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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

‘Seismic’ Andy Burnham proposals already quite familiar for Scots. Right to buy abolished here 2016, free personal care 2001, comprehensives never axed, 62% Remain vote, water never privatised, PR standard. So what do Scots make of the PM’s big speech? Listen LesleyRiddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Finland film screenings plus Q&A in Moffat, Lismore and Ardrishaig. Huts talk in Kinloch Rannoch & interview with former FM Humza Yousaf about his new book in V&A Dundee this Monday. Tix and info lesleyriddoch.com/events

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Malcolm Offord says Holyrood debate on Scotland's right to decide future is pointless - and has led Reform MSPs in walkout. Ross Greer says he hopes nearby pub is fully staffed - they might be busy. Michael Marra says he respects indy view but doesn't back it. All waiting to see how Labour votes.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Few events coming up - Finland film plus Q&A in Moffat, Lismore and Ardrishaig. Also chairing discussion at V&A Dundee with HumzaYousaf on his new book Sept 28th. Tix and info at lesleyriddoch.com/events

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Faced with Celtic Alliance, Labour hasn’t the gumption or self-awareness to get off its laurels & act to stave off disintegration of the Union. Just like Horatio Nelson Andy Burnham sees no ships. No dangers. No warnings. Because he cannot deal with them. www.thenational.scot/politics/265...

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Building a feminist nation. Feminist academics & writers propose excellent manifesto of well researched policies to improve women's lives in Scotland. Free download. books.sup.ac.uk/sup/catalog/... @sarasheridan

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Trump backs a United Ireland. Burnham accidentally backs Indyref2. Welsh, NI & Scots FMs back a proper path to independence. Scotgov signals Curriculum for Excellence reform & hints at truly local councils alongside big strategic ones. It’s all go. Listen at lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Can AI data centres be made to benefit local communities? Why is an absentee landowner endangering a unique West Coast ferry? Was the BBC Scotland channel set up to fail? And why didn’t the controversial Glasgow doc interview world renowned experts? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Self-proclaimed racist who hit police & set up demo to heckle peaceful campaigners was central figure in BBC Disclosure Glasgow doc. Why no analysis of links with Belfast Far Right or balancing interview with Violence Reduction Unit experts? www.thenational.scot/politics/264...

thenational.scot

BBC documentary has dragged Glasgow's violent reputation back despite improvement

I watched BBC Scotland’s Welcome to Glasgow documentary and it is indeed tough viewing with drug dealing, casual violence and a

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Why did Monica Lennon fail to make the cut for ScotLab leader? Farage won Clacton but Reform’s benefits clampdown may hit its own support. Why is Ecotricity boss backing new oil fields? How will SNP react to UDI poll? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Does Anas Sarwar regret saying Scottish Labour leader has world’s hardest job or that Lords should be abolished & joining it? If only one MSP qualifies to replace him, how bad will that look? Fires rage & climate causes food prices to soar. Is North Sea drilling really ok? lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Manchester by election had miserable 25% turnout. Excuse - no publicity & summer holidays. Reality - 'regional' mayors only work with big WM names like Burnham. UK councils are almost 20 times bigger than EU average. We need normal local councils not directly elected regional mayors buildlocal.scot

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Award winning films by Palestinians in Lochinver Village Hall Aug 7-9th supported by Eden Court. Proceeds to Medical Aid for Palestinians & Galilee Foundation. Tix on door or www.justgiving.com/page/palestinefilmfestival

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Anas Sarwar quitting ScotLab confirms old suspicions. In the branch office, promotion to head office is the stuff of dreams. Holyrood is always the lesser gig. Joining the world’s 2nd largest unelected chamber is always unproblematic. Rotten legacy for new leader www.thenational.scot/politics/264...

thenational.scot

Lesley Riddoch: Anas Sarwar fleeing Scottish Labour's sinking ship proves one thing

NUMBER 10 of the North – aye, it’s actually south for Scots, but whatever ...

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Starmer leaves - really a dignified exit? Burnham arrives -it's a north of England cabinet charged with undoing the terrible damage of Thatcherism. Possible with borrowing constraints? Can Burnham square decentralisation with no new powers for Holyrood? lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Reform 'clarify' Scots Gaelic wd only be banned in Eng/Wales elections. Yet legislation is UK-wide. Detail - who cares? How soon will Andy Burnham choose Chancellor & decide oil/gas? If he backs a wealth or land tax will Scotgov copy - or sd they have led? lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Farage resigns as MP for Clacton prompting a by-election he intends to win. Speech slagged off media, Sky News, plus Whitehall ‘dirty tricks’. Farage is getting ahead of Commons inquiries - a by-election cd’ve been triggered anyway. Will other parties stand? What a mess. Scotland can do better solo.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Songwriter Bobby Motherwell recorded this Declaration of Independence, celebrating US 250th anniversary with an adaption of their famous case for Independence. youtu.be/aVG5Rcg29SM

youtu.be

A Declaration for an Independent Scotland

YouTube video by Bobby Motherwell

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Is a Burnham/Manchester-led UK better for Scots than Starmer's/London-led Britain? Cd ‘fiscal devolution’ for English regions give Holyrood new borrowing powers too? Will Scotgov finally consider decentralising? Plus islands, fitba, defence, heat & tunnels lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Interesting by @MonicaLennon7. Decentralisation in Scotland is long overdue. But her article & Burnham’s metro mayors are about REGIONAL not LOCAL control. Normal countries like Norway have BOTH - 15 regions & 357 councils. Scotland has 32 total. Power for city regions is not local control.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

A tiny collection of fans on a tiny island off Donegal - rooting for Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Mercifully no heatwave in West Donegal. Got here after great Finland screening discussion in Belfast and now waiting with loaded bike for wee boat to island off Bunbeg . Only 19 degrees with a fair breeze. Bliss!!!!

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

What a day not to be doing a podcast! I’m on holiday travelling to Donegal. But an excellent special podcast about the radical potential of the Community Wealth Building bill will be online for everyone today. Somehow I’ll find Wifi next Tuesday.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Torn apart by civil war a century back Finland is now world’s happiest country nine years in a row. And in top ten for income equality. How did EU’s most remote country turn itself around? Still tickets for Finland film + Q&A @QFTBelfast tonight Monday 6pm lesleyriddoch.com/events

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Andy Burnham will doubtless oust Starmer but can he fix Britain? Will emphasis on The (English) North help Scotland? Did tactical voting beat SNP in Aberdeen or did Tories win a referendum on N Sea oil drilling? Tartan Army - have fans won whatever the fitba result lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

lesleyriddoch.com

Podcast

Lesley Riddoch is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist, author, cyclist, land reform campaigner & lover of all things Nordic.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

BBC’s Chris Mason suggests Andy Burnham victory in Makerfield must be weighed against the combined vote for Reform and Restore suggesting his may not be a ‘real’ victory cos far right vote is split. Doesn’t Green candidate split the left vote? Ditto Lib Dems? Come on.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Like every other 60s Belfast child I started school at 4. But Finland was changing to 5 yrs kindergarten (50% of kids go free) & a school starting age of 7. Now they top child wellbeing & PISA charts. Why not Scotland & NI too? Finland film + Q&A @QFTBelfast Monday 6pm lesleyriddoch.com/events

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Finland film screening @QFTBelfast + Q&A on June 22. Interesting to see what NI makes of a country that overcame brutal civil war 100 years ago to become world's happiest country for nine years running. lesleyriddoch.com/events

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

No podcast today. Waiting for results of three important by elections on Thursday - Makerfield, Aberdeen and Arbroath - cos I'm off to Donegal next week and no live podcast then. It'll be with you by Friday lunchtime.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Starting day filming at Portskerra Sutherland where many families cleared from Strathnaver left for Canada and Oz. Clearances didn’t just empty townships - they scattered Highlanders across the world.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Prof Jim Hunter at Dornoch conf on his game changing book, The Making of the Crofting Community, 1976. Says Highlanders didn’t wait to see what govt wd do in 1880s but formed Highland Land League. And now? Jim’s highland history masterclass for Strathnaver film now public youtu.be/U5dCbYELJa8

youtu.be

Highland Clearances - interview with Prof James Hunter

YouTube video by Lesley Riddoch

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Scottish Greens' independent inquiry into all political party finances passed at Holyrood. Will this satisfy the public or is WM still considering a heavy-handed intervention? Belfast/Southampton riots - is Reform incitement to blame? What are Andy Burnham's chances? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Waiting to see if Commons Scottish Affairs Committee votes for an inquiry into SNP finances this afternoon. So podcast tomorrow, Weds instead.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Looking forward to wee holiday in Donegal after screening of Finland film at QFTBelfast + Q&A on June 22. Interesting to see what NI makes of country that overcame brutal civil war 100 years ago to become world's happiest country for nine years running. lesleyriddoch.com/events

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Eagle-eyed @andywightman.scot stopped Rosal Clearance Village in Sutherland being sold by Forestry Comm in 2013. Sales brochure trilled about 'fascinating insight into struggle for ownership of this land.' Site will be maintained & restored tx to community buyout. andywightman.scot/2014/04/rosa...

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Big weekend for Strathnaver as community celebrates takeover of Rosal - site of village cleared by Patrick Sellar in 1814. I'll be there with Steve Rawson for new film. All welcome esp those with Naver/Clearance family histories. Syre Church service next day with Gaelic psalm singing (Sunday 1pm)

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Big thanks to 328 folk who helped us hit crowdfunder target for two films about clearance in Strathnaver & women's resistance in Coigach. By way of grateful' tx there's an extra film. Full interview with Prof Jim Hunter, masterclass in Highland history, going to crowdfund donors first & then a'body.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

A centralised and secretive political culture let Peter Murrell steal from SNP funds for a decade. Does that justify a Common/Holyrood inquiry? If so why not also investigate Labour over Mandelson's abuse of trade envoy role? It's a funny old world. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Murrell’s conviction confirms the SNP’s closed shop leadership has been undemocratic for years. But independence belongs to the people & Yes movement. All the more reason to reassert our collective voice & turn out 6pm tonight at Scotparl after Section 30 vote. See you there soon.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Unplanned podcast on the Peter Murrell saga just recorded. It’ll be posted soon.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Greetings from cool Stromness. 13 degrees and lovely. Finland film on tonight in Town Hall 7.30. Come along if you fancy.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Changed ferries to take 6.30am boat from Stromness so I can get down to Scotparl by 6pm Tuesday for the Indy vote and debate. If you back Scotland’s Right to Decide come along. #TimeforScotland youtu.be/bZZPzLK4J-A?...

youtu.be

Time for Scotland to Decide

YouTube video by Time For Scotland

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Amazing Finnish band Polenta (means stomp!) fabulous at @OrkneyFolkFest. Hope they can make it to last screening of Finland film tomorrow (Monday) night 7.30pm Stromness Town Hall plus Q&A. Still tix or jist turn up. lesleyriddoch.com/events-mobile

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

It seems Section 30 debate & vote is ON next Tues 26th with only tiny chance parly authorities will reject. #TimeforScotland team will be there from 5 but core time with Saltires is 6-7.30pm to act as backdrop for correspondents’ live reports into teatime news. More soon.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Folks we can’t get confirmation of Section 30 vote for Indy date & gathering + saltires outside Scots Parliament. Parly staff say unlikely to be Tuesday 26th but Swinney did name that date in STV interview. I’m on holiday in Orkney now. But will be on social media etc once we know. Watch this space!

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Great interview today with eminent Clearance historian Jim Hunter for new Strathnaver film. Jim says Rosal clearance village buyout is a ‘massive statement of Highland confidence’. Two weeks left in crowdfunder. Any help appreciated. www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/highland-c...

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Agonised discussion on BBCWorldatOne about Britain being ungovernable. Scots opposed Thatcher, kept water in public o'ship, opposed Brexit, axed FPTP. But no mention. Instinctively Scots made the right call when folk down south got suckered. That why so many are for independence now.

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Lesley Riddoch @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Chuffed QFTBelfast are showing Finland film June 22nd, 6pm plus Q&A. Finns had two famines, reconciled after bloody civil war in 1918, caught all the curved balls from difficult neighbours & are now keen EU members. Strong parallels with Ireland. Booking details www.lesleyriddoch.com/events-mobile

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