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Andy Philip

@andydphilip.bsky.social
1.1K followers 440 following 140 posts

Head of politics at DC Thomson, Scotland | Writes across the Press and Journal, and The Courier | Hosts The Stooshie podcast thestooshie.podbean.com | Plays along with Ardentjohn band

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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Highland Council will discuss the Home Office plan to house asylum seekers in an Inverness barracks today. One of the odd parts of this is the lack of transparency on paying for it. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Exclusive: Home Office in cash talks for Inverness Cameron Barracks asylum plan
The UK Government is under pressure to ease the strain locally when 300 men are housed in the city.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Stirling is going to be a fascinating place to cover in the run-up to the Holyrood election. If you want to come and talk about the big talking points and help shape our campaigns, we're at the Albert Halls on 10th November. All the details below...
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Interesting views here from the streets of Dundee, 45 years since the city was twinned with the Palestinian city of Nablus. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dund...
thecourier.co.uk
Do people in Dundee still support the city's twinning with Nablus in Palestine?
As the UK recognises a Palestinian state, what does the 45th anniversary of the historic Dundee-Nablus twinning mean to people in the city today?
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
I grew up near the route of the old Aberdeen-Ellon-Fraserburgh railway - it would have made my life a lot easier. Freight was still using the line after oil was struck, and towns mushroomed. Maybe a pipe dream, but this would be great for the region. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Fraserburgh and Peterhead now 'strongest candidates in Scotland' for new rail links
Campaigners say it’s more important than ever to reverse historic railway cuts in north Aberdeenshire - ahead of a major energy conference.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
5 years on, the P&J and Courier's 'generation next' crystal ball continues to prove its worth. Here's our profile from 2020 on Guy Ingerson, the Green who has just beaten Maggie Chapman off the top of the North East Scotland list for Holyrood next May. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/education...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Party crasher: accidental oilman Guy Ingerson's mission to clean up his old industry
Guy Ingerson wants to see an end to the economic reliance on North Sea oil and gas, but he knows just how complex the issue is in the north-east. Because
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Reposted by Andy Philip
The Press & Journal @pressandjournal.co.uk · 21/07/2025
Shunned Tall Ship spotted floating near Buckie Harbour after ban from Aberdeen festival
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Shunned Tall Ship spotted floating near Buckie Harbour after ban from Aberdeen festival
The boat was denied entry to the Granite City due to her captain's nationality.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Back from some mighty fine holidaying, and looking over some great reporting of the big stories across @pressandjournal.co.uk and @thecourier.co.uk . Straight back into the Sandie Peggie/NHS Fife story with a primer here from @alasdairclark.bsky.social www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE: NHS Fife chief faces internal revolt over 'disastrous' handling of Sandie Peggie case
Carol Potter has faced external calls to quit but confidence in her leadership has also been dented internally.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
How it started today: www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
New Dundee University boss says he wouldn't have paused retirement for any other job
In an exclusive sit down with The Courier, interim Dundee University principal Nigel Seaton sets out how he plans to win back trust and stabilise the troubled institution.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Trigger warning: hipsterism, old man, dad posts. Listening to Pulp at Glastonbury on radio telling my kids about being there in 1994 whether they like it or not. I've obviously chucked in stuff about seeing Oasis before they were famous.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Morning! We're here for day two of full coverage in the Dundee University saga at the Scottish Parliament. You can follow all the updates here as ex-principal Iain Gillespie faces the education committee on what went wrong. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
Dundee University live updates as ex-principal faces Holyrood grilling
Former Dundee University principal Iain Gillespie is set to face MSPs in front of Holyrood's education committee. Follow our live coverage.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
"The party's National Secretary has written to Fergus Ewing to indicate that his decision to stand as an independent candidate against the SNP has invalidated his party membership" My take on a twisting, then sudden, end to a long life in the SNP. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
SNP feels 'betrayal' as Fergus Ewing plans election bid against his former office worker
Highlands MSP Emma Roddick, who used to work for Mr Ewing, told the P&J she’s saddened at the move – but her Holyrood election campaign rolls on.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
An interest dynamic brewing in the Inverness and Nairn constituency at next year's Scottish election. Fergus Ewing tells us he'll stand as an independent, in a seat the SNP hope to hold. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Fergus Ewing will stand against SNP candidate in Inverness and Nairn at Holyrood election
The Highland veteran previously told The Press and Journal he would not be running for the nationalists at the next Holyrood election.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
We're expecting a big day in the future of Dundee University today, and @thecourier.co.uk will have it all covered right here. Follow each development and get a handle on all the background with our in-depth analysis, updated through the day. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
Dundee University live updates as institution braces for findings of major probe into crisis
The findings of Professor Pamela Gillies's independent probe will be revealed on Thursday.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Post Office campaign hero Alan Bates has now joined in with some words of encouragement for Aberdeen Raac residents too. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Post Office hero Alan Bates' message to Torry Raac victims: 'Don't give in to people who hope you go away'
The former subpostmaster sent a message of encouragement to Aberdeen families fighting for Raac justice.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
This is well worth a moment of your time. We put politicians in front of Aberdeen residents caught up in the Raac housing crisis for what turned out to be a brutal Q&A. The P&J has been doing tremendous work on this. Read Lindsay Bruce's report here. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6780...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Raac live debate with council chiefs and homeowners: All the explosive highlights
Aberdeen homeowners came face-to-face with city leaders and politicians in an emotionally charged Q&A.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Yet another Tory councillor has switched to Reform in Aberdeenshire. That's 6. Plus another in Aberdeen. An ex SNP cllr also joined in Aberdeenshire. Latest here: www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Exclusive: Huntly councillor becomes SIXTH Aberdeenshire Tory to join Reform
Lauren Knight made the switch to Nigel Farage’s party as a Conservative crisis in the north-east continues
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Inspirational stuff.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
At the @pressandjournal.co.uk, we've been digging into the human impact of policy choices while budgets are evaporating. This is how it feels to be on the sharp end of potential cost cutting in sheltered housing. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Gamrie grandmother has stayed in village her whole life - sheltered housing closures could force her to leave
Margaret Murray, 85, sold her family home to move into Gamrie Court Bay just three months before it was earmarked for closure.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
We've been on each twist and turn of the campaign to reinstate Scotland's last ferry link to the rest of Europe. Much of it has been on the efforts of the project backers. But this time there might be some unexpected help through Starmer's EU reset. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
Could Rosyth-Europe ferry set sail thanks to Brexit reset?
Hopes have been raised for a simple solution to a cross-border problem.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
The Stooshie politics podcast is out now - Colleges need more love... We look at UHI Perth and Nescol in north-east. - If they can't train the workers of the future, what's the point of a 'just transition'? - Reform/Tory tension in Aberdeenshire thestooshie.podbean.com/e/reform-def...
thestooshie.podbean.com
Reform defections and the future of colleges | The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson
The link between a college funding crisis and the future of jobs is becoming clear. We look closely at UHI Perth, and at Nescol in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh to see what it means. If they can...
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Nice work if you can get it! www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University principal who quit during crisis given six-months' salary pay-off
Interim finance director Helen Simpson is also set to stand down at the end of June.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
There are very few things a Flaming Lips gig can’t fix.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
'You don't know how the diseased minds in the Kremlin actually work' - Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael reacts to new Russia travel ban. He's one of four Scottish MPs on a list of more than 20 figures. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Orkney and Shetland MP says Russia travel ban is 'badge of honour'
Alistair Carmichael has been added to a list of politicians banned by Putin's regime for supporting Ukraine.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Spoke to this Dundee Labour councillor about his anger at party policy on welfare changes. Pete Shears’ mum fostered children he grew up with, and he saw first-hand the importance of state support. Now he wants a change of heart from Liz Kendall. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
Dundee Labour councillor who grew up with fostered children attacks his party over welfare cuts
The Broughty Ferry politician blames his own party and the SNP for “letting people down”, including families unable to get a new NHS Tayside referral for child autism and ADHD assessments.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
This pretty much sums it up. No one seems to agree what to do next. Hydrogen buses unable to get out of the depot, mixed messages on oil and gas, green targets being dropped. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/6...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Euan McColm: Hydrogen buses fiasco are just the latest shambles to make me lose confidence in Aberdeen's leaders
It is absolutely ludicrous that Aberdeen City Council is unable to power the fleet of hydrogen-fuelled buses on which so much money was spent.
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Reposted by Andy Philip
The Courier UK @thecourier.co.uk · 17/04/2025
Equalities watchdog will pursue NHS Fife if gender guidance doesn’t change
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Equalities watchdog will pursue NHS Fife if gender guidance doesn’t change
New guidance is being produced after the country's highest court said a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Fresh episode of the Stooshie here, with clips from striking lecturers and students at Robert Gordon University as higher education funding problems grow. Also... - John Swinney's government reset - MSP burn-out as election looms thestooshie.podbean.com/e/strikes-at...
thestooshie.podbean.com
Strikes at Robert Gordon University, John Swinney's reset and MSPs deal with 'burn-out' | The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson
It’s Holyrood recess, but the headlines keep coming. This week, the team speaks to striking staff outside Robert Gordon University fighting cuts in an education funding crisis. We also look at First M...
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Transgender owner of Carbisdale Castle says Supreme Court ruling on biological women could inflame transphobia. Samantha Kane, an international lawyer, spoke to me after the ruling today. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Transgender owner of Carbisdale Castle says Supreme Court ruling on biological women will inflame transphobia
Samantha Kane reacted to a court ruling on whether someone with a female gender recognition certificate can be treated as a woman under the UK Equality Act.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Lib Dem Highlander MP @angusmacdonaldld.bsky.social sent me his travel notes and pics from the road to Lviv in Ukraine. He was in a convoy of five vehicles full of medical equipment to help Ukrainians suffering in Russia's brutal war. Full story here. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Angus MacDonald: My travel diary from Ukraine ambulance convoy
Exclusive: The Fort William-based MP describes his experience taking five vehicles full of medical equipment to the city of Lviv last week, passing freshly dug graves and witnessing the reality of Rus...
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
The P&J was at the Lib Dems conference in Inverness, speaking to a party which thinks it has a chance in the Highlands. Seem to be hedging bets with Conservatives - voters and candidates alike. Full feature with analysis from @ballotbox.scot here too. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Do the Lib Dems really have a hope of beating SNP's Kate Forbes?
The Press and Journal tested the mood and prospects inside the party's conference in Inverness this weekend
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
7 years on from the fire that ended the only ferry link from Scotland to the rest of Europe. A look back at how it all started so positively, until it went up in smoke. And will the campaign to reinstate the Rosyth route be successful? www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
Rosyth ferry fire seven years ago ended Fife's direct link to Europe – will it ever return?
It had started so positively with daily overnight departures helping to send holidaymakers on a European break direct from the Kingdom, and one group is determined to reinstate a route.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Forty years on, the death of Willie McRae continues to get people talking. Anniversary feature here on the puzzling story of his life and death. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Mystery still surrounds the death of Willie McRae 40 years after he was found in the Highlands
The death of the prominent lawyer, former soldier, anti-nuclear campaigner and SNP vice-chairman in 1985 is one of the great mysteries in Scottish political history.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
It's spring, there are no leaves lying around, but that doesn't stop the Scottish Parliament's dedicated leaf-blowing insanity to crank into action again. I worry this will be the low-level boring gripe that actually defines me as I age into intolerance.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
The councillor who challenged Stephen Flynn tells us why, and explains how she missed nomination meeting on Mother’s Day. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
SNP Aberdeenshire councillor challenged MP Stephen Flynn as she thought it would be 'good for women'
Anouk Kloppert told the Press and Journal she might have tried to get enough nomination signatures if she hadn't been busy with council duties and a Mother's Day visit from her son.
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Liam Kirkaldy @liamkirkaldy.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
End of an era for the Scottish Greens, with Patrick Harvie standing down as co-leader. Under party rules he will now need to hand back the party's collection of waistcoats & will need to sleep on a lower branch in the Scottish Green party's tree, potentially leaving him at greater risk of predation
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Reposted by Andy Philip
Alasdair Clark @alasdairclark.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
NEW: SNP minsters were said to be "volcanic" after Dundee University confirmed up to 700 people could lose their jobs in a letter on Monday. Source: “The one thing we know about the current job loss figures is that won’t be the level of job losses." www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE: SNP ministers 'volcanic' at Dundee University saying 700 jobs could be lost
The Courier was told about the scale of anger inside government offices when further details were revealed by university management.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Lib Dems had some success recently in the Highlands and clearly hope they can take on a big challenge against Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes next year. Will be one of the more interesting Scottish Parliament contests. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Ex-Tory Highland Councillor picked to fight Kate Forbes for Lib Dems at Holyrood election
The P&J can reveal former sub-postmaster Andrew Baxter will be the party’s candidate to take on the SNP’s deputy first minister.
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Reposted by Andy Philip
The Courier UK @thecourier.co.uk · 28/03/2025
Two Fife beaches incorrectly appear on list of UK’s top 60 nudist destinations
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Two Fife beaches incorrectly appear on list of UK’s top 60 nudist destinations
A report published by a national newspaper names Kinshaldy, at Tentsmuir, as a naturist favourite, much to the surprise of locals.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Lots of thought provoking moments here in Neil's interview with former Aberdeenshire councillor Peter Argyle on personal loss, assisted dying, dealing with Trump and more. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Former councillor Peter Argyle talks about picking up the pieces after losing wife in tragic accident
The former Liberal Democrat councillor has spoken about assisted dying, 'toxic' social media and dealing with Donald Trump.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
"We did not discuss Scottish or US politics but concentrated on golf." Eric Trump after meeting Scottish First Minister John Swinney in Edinburgh today.
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Reposted by Andy Philip
Glen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
We've got to tell the truth: British Higher Education is experiencing a rapid unscheduled disassembly, streaking across the sky like a rocket smashing into the atmosphere. www.historyworkshop.org.uk/education/a-...
historyworkshop.org.uk
A Decade of Crisis
The UK's universities are in crisis. Dave Hitchcock on how the sector became 'broken' and why it must be understood as an interdependent system.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Duncan of Jordanstone is one part of the Dundee uni struggle particularly close to my heart. Here's how it's caught up in the restructure. The government really is going to have to spring into action on university funding - lots of pressure going their way. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/education...
thecourier.co.uk
What does Dundee University crisis mean for Duncan of Jordanstone art college?
The art and design college is currently a school within the university but this would change under the restructure proposals.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Ah, some light relief among the chaos with a story about birds. Oh, you want to kill them. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Douglas Ross demands licence to kill seagulls - and sparks an angry response
The Moray politician explained how one elderly woman broke her leg after falling during an attack, and he thinks it's time to hit back.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Full discussion on the crisis at Dundee University here, and clips from our exclusive interview with interim principal Shane O'Neill. Listen to the lot on this week's Stooshie podcast. thestooshie.podbean.com/e/dundee-uni...
thestooshie.podbean.com
Dundee University jobs crisis | The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson
More than 600 jobs are at risk at Dundee University.While managers take desperate measures to cut a £35 million deficit, what happens next?We discuss our exclusive coverage including an interview with...
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Nicola Sturgeon setting out her decision to quit the Scottish Parliament at the election next year. ‘I know in my heart, soul and head it’s the right time to make this announcement.’
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Our exclusive interview with Dundee University principal Shane O’Neill. The nuclear option: the institution simply ‘ceases to exist’ www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University chief reveals institution could close if jobs aren't cut
Interim principal Shane O'Neill said without the proposed 632 job cuts announced then the university could "cease to exist".
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Aberdeenshire is shaping up to one of Reform’s target areas for the Scottish Parliament elections next year. We spoke to two former Tories about why they jumped ship. Infighting, drinks with Nigel Farage and what happens next… www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
pressandjournal.co.uk
Exclusive: Two Aberdeenshire Tories reveal how 'in-fighting' - and a drink with Nigel Farage - drove them to Reform party
Mark Findlater and Laurie Carnie became Scotland's first Reform councillors when they finished their journey from the Conservatives last year.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
The current financial crisis has challenged us to ask some very fundamental questions about the size, shape, balance and structure of the University." - Dundee university principal Shane O'Neill Developing story on job cuts and savings here: www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
BREAKING: Dundee University confirms 632 jobs at risk
Staff could lose their jobs while the university tries to recover from a £35 million financial crisis.
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Reposted by Andy Philip
The Press & Journal @pressandjournal.co.uk · 11/03/2025
Union calls for Aberdeen City Council to LOSE government funding in fire and rehire row
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Union calls for Aberdeen City Council to LOSE government funding in fire and rehire row
Union GMB Scotland has written to First Minister John Swinney urging him to withdraw funding from the city council in a high-stakes clash.
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Andy Philip @andydphilip.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Important to hear the experience of these Ukrainians making Perth their home away from war. They're all in their national curling team, using the Perth rink as their base to keep competing. Three years after Russian invaded, here's their story. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
Ukrainian curlers keep sporting dreams alive at Perth ice rink
Nataliia Menzhega says 10 young adults have been able to work, study and keep competing in Tayside while Russia continues to attack three years on.
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