This is a revised version of a piece first published on this blog way back in April 2014, but I’ve republished it as it has become relevant again. Former Tory MP and erstwhile Conservative le…

In the National today, the above, and a report based entirely on events in England with no mention of the somewhat obvious fact that there have never been towering infernos in Scotland despite 6 to…

The only living politician mentioned by Andy Burnham during his jam tomorrow speech to the Labour party conference was John Swinney, and that was only in order to take a nasty, underhanded and emot…

I’m still struggling to walk following the recent fall and have developed a massive bruise on my left leg. Due to the pain I’m not sleeping well, but things are definitely going in the …

With only 1 day left, support Talking-up Scotland’s work to counter the lies and get you the facts, daily, at:Crowdfunder at:  by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON…

With only 3 days left, support Talking-up Scotland’s work to counter the lies and get you the facts, daily, at: Crowdfunder at:  Or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN W…

The Daily Record above today repeating a story from 2025. With only 3 days left, support Talking-up Scotland’s work to counter the lies and get you the facts, daily, at: Crowdfunder at:&…

With only 3 days left, support Talking-up Scotland’s work to counter the lies and get you the facts, daily, at: Crowdfunder at:  Or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN W…

I was supposed to have been going to Lochgilphead today to do an event for Aye Fyne, but here I am at home nursing a very painful ankle and hirpling gingerly about the house – but only when I…

Warnings about the catastrophic effects of vital ecosystems collapsing were not published under previous prime minister

I don’t normally mention the Lib Dems in a blog piece, for much the same reason that I don’t mention the Monster Raving Loony Party, because they’re irrelevant, although unlike th…

Heather Cox Richardson, in her Letter from an AMerican on Substack, which I recommend subscribing to, said over night: According to the American Automobile Association, diesel hit its highest recorded...

I’m typing this in bed. Yesterday I had a nasty fall. Due to the stroke in 2020, I have very poor sensation and no spatial awareness in the left side of my body. This means I only know where …

Help Talking-up Scotland keep goingCrowdfunder at:  by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 …

Help Talking-up Scotland keep goingCrowdfunder at:  by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 By stewartb From the Aberdeen-based Energy Voice news w…

Help Talking-up Scotland keep goingCrowdfunder at:  by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 From BBC UK today, the above, and: Passengers say they …

You’ve probably never heard of Elaine Stewart. She’s my local MP, one of the least distinguished Labour MPs out of the undistinguished bunch of careerists and lobby fodder elected to We…

YouTube video by Richard J Murphy

Andy Burnham has replied to John Swinney after the latter wrote to him asking for a meeting to put the process for triggering a Scottish independence referendum on a legal basis after Burnham repli…

My September column in Scots Independent, 100 years old this year. Available at: Help Talking-up Scotland keep going Crowdfunder at:  Or by direct bank transfer to: JO…

The media appears to have woken up to the fact that there is a right-wing, profoundly fascist threat to stability within the UK. Events over the weekend in Dover and Portsmouth have achieved this outcome. A few people in black have been noticed. Rightly, politicians are condemning the actions of those...

Not because hundreds of men protested, but because they appeared disciplined, coordinated and ready to do it again.

Help Talking-up Scotland keep going at: or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account 12266421 Many thanks to the 111 supporters so far. In August 2026 and Augus…

Help Talking-up Scotland keep going Crowdfunder at:  Or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 In the Hera…

The Accounts Commission warns "robust oversight" is needed to tackle a £110m budget gap spanning the next two financial years.

Wildlife is under threat from water pollution caused by pesticides which are hazardous, widespread and persist for years.

Help Talking-up Scotland keep going Crowdfunder at:  Or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 From Cancel…

With intentionally spiteful timing, failed prime minister Keir Starmer announced that he’s stepping down as an MP just as his successor was due to address Parliament for the first time. With …

departments and aim to discharge patients from hospital within three days of admission, under new Scottish Government plans. Hospitals will also be required to focus on patients with life-threateni…

The Cowglen site everyone but Glasgow Labour wanted for the QEUH but which mysteriously or perhaps not went to Persimmon Homes Help Talking-up Scotland keep going Crowdfunder at:&nbs…

Help Talking-up Scotland keep going Crowdfunder at:  Or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421 In 2019, Th…

Reform and the Conservatives are willing to mislead the public, but as environment secretary, I believe we must be honest – and act boldly, says Angela Eagle