2023 women of colour writers group

We are delighted to be collaborating with Pass the Mic – Women of Colour Commentators in Scotland to create funded opportunities for work to be published in Bella later this year. The programme works with ourselves as well as giving opportunities to work with other media partners. The 2023 women of colour writers group is […] Source

200+ delegates to attend Scottish Independence Congress – Sat 18th Feb

  Saturday’s Scottish Independence Congress will be the biggest ever gathering of Yes Group organisers. More than 200 delegates from around 100 Yes Groups have registered to attend the online Congress.  The growing success of this event (registration opening only two weeks ago) serves to prove that the grassroots independence…

The end of an era

The only story in town in Scottish politics is the sudden resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister. It’s bloody typical that this happens when I am trying to enjoy a few days rest. The haters have finally got what they wanted, but even for those who dislike her there can…

Our Fathers Fought Franco: an extract

Our Fathers Fought Franco (Luath Press, £12.99) by Lisa Croft, Willy Maley, Jennie Renton and Tam Watters is a resonant piece of working-class history that contextualises and goes beyond the Spanish Civil War experiences of International Brigade volunteers James Maley, Donald Renton, Geordie Watters and AC Williams.  Condensed from ‘Not made with rosewater’ by Jennie […] Source

Do Scotland’s school pupils learn enough about our history?

 Some people have claimed Scottish history isn’t adequately represented within the Scottish education system. We sent Ros Nash to check the facts on this issue. As part of a Scottish parliament debate in January 2021, SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “The snapshots of Scottish history now taught at National 4s and National 5s are much […] Source

Battery recharging

I need a wee break from the blog in order to recharge my batteries. I am having another bout of fatigue – although these episodes are certainly getting less frequent, less intense and less long lasting than they were in the months after the stroke. However we have visitors coming to…

On Canada’s attempt to stem its unrelenting drugs epidemic

Jamie Maxwell explores North America’s unrelenting drugs epidemic – and Canada attempts at a opioids trial. On 31 January, British Columbia launched a limited experiment in the licensing of hard drugs. For the next three years, anyone in the province aged 18 or over will be allowed to carry a small amount of opioids, including […] Source

Launching a currency will be straightforward, but we need to plan

IN this series of articles members of the Scottish Currency Group outline the case for a separate Scottish currency – the Scottish Pound – to be established as soon as possible after independence; highlight the transformational opportunities this will enable to address present economic and social challenges facing Scotland; and answer questions about how the change is likely to affect households and businesses in practice Source