Scotland, Crimea and the Right To Self-Determination
Do the people of Scotland have the right to vote in a referendum to determine their own future? Of course they do. Just as the people of Greece had, and…
Scotland
Referendum On Scottish Independence: Why it matters to us all – no matter who we are or where we live
An excellent overview of the Scottish referendum on independence, which is happening today, was just pointed out to me by a friend – and, we should note that the referendum…
The Union May Survive Intact but Cameron Is Seriously Wounded
According to The Guardian, late polls show Scotland will stay in the United Kingdom. As Scots went to cast their ballots the No side was up six points, 53 to…
Dear Scotland: Do whatever you think is best … but remember, the Globe and Mail never has your interests at heart
A typical Western Canadian scene: snapped in Edmonton, Alberta, in 2014. The Scotch, as we used to say when I was growing up in B.C., pretty much built Western Canada,…
Let’s dream a bigger dream, Yes People
I like the Yes People. Who wouldn’t? They’ve got a fantastically daring vision, and they’re unafraid to upset the status quo in favour of creating a society that’s more just.…
Scottish Independence: The Triumph of Hope Over Fear
With less than two weeks to go before the Scottish independence referendum a new poll has shown the YES side ahead for the first time. Some 51% of those who…
The Harperland Summer and the Country Where Hope Lives
It's Labour Day. The Snowbirds are roaring over my house for the last time, heading for the CNE air show on the other side of the island. It feels like…
Scottish Independence and the Struggle for a Con Free Country
It's now less than a month before the people of Scotland will vote YES or NO to independence.And some Canadian newspapers have been running stories, mostly comparing the campaign to…
Scottish Independence and the Search for the New Left
OK. So it's probably not the best time to leave Canada. Not in the middle of that tragically short warm period we call summer in the Great White North.But politically…
Robbie Burns and the Scottish Independence Question
Well today is Robbie Burns Day, and all over the world tonight the Tartan Army is marking the bard's birthday, piping in the haggis, and no doubt drinking heavily.And although…
Meanwhile, in Scotland
Agnes MacPummel made her living as a hired mourner, but her métier was punching the unsuspecting bereaved in the face, just as the casket was lowered in the ground. Alltop…
Scottish Independence and Some Lessons for Canadians
Well for a brief moment today I was able to escape the grim, grey, reality of Harperland. My body was in soggy Toronto, but my heart was in Edinburgh. Because…
Scotland Starts Europe’s Largest Tidal Wave Energy Installation
Tidal wave energy installations are nothing new, but installing it on a scale that can power 42,000 homes is. The other day, the Scottish government gave the go ahead for…
Robbie Burns and the Rebel Voice
Well today was Robbie Burns Day, the most sacred day of the Old Scottish Calendar.And no doubt all over the world the Tartan Army was drinking heavily, and eating the…
Another of Donald Trump’s Depredations
While watching this video, which accompanies a story on Salon.com about ‘the Donald’s’ depredations in Scotland, I couldn’t help but think of a well-known biblical rhetorical question. Recommend this Post
New Windfarm for Shetland Islands to Power 175,000 Homes
The Shetland Islands will be getting what is expected to be the most productive wind farm on the planet. Wind blows across the islands almost all the time thus producing…
Debunking the “asking for it” myth – Scottish anti-rape PSA tackles sexist attitudes toward women
I know I know, this is sooooooo 2010 – but there is a chance you didn’t catch this snappy little PSA by Rape Crisis Scotland as it was circulating way…
Scottish Independence and My Lost Canada
When I was a small boy I used to lie on these dunes near my small Scottish town, stare up at the sky, dream about a place called Canada. And…
The Scottish secession referendum question
Isn’t this a light Friday afternoon blog post? Well, we can’t help what we are interested in and when. Yes, the Scots are having one, in case you have missed…