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Louise Wilson

@louisewilso.bsky.social
2.8K followers 665 following 730 posts

Political Editor ✍🏻 Holyrood magazine 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Policy geek 🤓 Board game lover 🎲 Not-bad climber 🧗🏻‍♀️ Newbie crocheter 🧶 She/her

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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Andy Burnham: "On the day my dad died, the Scottish first minister said I would be the last prime minister of the United Kingdom. I quote that not to seek sympathy nor to criticise John Swinney.
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“Success would look like the system recognising where there needs to be clear pathways between the health services, community support, and the non-medical sources of support, and probably a greater funding flow” What happened to the long-term conditions framework? www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
'I was misdiagnosed for five years. There was no support, no help, no treatment'
The government was forced to go back to the drawing board on a Long-Term Conditions Framework over concerns it would ove...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Delays to legislation and other policy measures to tackle violence against women have plagued Scotland's mission to it. The government must redouble its efforts. www.holyrood.com/news/view,de...
holyrood.com
Delays have plagued Scotland's mission to end violence against women
John Swinney has pledged to tackle violence against women and girls with new vigour, but the government record so far is...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A different era.
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
John Swinney has pledged to tackle violence against women and girls with new vigour, but the government's record so far is patchy, writes @louisewilso.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/news/view,de...
holyrood.com
Delays have plagued Scotland's mission to end violence against women
John Swinney has pledged to tackle violence against women and girls with new vigour, but the government record so far is...
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
'I was misdiagnosed for five years. There was no support, no help, no treatment' www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
'I was misdiagnosed for five years. There was no support, no help, no treatment'
The government was forced to go back to the drawing board on a Long-Term Conditions Framework over concerns it would ove...
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
John Swinney has pledged to tackle violence against women and girls with new vigour, but the government record so far is patchy www.holyrood.com/news/view,de...
holyrood.com
Delays have plagued Scotland's mission to end violence against women
John Swinney has pledged to tackle violence against women and girls with new vigour, but the government record so far is...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
“To get anything across the line, you needed two other parties to agree with you… Almost every time, that made the decision better.” An interesting chat with @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social on collaboration in politics, his Rare Cancers Act, and how he became an MP www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
Scott Arthur: I can understand why people feel left behind
Winner of Holyrood’s Scottish MP of the Year award in July, Scott Arthur reflects on a successful two years in the Commo...
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The Scottish Parliament has backed a motion stating that Scotland “has a right to decide its own future”. It was backed by 84 MSPs to 18 against – after Reform MSPs walked out of the debate and refused to take part. www.holyrood.com/news/view,sc...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“'I think that’s a great question, Mr Brown,' she replies, careful not to insult him. It wouldn’t look good to have the deputy and the depute at each other’s throats." My latest sketch www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
Sketch: Jenny Gilruth addresses the elephant in the room
Keith Brown, depute leader of the SNP, is sceptical of the UK Government’s intentions
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
After the Pisa results and two bleak reports on colleges and universities, the government response to all this damning evidence of an ignored portfolio has been lacking. Me for the latest @holyroodmag.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
The failures in education could be just as damaging as failing to fix the NHS
The government response to damning evidence of an ignored portfolio has been lacking
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
No part of the system is working as it should, contrary to government claims about the emphasis it places on providing a good education. www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
The failures in education could be just as damaging as failing to fix the NHS
The government response to damning evidence of an ignored portfolio has been lacking
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
After the Pisa results and two bleak reports on colleges and universities, the government response to all this damning evidence of an ignored portfolio has been lacking. Me for the latest @holyroodmag.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
The failures in education could be just as damaging as failing to fix the NHS
The government response to damning evidence of an ignored portfolio has been lacking
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Each portfolio area has some significant issues that will require addressing over the next five years, says @louisewilso.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
This new parliament must tackle the mounting issues across Scotland’s public services
Each portfolio has some significant issues that will require addressing over the next five years
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
"The decisions this government must make over the next five years will be the difference between a functioning Scotland... and a Scotland that buckles. It is, quite simply, that serious." www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
John Swinney's government must make difficult and unpopular decisions
Ivan McKee and Jenny Gilruth must be brave enough to be able to call one another out when their natural instincts kick i...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
"Each portfolio has some significant issues that will require addressing over the next five years if Scotland’s public services are to remain on a sustainable footing." My look at what's on the agenda this session and what the PfG today must start to address. www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
This new parliament must tackle the mounting issues across Scotland’s public services
Each portfolio has some significant issues that will require addressing over the next five years
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
I spoke to him as a fresh report comes out demonstrating the extent of the funding gap facing Scottish universities each year. It hit £200m in 2023/24, and is expected to go up again for 2024/25 due to a fall in overseas students www.holyrood.com/news/view,bl...
holyrood.com
‘Bleak’ and ‘unsustainable’: Funding gap puts universities under significant strain, report warns
Institutions collectively recorded a £200m deficit in 2023/24
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
“If there isn’t public subsidy, then Scotland will not have a role in driving its economy through innovation and through research, which is not a good basis for any economic or industrial strategy.” Anton Muscatelli in why funding for unis is so crucial www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
Anton Muscatelli: Universities are in a fragile state – MSPs must not play political football
In an exclusive Holyrood interview, the former Glasgow University chancellor says not enough resources are being put int...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
“If there isn’t public subsidy, then Scotland will not have a role in driving its economy through innovation and through research, which is not a good basis for any economic or industrial strategy.” Anton Muscatelli in why funding for unis is so crucial www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
Anton Muscatelli: Universities are in a fragile state – MSPs must not play political football
In an exclusive Holyrood interview, the former Glasgow University chancellor says not enough resources are being put int...
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Ferguson Marine CEO Graeme Thomson said the job cuts were needed due to an “inevitable gap in workload”. www.holyrood.com/news/view,up...
holyrood.com
Up to 70 job losses expected at beleaguered shipyard
The CEO of Ferguson Marine said redundancies were needed due to an ‘inevitable gap in workload’
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I also thought this was a fascinating read by George Thorley, on behalf of the Mercat Group of former council chief executives.
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Wrote this for the last mag after Burnham's first speech. With No 10 North now up and running, it's worth thinking about what this might mean further north.
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Restore Britain's Rupert Lowe has been heavily criticised after referring to the 1996 Dunblane massacre as "one murder" during a conversation about gun control on Joe Rogan's podcast www.holyrood.com/news/view,ru...
holyrood.com
Rupert Lowe dismisses Dunblane school massacre as ‘one murder’
Rupert Lowe's comments have been described as “insulting” and “despicable” by local politicians
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Hahahaha well I don't hold out much hope of England beating Mexico, if I'm honest.
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
I am not watching the football because I have things on tonight, but am I to understand it is all going swimmingly and to plan for England? 😂
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
"If you can change somebody’s life that fraction, it does major things for them. It gives them hope. It gives them a sense of achievement, even. And it gives them a bit of self-worth, knowing that somebody listened to them and somebody helped them." www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
Money 'not being spent in the right places' to tackle child poverty
Despite the flagship Scottish Child Payment, one in five children in Scotland are still living in poverty. What more can...
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Deplorable language is just one part of a climate that enables racism to flourish, says @louisewilso.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
Deplorable language is just one part of a climate that enables racism to flourish
Language like ‘strangers’ and ‘fighting-age men’ should be called out, but it is not this alone that is creating divisio...
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
IPPR Scotland @ipprscotland.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
“Inequality is important because it is psychologically harmful to grow up in a society where you know that you’re being left behind,” @davehawkey.bsky.social quoted in this nuanced article on child poverty by @louisewilso.bsky.social in Holyrood Magazine. www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
Money 'not being spent in the right places' to tackle child poverty
Despite the flagship Scottish Child Payment, one in five children in Scotland are still living in poverty. What more can...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
"I understand why many people are so angry that they would turn out to protest. But let’s be clear: none of this is the fault of immigrants." My latest column for @holyroodmag.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
Deplorable language is just one part of a climate that enables racism to flourish
Language like ‘strangers’ and ‘fighting-age men’ should be called out, but it is not this alone that is creating divisio...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
This is a really excellent report from @kirsteenpaterson.bsky.social on swimming, pools and govt commitments. Well worth a read, imo. www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
Staying afloat: If Scotland's getting free swimming lessons, it needs pools too
Gourock Outdoor Swimming Pool is open rain or shine, but many venues face a battle to remain open
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
I was sickened to see the race-related attacks that happened in my city, writes @louisewilso.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
Deplorable language is just one part of a climate that enables racism to flourish
Language like ‘strangers’ and ‘fighting-age men’ should be called out, but it is not this alone that is creating divisio...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The pollen count. It's simply too high.
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
🥱
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Jeezo, this is some boring football
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
See also: advice from a ginger.
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Chris Marshall @chrismarshll.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
"Even the judge at the High Court in Edinburgh had to say that he was left wondering just why the former chief executive of the SNP embezzled more than £400,000 from the party he led." Good piece on the Murrell scandal by @kirsteenpaterson.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
Peter Murrell sentencing leaves questions unanswered for SNP
Even the judge was left wondering why the former chief executive of the SNP did it. How he did it is another matter.
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
BREAKING: Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell jailed for more than five years for embezzlement www.holyrood.com/news/view,fo...
holyrood.com
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell jailed for embezzlement
Nicola Sturgeon's estranged husband had previously admitted to stealing over £400,000 from the party
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
When did things go wrong for the beleaguered PM? The answer is: almost immediately. Labour’s honeymoon period was small, cut short in part by a statement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves who warned of “incredibly tough choices” ahead. Things did not improve from there www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
Keir Starmer: Where did it all go wrong?
It’s remarkable that a man who won such a huge majority in the House of Commons less than two years ago has ended up her...
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
It’s remarkable that a man who won such a huge majority in the House of Commons less than two years ago has ended up here, writes @louisewilso.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
Keir Starmer: Where did it all go wrong?
It’s remarkable that a man who won such a huge majority in the House of Commons less than two years ago has ended up her...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Keir Starmer: Where did it all go wrong? www.holyrood.com/inside-polit...
holyrood.com
Keir Starmer: Where did it all go wrong?
It’s remarkable that a man who won such a huge majority in the House of Commons less than two years ago has ended up her...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
After everything, this was a reasonably dignified speech from the (now outgoing) PM. Eyes now turn to the rest of the PLP. Will it be a coronation of Andy Burnham or will someone else seek to make it a contest? www.holyrood.com/news/view,ke...
holyrood.com
Keir Starmer announces resignation in Downing Street statement
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation in a speech in Downing Street.Pressure had been growing on t...
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
"Sadly, this level of political nous often goes unrewarded within the SNP, so while she may have hit the nail on the head, she has also hammered her future prospects." My latest @holyroodmag.bsky.social sketch: Kate Campbell says the quiet part out loud www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
Sketch: Kate Campbell says the quiet part out loud
The new SNP MSP is a bit too honest in a debate about honesty
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Just putting on record that I did not watch the game last night. 'mon Scotland.
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Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
First Minister John Swinney has accused Reform UK of inciting racial hatred after a second night of disorder in Scotland. www.holyrood.com/news/view,jo...
holyrood.com
John Swinney accuses Reform of ‘inciting racial hatred’
Malcolm Offord said the FM was “throwing false accusations at my party”
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Frankly pretty poor that at the first ever election of committee conveners, only one is being contested. Good on Emma Roddick and Jenni Minto for both standing for Standards. But the rest have clearly been decided behind closed doors by parties, which is what the new system was supposed to avoid.
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Mark Wallace @wallaceme.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Pleased to announce the 2nd year of the Lord Cormack Fellowship. This year we are providing two (paid) places for aspiring journalists on our unique editorial and political journalism programme at the heart of Westminster: totalpoliticsgroup.bamboohr.com/careers/91
totalpoliticsgroup.bamboohr.com
The House Magazine’s Lord Cormack Fellowship
Lord Cormack Fellowship 2026 Total Politics Group is proud to announce the return of the Lord Cormack Fellowship, a paid editorial and political journalism fellowship with The House magazine, Parliame...
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Reposted by Louise Wilson
Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
The Scottish Government has been found in contempt of court for failing to publish information it was ordered to disclose. www.holyrood.com/news/view,sc...
holyrood.com
Scottish Government found in contempt of court for not releasing Salmond files on time
The information commissioner has said ministers must ‘reflect carefully’ on the ruling
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
I have lots of meetings and then an after-work reception today, so of course the first thing I do upon arrival in Edinburgh is throw coffee over myself. Now rinsed under a tap in parliament. Living that professional high life.
Mint grant jacket with damp patch
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Louise Wilson @louisewilso.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
I'm pretty excellent at Beer Pong. I'm at the age where this is mostly useless, so I'd trade it for being able to sing.
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Holyrood @holyroodmag.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Rather than a vote of confidence for the SNP, the election result speaks to an electorate let down by both governing and opposition parties, says @louisewilso.bsky.social www.holyrood.com/comment/view...
holyrood.com
Holyrood needs electoral reform
The election returned the most disproportionate result there has ever been
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