best expectation.

[Jock42]

I'd like to see stats on the use of benzos. Certainly anecdotally we're seeing more ODs on these (mainly because of what they're being cut with) and in younger people.

[Simian]

Confirmation of what I suggested above then. Ultimately few polices seem capable of effectively deterring alcoholics, drug users and smokers from doing what they are intent on doing.

I can never quite get my head round this sort of view, tbh. It sounds like you’re saying a policy needs to reverse a trend to be judged effective. Ultimately, we’’ll need tk wait and see what health economists find in terms of the balance between the costs of the policy versus savings to NHS, employers etc. (and how or if that balance shifts in the short, medium, and longer terms).

I do find it striking how similar a lot of the arguments about the ineffectiveness of minimum alcohol pricing are to policies out in place over the years to deter smoking. The available evidence for those is that the economic benefits of those are enormous. We’ll need to wait and see if the alcohol ones, but early indications look encouraging, tbh.

You are clearly missing my point, I am saying the opposite. I said above, we could take the glass half full view that the policy has stabilised the situation. No policy will ever completely reverse these problems as peoples habits are far too entrenched. Preventing things getting worse seems to be the best expectation.

Ah. Soz. Totally agree with that!

[Tichtheid]

Alcohol-related deaths

Scotland 1,227
Norway 450
Sweden 2,168
Denmark circa 4000
Finland 1,644


I looked at those countries because they have very high alcohol pricing, much of it was an effort to cut alcoholism. Sweden has twice our population, the others are around the same as Scotland. I don't know if all the figures are using the same metrics, I got the numbers from googling "alcohol deaths in ...." but Norway seems to be more successful, or less unsuccessful if you like.

My point here is that I'm not sure that unit pricing is the fix we hope it is, my gut feeling is that pricing doesn't address the much deeper issues of alcoholism and drug dependancy and how and why people get to that point.

There was a mention of smoking - personally I gave up because I knew it was very bad for my health, perhaps a similar campaign on alcohol would be more effective, it's still very much part of our culture to get bladdered at a social gathering and everyone goes, "Oh Shuggy was battered last night, ho ho!"

When I was in the States they had a very different approach to public drunkenness - it was very much frowned up and not considered socially acceptable, I think I remember reading somewhere that they have a low per-capita rate of alcohol-related deaths.

[Slick]

So the minimum pricing of alcohol has had no effect on alcohol related deaths in Scotland, with yet another record year.

Although it’s true that the number of alcohol related deaths each year in Scotland continue to rise, it’s worth keeping in mind that the difference in the number of alcohol related deaths between Scotland and other UK countries has actually fallen in recent years (you’re still more likely to die of an alcohol related death in Scotland than other UK countries, but that difference is now smaller than it was). In fact, a recent University of Glasgow study concluded that the minimum alcohol pricing policy in Scotland reduced alcohol related deaths by 13% compared to what they’d have been without the policy (note that that’s not the same as where they were before the policy). So… yeah. The policy hasn’t reversed the increase in alcohol related deaths. But the available evidence is that it’s seen fewer people dying each year than would have without the policy.

That goes against other posters desired harrative so can't possibly be true. Well shortly hear about how those researchers are dependent for their living on SNP money and how one of them has tattooed a saltire on their face

Nah, that's a great result for 14 years

[Blackmac]

I'd like to see stats on the use of benzos. Certainly anecdotally we're seeing more ODs on these (mainly because of what they're being cut with) and in younger people.

Just before I retired, Gabapentin was playing a bigger and bigger part in the OD stats.

[Jock42]

I'd like to see stats on the use of benzos. Certainly anecdotally we're seeing more ODs on these (mainly because of what they're being cut with) and in younger people.

Just before I retired, Gabapentin was playing a bigger and bigger part in the OD stats.

It's "street valium" here, there was a definite shift during covid from heroin (sometimes with benzos) to a bigger use of benzos. Currently seeing a lot of synthetic opiods being cut into the "street vallium". With a bag of these at 50p it's not daft to assume there might be a switch from alcohol to these.

[Slick]

This has been an absolute disgrace from start to finish. Whatever your views on the wider issue I don't know how anyone can support a transgender woman being in charge of a female rape crisis centre, just inexplicable.

The chief executive of a sexual assault support service has stood down after a review found it failed to protect women-only spaces.

Mridul Wadhwa – a trans woman – resigned after a Rape Crisis Scotland report found she failed to behave professionally while head of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC).

The investigation, carried out by an independent consultant, also found Ms Wadhwa “did not understand the limits of her authority” and the needs of survivors were not prioritised.

In a statement, the ERCC board said it was implementing recommendations from the review, but felt the “time was right for a change of leadership”.

The review was sparked after an employment tribunal found a counsellor with gender-critical views had been unfairly constructively dismissed.

Former worker Roz Adams believed that those using the service should be able to know the sex of the staff that deal with their case.

The charity has paused new referrals to the centre and said it was "extremely concerned" that women-only spaces had not been provided for 16 months.

An ERCC statement said: "Mridul has stood down from her role as CEO of ERCC. Recruitment of a new CEO will happen in due course.

"We are committed to delivering excellence while taking on board the recommendations from the independent review to ensure we place survivors voices at the heart of our strategy.

"We are in daily communication with Rape Crisis Scotland, have met their urgent demands, and are currently implementing the recommendations in the report.

"We will continue to work alongside RCS to ensure our services not only meet but exceed the National Service Standards."

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre said it would start the recruitment of a new CEO imminently

However, For Women Scotland - which has campaigned against changes to transgender rights - accused the board of "ignoring its own culpability".

In a statement posted on X, they said, external: "This is the very least that they can do. It seems the board are intent on ignoring their own culpability.

"It's not good enough.

"They, and Rape Crisis Scotland, are making a sacrifice. But they created the problem."

Ms Adams' tribunal, which concluded in May, centred on a disciplinary process that began after she repeatedly sought clarity on how to respond to an abuse survivor who wanted to know if a support worker who identified as non-binary was a man or a woman.

Some people who do not consider themselves to have a solely male or female gender identity describe themselves as non-binary.

Ms Adams' view was that people using the centre should have a choice over who they received support from on the basis of sex, and that sex was binary and "everyone is either male or female at that level".

The tribunal found that an investigation into Ms Adams' conduct should not have been launched and “was clearly motivated by a strong belief amongst the senior management and some of the claimant’s colleagues that the claimant’s views were inherently hateful".

The review found an investigation into Roz Adams' conduct should never have happened

Ms Wadhwa was highlighted in the outcome of the case as she appeared to believe that Ms Adams was transphobic.

It said Ms Wadhwa was “the invisible hand behind everything that had taken place.”

The review into the charity, which was published on Thursday, also concluded that Ms Wadhwa “did not understand the limits on her role’s authority”.

Ms Adams has since gone on to work for Beira's Place - a women-only support service for victims of sexual violence, partly funded by JK Rowling.

The review found the charity had experienced a number of difficulties including a restructuring of the service during the pandemic and a series of board and trustee changes.

It said that some basic systems were not robust which "did not help the organisation manage situations well".

This included a strategy "which did not put survivors first" and a failure to protect women-only spaces.

In its recommendations, the review said the Edinburgh centre should take advice from Rape Crisis Scotland on the definition of "woman" and publicise this within the service.

Women-only spaces and times "must be protected and clearly publicised", it said.

But the review also acknowledged it continued to "deliver high quality services to a significant number of people".

Survivors are still able to self-refer to the charity.

[weegie01]

This has been an absolute disgrace from start to finish. Whatever your views on the wider issue I don't know how anyone can support a transgender woman being in charge of a female rape crisis centre, just inexplicable.

In the 70s I got involved with a rape charity due to a close friend being raped. It did not work. I am a man and not transgender or anything else, but the last thing a woman wants involved in those situations is a man. No matter how empathetic etc, we just do not have the depth of understanding a woman has. Even helping with admin was an issue.

It is just tone deaf not recognising that in certain extreme situations who only people who can truly emphasise are other women.

[Blackmac]

This has been an absolute disgrace from start to finish. Whatever your views on the wider issue I don't know how anyone can support a transgender woman being in charge of a female rape crisis centre, just inexplicable.

The chief executive of a sexual assault support service has stood down after a review found it failed to protect women-only spaces.

Mridul Wadhwa – a trans woman – resigned after a Rape Crisis Scotland report found she failed to behave professionally while head of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC).

The investigation, carried out by an independent consultant, also found Ms Wadhwa “did not understand the limits of her authority” and the needs of survivors were not prioritised.

In a statement, the ERCC board said it was implementing recommendations from the review, but felt the “time was right for a change of leadership”.

The review was sparked after an employment tribunal found a counsellor with gender-critical views had been unfairly constructively dismissed.

Former worker Roz Adams believed that those using the service should be able to know the sex of the staff that deal with their case.

The charity has paused new referrals to the centre and said it was "extremely concerned" that women-only spaces had not been provided for 16 months.

An ERCC statement said: "Mridul has stood down from her role as CEO of ERCC. Recruitment of a new CEO will happen in due course.

"We are committed to delivering excellence while taking on board the recommendations from the independent review to ensure we place survivors voices at the heart of our strategy.

"We are in daily communication with Rape Crisis Scotland, have met their urgent demands, and are currently implementing the recommendations in the report.

"We will continue to work alongside RCS to ensure our services not only meet but exceed the National Service Standards."

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre said it would start the recruitment of a new CEO imminently

However, For Women Scotland - which has campaigned against changes to transgender rights - accused the board of "ignoring its own culpability".

In a statement posted on X, they said, external: "This is the very least that they can do. It seems the board are intent on ignoring their own culpability.

"It's not good enough.

"They, and Rape Crisis Scotland, are making a sacrifice. But they created the problem."

Ms Adams' tribunal, which concluded in May, centred on a disciplinary process that began after she repeatedly sought clarity on how to respond to an abuse survivor who wanted to know if a support worker who identified as non-binary was a man or a woman.

Some people who do not consider themselves to have a solely male or female gender identity describe themselves as non-binary.

Ms Adams' view was that people using the centre should have a choice over who they received support from on the basis of sex, and that sex was binary and "everyone is either male or female at that level".

The tribunal found that an investigation into Ms Adams' conduct should not have been launched and “was clearly motivated by a strong belief amongst the senior management and some of the claimant’s colleagues that the claimant’s views were inherently hateful".

The review found an investigation into Roz Adams' conduct should never have happened

Ms Wadhwa was highlighted in the outcome of the case as she appeared to believe that Ms Adams was transphobic.

It said Ms Wadhwa was “the invisible hand behind everything that had taken place.”

The review into the charity, which was published on Thursday, also concluded that Ms Wadhwa “did not understand the limits on her role’s authority”.

Ms Adams has since gone on to work for Beira's Place - a women-only support service for victims of sexual violence, partly funded by JK Rowling.

The review found the charity had experienced a number of difficulties including a restructuring of the service during the pandemic and a series of board and trustee changes.

It said that some basic systems were not robust which "did not help the organisation manage situations well".

This included a strategy "which did not put survivors first" and a failure to protect women-only spaces.

In its recommendations, the review said the Edinburgh centre should take advice from Rape Crisis Scotland on the definition of "woman" and publicise this within the service.

Women-only spaces and times "must be protected and clearly publicised", it said.

But the review also acknowledged it continued to "deliver high quality services to a significant number of people".

Survivors are still able to self-refer to the charity.

The overwhelming impression you get in all the trans issues we face, cultural, sporting etc is that they are the only people that matter in any given situation and to hell with the rights and feelings of anyone else.

[tc27]

This has been an absolute disgrace from start to finish. Whatever your views on the wider issue I don't know how anyone can support a transgender woman being in charge of a female rape crisis centre, just inexplicable.

My view is polticians like Sturgeon were looking for a legacy they can point to as a concrete achievement. Generally real reform is difficult, takes ages and makes about 50% of the electorate hate you. By comparison equalities issues are pretty easy..pass some legislation and thats pretty much it.

De-criminalising homosexuality and teaching it in school was a generation ago, Cameron got gay marriage..what was next?

Trans rights (particulary self ID) seemed like a natural progression from these issues. Opponants could be dismissed as bigots.

I think they hit the limit of the general publics liberalism particulary as some transwomen decided to demand access to places and roles reserved for biological women. Also I dont think JK Rowlings emergence as someone who could not be cancelled, had 'f*ck you' wealth and did not need the patrionage of the establishment as a gender critical voice can be ignored.

I wonder if the difference between these issues is that the acceptance of homosexaulity does not demand people ignore the evidence of their own eyes or indulge in absurdisms like not assuming gender or making a women a uniform someone can take on and off.

Anyway it is amusing to see the assumptions made by the political establishments and some bad faith transwomen (not just in Scotland) blow up in faces.

[Slick]

This has been an absolute disgrace from start to finish. Whatever your views on the wider issue I don't know how anyone can support a transgender woman being in charge of a female rape crisis centre, just inexplicable.

My view is polticians like Sturgeon were looking for a legacy they can point to as a concrete achievement. Generally real reform is difficult, takes ages and makes about 50% of the electorate hate you. By comparison equalities issues are pretty easy..pass some legislation and thats pretty much it.

De-criminalising homosexuality and teaching it in school was a generation ago, Cameron got gay marriage..what was next?

Trans rights (particulary self ID) seemed like a natural progression from these issues. Opponants could be dismissed as bigots.

I think they hit the limit of the general publics liberalism particulary as some transwomen decided to demand access to places and roles reserved for biological women. Also I dont think JK Rowlings emergence as someone who could not be cancelled, had 'f*ck you' wealth and did not need the patrionage of the establishment as a gender critical voice can be ignored.

I wonder if the difference between these issues is that the acceptance of homosexaulity does not demand people ignore the evidence of their own eyes or indulge in absurdisms like not assuming gender or making a women a uniform someone can take on and off.

Anyway it is amusing to see the assumptions made by the political establishments and some bad faith transwomen (not just in Scotland) blow up in faces.

To your point and Blackmac, it seems a lot of the time that trans people are caught in the middle, and the vast majority of them just want to get on with their lives, whilst other people stir up the shite on their behalf, which seems to be largely unwelcomed.

[tc27]

This has been an absolute disgrace from start to finish. Whatever your views on the wider issue I don't know how anyone can support a transgender woman being in charge of a female rape crisis centre, just inexplicable.

My view is polticians like Sturgeon were looking for a legacy they can point to as a concrete achievement. Generally real reform is difficult, takes ages and makes about 50% of the electorate hate you. By comparison equalities issues are pretty easy..pass some legislation and thats pretty much it.

De-criminalising homosexuality and teaching it in school was a generation ago, Cameron got gay marriage..what was next?

Trans rights (particulary self ID) seemed like a natural progression from these issues. Opponants could be dismissed as bigots.

I think they hit the limit of the general publics liberalism particulary as some transwomen decided to demand access to places and roles reserved for biological women. Also I dont think JK Rowlings emergence as someone who could not be cancelled, had 'f*ck you' wealth and did not need the patrionage of the establishment as a gender critical voice can be ignored.

I wonder if the difference between these issues is that the acceptance of homosexaulity does not demand people ignore the evidence of their own eyes or indulge in absurdisms like not assuming gender or making a women a uniform someone can take on and off.

Anyway it is amusing to see the assumptions made by the political establishments and some bad faith transwomen (not just in Scotland) blow up in faces.

To your point and Blackmac, it seems a lot of the time that trans people are caught in the middle, and the vast majority of them just want to get on with their lives, whilst other people stir up the shite on their behalf, which seems to be largely unwelcomed.

In fairness, the settlement now is that trans men and women dont quite have the same rights as everyone else to access spaces or events they may want to. Its an imperfect settlement and I do feel sympathy for trans people who are limited in this way. But the solution of just giving access to everything based on self assigned gender is also not workable.

[Blackmac]

This has been an absolute disgrace from start to finish. Whatever your views on the wider issue I don't know how anyone can support a transgender woman being in charge of a female rape crisis centre, just inexplicable.

My view is polticians like Sturgeon were looking for a legacy they can point to as a concrete achievement. Generally real reform is difficult, takes ages and makes about 50% of the electorate hate you. By comparison equalities issues are pretty easy..pass some legislation and thats pretty much it.

De-criminalising homosexuality and teaching it in school was a generation ago, Cameron got gay marriage..what was next?

Trans rights (particulary self ID) seemed like a natural progression from these issues. Opponants could be dismissed as bigots.

I think they hit the limit of the general publics liberalism particulary as some transwomen decided to demand access to places and roles reserved for biological women. Also I dont think JK Rowlings emergence as someone who could not be cancelled, had 'f*ck you' wealth and did not need the patrionage of the establishment as a gender critical voice can be ignored.

I wonder if the difference between these issues is that the acceptance of homosexaulity does not demand people ignore the evidence of their own eyes or indulge in absurdisms like not assuming gender or making a women a uniform someone can take on and off.

Anyway it is amusing to see the assumptions made by the political establishments and some bad faith transwomen (not just in Scotland) blow up in faces.

To your point and Blackmac, it seems a lot of the time that trans people are caught in the middle, and the vast majority of them just want to get on with their lives, whilst other people stir up the shite on their behalf, which seems to be largely unwelcomed.

That's probably largely true and we only hear the high profile issues.

[Slick]

My view is polticians like Sturgeon were looking for a legacy they can point to as a concrete achievement. Generally real reform is difficult, takes ages and makes about 50% of the electorate hate you. By comparison equalities issues are pretty easy..pass some legislation and thats pretty much it.

De-criminalising homosexuality and teaching it in school was a generation ago, Cameron got gay marriage..what was next?

Trans rights (particulary self ID) seemed like a natural progression from these issues. Opponants could be dismissed as bigots.

I think they hit the limit of the general publics liberalism particulary as some transwomen decided to demand access to places and roles reserved for biological women. Also I dont think JK Rowlings emergence as someone who could not be cancelled, had 'f*ck you' wealth and did not need the patrionage of the establishment as a gender critical voice can be ignored.

I wonder if the difference between these issues is that the acceptance of homosexaulity does not demand people ignore the evidence of their own eyes or indulge in absurdisms like not assuming gender or making a women a uniform someone can take on and off.

Anyway it is amusing to see the assumptions made by the political establishments and some bad faith transwomen (not just in Scotland) blow up in faces.

To your point and Blackmac, it seems a lot of the time that trans people are caught in the middle, and the vast majority of them just want to get on with their lives, whilst other people stir up the shite on their behalf, which seems to be largely unwelcomed.

In fairness, the settlement now is that trans men and women dont quite have the same rights as everyone else to access spaces or events they may want to. Its an imperfect settlement and I do feel sympathy for trans people who are limited in this way. But the solution of just giving access to everything based on self assigned gender is also not workable.

Yup

[tabascoboy]

Fair to say he became a controversial figure I guess

Scotland's former First Minister Alex Salmond dies age 69

Scotland's former First Minister Alex Salmond has died at the age of 69.

The former MP and MSP, who led the country between 2007 and 2014 during the independence referendum, took ill while giving a speech in North Macedonia.

[tc27]

Came closer than anyone thought possible to being one of the most consequential figures in Scottish and British history. Condolences to his family.

Will be interesting to see what kind of eulogy he gets from the SNP leadership.

[Blackmac]

Came closer than anyone thought possible to being one of the most consequential figures in Scottish and British history. Condolences to his family.

Will be interesting to see what kind of eulogy he gets from the SNP leadership.

One through Crocodile tears. More political integrity and ability in his little finger than any of his successors. RIP.

[Slick]

Came closer than anyone thought possible to being one of the most consequential figures in Scottish and British history. Condolences to his family.

Will be interesting to see what kind of eulogy he gets from the SNP leadership.

One through Crocodile tears. More political integrity and ability in his little finger than any of his successors. RIP.

True, but little personal integrity.

But no doubt a hugely consequential individual and one who I did admire from a political perspective

[Biffer]

Someone was muttering about free entry to historic monuments for people who live in Scotland and dint realise they already do it through the winter. Can't remember who.

Historic Scotland are doing it again this winter for all their properties, first Sunday of every month

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/historic-sundays/

[inactionman]

Trinity House is on my list to visit but it'll have to be next year now.

[Slick]

Someone was muttering about free entry to historic monuments for people who live in Scotland and dint realise they already do it through the winter. Can't remember who.

Historic Scotland are doing it again this winter for all their properties, first Sunday of every month

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/historic-sundays/

That’ll be me. That’s very good.

It wasn’t a moan previously, just an observation that some other places do it and I hadn’t seen it

[Tichtheid]

Someone was muttering about free entry to historic monuments for people who live in Scotland and dint realise they already do it through the winter. Can't remember who.

Historic Scotland are doing it again this winter for all their properties, first Sunday of every month

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/historic-sundays/

Just booked for Edinburgh Castle - I haven't been to the castle since I was about 10.

[Blackmac]

Someone was muttering about free entry to historic monuments for people who live in Scotland and dint realise they already do it through the winter. Can't remember who.

Historic Scotland are doing it again this winter for all their properties, first Sunday of every month

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/historic-sundays/

Just booked for Edinburgh Castle - I haven't been to the castle since I was about 10.

Mind and pop into the Redcoat Cafe.

[Blackmac]

So all of a sudden it is okay for working politicians to take payment for appearing on political programmes. They really are shameless.

I suppose, given the fact that Sturgeon has only attended Parliament 4 times in 18 months, it would be a stretch to call her a working politician.

[Tichtheid]

Not really politics, but she will be remembered for the voiceovers as much as anything, I think.

Frank has got the door for Janey Godley, she didn't half make me laugh and I respected her stance on transphobia, so perhaps this is a political post after all.

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2024/ ... XSe7bFAauw

[Blackmac]

Not really politics, but she will be remembered for the voiceovers as much as anything, I think.

Frank has got the door for Janey Godley, she didn't half make me laugh and I respected her stance on transphobia, so perhaps this is a political post after all.

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2024/ ... XSe7bFAauw

Probably will be considered a very divisive figure by many but the voice overs were probably the sound track of the pandemic as far as Scotland goes. RIP.

[Tichtheid]

Well, as above, we went to Edinburgh castle today. It was mercifully not too busy and a good day out.

For Blackmac, I didn’t go in to the Redcoat Cafe, had we fancied a coffee or a scone I’d have probably chosen The Jacobite Room, which is right next door.

However, I would recommend the vegan cafe under St Johns at the bottom of Lothian road, I’m not vegan but the food was very good.

[Biffer]

Well, as above, we went to Edinburgh castle today. It was mercifully not too busy and a good day out.

For Blackmac, I didn’t go in to the Redcoat Cafe, had we fancied a coffee or a scone I’d have probably chosen The Jacobite Room, which is right next door.

However, I would recommend the vegan cafe under St Johns at the bottom of Lothian road, I’m not vegan but the food was very good.

I was up there today as well. Spent a good three hours wandering around.

[Tichtheid]

Well, as above, we went to Edinburgh castle today. It was mercifully not too busy and a good day out.

For Blackmac, I didn’t go in to the Redcoat Cafe, had we fancied a coffee or a scone I’d have probably chosen The Jacobite Room, which is right next door.

However, I would recommend the vegan cafe under St Johns at the bottom of Lothian road, I’m not vegan but the food was very good.

I was up there today as well. Spent a good three hours wandering around.

I unexpectedly found myself very moved in the war memorial - all those Flooers o the forest, a wede away

[Blackmac]

Well, as above, we went to Edinburgh castle today. It was mercifully not too busy and a good day out.

For Blackmac, I didn’t go in to the Redcoat Cafe, had we fancied a coffee or a scone I’d have probably chosen The Jacobite Room, which is right next door.

However, I would recommend the vegan cafe under St Johns at the bottom of Lothian road, I’m not vegan but the food was very good.

The St John's cafe has always been sensational. Found it a number of years ago when they had the little food market there and it's been a favourite ever since.