Your questions, my answers
Many, many thanks to those of you who wrote to welcome the arrival of my new blog. You posed a pile of questions. Thought I鈥檇 try, unusually, to answer a few.
Re poetry, I cannot compete with Vogon verse, I鈥檓 afraid. It is well attested as the third worst in the Galaxy. In my younger days, I gave readings. People came (not, admittedly, in large numbers). They stayed.
Re Bloomsday, I am indeed a committed Joycean, regarding him as the second finest novelist of all time. (Sir Walter Scott takes the lead.)
Re local councils, I expect the relationship with the Executive to be tense 鈥 as it should be. Tension might be added by John Swinney鈥檚 search for savings. Expect a big role for officials as coalition councils try to deal with a hung Parliament.
Re Dens Park, it鈥檚 always struck me as having wonderful potential 鈥 as a car park for a certain adjacent stadium.
Re identity, I think a growing, amorphous sense of Scottish identity created the drive for self-government 鈥 not the other way round. Think though that Scotland is becoming more relaxed about identity. We鈥檙e Scots 鈥 but it鈥檚 no big deal.
Re Brown v Salmond, think it鈥檒l be a stand-off. Each too astute to pick a direct fight 鈥 unless in very exceptional circumstances.
Re personal touch, it will always intrude 鈥 but within reason. Not because of 大象传媒 guidelines but owing to my own innate caution.
Re West Lothian question, it must be addressed sooner or later. (Wrote at length on this in a couple of books. If I started to answer now, I鈥檇 match their duration.)
Re seeing the Queen, A. Salmond is off to Holyrood (Palace not Parliament) this afternoon. FMs are always invited to see HM.
Re galluses, I wear them to hold up my breeks. Personal favourites feature characters from Looney Tunes. Bugs Bunny is, for me, the quintessential political philosopher. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 up, doc?鈥 Says it all, really.
Re the diaspora, a very warm welcome.
Re Scots weather presenters, not a clue.
Re governance of England, see response to West Lothian (and, hence, my books.)
Re numpties and bampots, every Parliament has its share. There are some MSPs who could hold down key jobs in the professions or business. There are some I wouldn鈥檛 send for a message. Perhaps the numpty count could be lessened somewhat.
Re Wendy Alexander, yes she could become next Labour leader. If and when there is a vacancy.
Re coalition, Nats and Libs won鈥檛 enter coalition because they don鈥檛, currently, agree. A referendum on independence is rather a big deal. Not everything can be solved by a group hug and a common rendition of Kumbaya. But, yes, I think the Libs need to find a new narrative: a more convincing way of saying no.
Re how I vote. Behave yourself!
I'm 
Comments
I don't understand why the referendum on independence is a big deal for the lib dems. What is more liberal or democratic than putting a question to the electorate in the form of a referendum? Noone is saying both parties would have to campaign for the same answer to the question. It seems totally bizarre to me that this could be the stumbling block - is it not more the case that they just don't want to be part of a coalition with the Nats under any circumstances?
Totally out of your scope, but just to be cheeky, I am wondering what you are making of the very different approach to devolved government which the Welsh are taking ??
That said, it looks as their idea of being governed by a 'rainbow coalition' has rather bitten the dust..
So maybe Alex Salmond has got the right idea after all ! I wonder if Rhodri Morgan will be phoning him up for advice over the Bank Holiday weekend !
Would just like to add to the thanks for your column, I really enjoy reading it each day, good mix of humour and serious stuff and it makes a lot of things clear which normal articles don't. Long may it continue!
Sorry Brian, I have to take great issue with you here. How are you going to keep our attention when you write such nonsense? It is clearly, and unquestionably I would have thought, Daffy Duck's line "sufferin sucatash" (apologies for the spelling), that sums up, well, everything! Bug's comes a close second though.
You say : "Re identity, I think a growing, amorphous sense of Scottish identity created the drive for self-government 鈥 not the other way round. Think though that Scotland is becoming more relaxed about identity. We鈥檙e Scots 鈥 but it鈥檚 no big deal."
Do you think that this new identity will start to find a voice in the Scottish media? We hardly ever hear ordinary Scottish voices on Radio 'Scotland'. We hardly ever hear ordinary Scottish voices on 大象传媒 'Scotland' TV. We hardly ever hear ordinary Scottish voices on 'Scottish' television.
I think it is very significant that we rarely hear French, Belgian, Irish, Welsh, Dutch, Norwegian or Danish voices via the Scottish media, yet they are our neighbours in every real sense.
Neither do we hear much from the new Scots who have settled here most recently, from India, Pakistan, China and Eastern Europe.
And it seems that those who have found refuge here have no voice. We are shown images of their distress but a bools in the mooth anglo presenter interprets their story for us.
Do you think that the anal grip of the anglocentric, 'Scottish' media will start to relax now?
DO you think that the Reithian hegemony will start to crumble now?
If it's "no big deal" to be Scots why are we excluded from the media in favour of a bland, careful, correct form of Englishness which often amazes English people living here?
Why can't the Scottish media include ordinary, unselfconcsiously Scottish folk?
And why can't the Scottish media use that Scottishness to speak with the world?
If the Gaelic media can do it with limited resources, why can't the 'Scottish' media at least try it out?
E貌rpa is an excellent model - they take us to different countries, they introduce us to real people speaking their own languages, they ENGAGE with people, yet the 'Scottish' media don't seem able to follow their lead. Gaelic radio also naturally includes voices from all over the world. If the radio output of an endangered language with 60,000 speakers can lug in to what's going on globally then why can't the mainstream 'Scottish' media?
As well as the question of giving a rightful place to the Scots language and its speakers in all the media -- we never see a serious article in Scots, let alone even about Scots in any of our 'national' newspapers and there are no radio or TV programs in Scots -- there is the big, big question of why are even speakers of standard Scottish English so under-represented represented in the media here?
Surely nobody believes now that a Scottish acent is any barrier to understanding?
Lorraine Kelly is listened to by millions in England. Craig Ferguson has a huge American audience. Neither of these people seem to feel any need to speak an affectedly English form of English in order to be understood. Both of these people sound more Scottish than most of the presenters and guests on 大象传媒 Scotland.
If, as you say, Scottish identity is no big deal, why do so many media people working in Scotland, in the print media as well as in TV and Radio, take so much trouble to present an affectedly anglo Scottishness that represents no real cultural or speech community in Scotland except for its own artificial self?
Given the evidence lack of real power for the minority government I wondered if an old Scottish nickname might make a come back...is Alex Salmond the new 'Toom Tabard'?
John Campbell, your point is well made but I think in broadcast media there has to be a certain level of affectation to presenters' voices.
I remember hearing Michael Aspel talk about how he had to learn the '大象传媒 Accent' before being allowed on air.
You talk about 'ordinary Scottish voices' but what is that exactly? Is it the nasal whine of the Weegie ned? Or maybe the sing-song upwards-talking accent of the Edinbugger? And what about those in between? The well trained ear can even differentiate between an Airdrie and a Coatbridge accent! Head north to Aberdeen and even some Aberdonians have trouble deciphering their ordinary everyday speech.
I don't think there is such a thing as an ordinary Scottish accent, The reason for the '大象传媒 Accent' is to offer simple understanding to everyone across all of our many-accented regions.
Either that or the 大象传媒 are afraid that we all naturally sound like the screechy Scottish bams that go on the Jeremy Kyle show!
Re Identity,
your wise reflections on Scottish Identity are particularly interesting in the light of Brown and Blair's recent remarks on Britishness and Britain. Seems to me they are making Britishness a huge deal, while Salmond et al are making much less of a deal over Scottishness. Blair announces Britain is the best country in the world (sick bag please). Brown continues to want to define Britishness as if trying, but not quite succeeding, to write a first year essay. Then along comes Salmond and consignes the slogan "The best samll country on the world" to the bucket where it deserves to be....this is the stuff of post modernist irony (whatever that might mean, I think I've just invented it)...don't you think?
Is it possible that this foul up with
B P was orchestrated by Westminster as a method of bringing A Salmond the message; that we are in charge ;and is the first broadside by Perfidious Albion in the nuclear and the recovery of power to Westminster battle.
Bring back Wendy as Westminsters new lap dog why Jack plays the part to perfection
After Ann Moffat's derogatory remarks this week, consciously mentioning Hitler's name in very close proximity to the member for Bannf and Buchan (our very own First Minister, Alex Salmond), I wondered that the speaker did not chastize her for using un-parliamentary language. Is insinuating that a politician has Nazi tendencies and, by extension, that those who voted for the SNP share these tendencies, not a clear example of non-parliamentary language? It seems to me that if she cannot bring herself to apologize then her boss should.
Have to agree with John Campbell that Eorpa is excellent. Very interesting programs covering lots of interesting ideas and places. Wish for more like that, and in English too.
Brian
great to read your blog, i was glued throughout the election campaign. Living south of the wall is terrible for close coverage of Scottish politics so i am greatful for your contributions.
Keep up the good work!
One point i would like to make is that we all seem to have forgotten about the dishonest and disgraceful scaremongering of the Labour party throughout the election campaign now that its over. The bias of the tabloids as well is so clear now that the dust has settled.
Because of the way the numbers stack up in Holyrood the SNP are being forced into a situation of Consensus Politics. It will be interesting to see if this "new way" of doing things will avoid situations sometimes seen in Westminster where opposition politicians vote against things they actually wish to see happen, purely because they wish to be seen to oppose the government of the day. The authority of the parliment may be strengthened if more cross-party agreement on policy occurs. Fingers crossed for a brighter future.
Oh my. I am an Airdrieonian (please dispense with the comments!) and can mostly identify a Coatbridge accent. It is more apparent in words like 'stair'. An Airdrieonian would say "stare"; an Coatbridgian(?) would say "ster".
In any case, as post #7 notes: there is no distinct and universal Scottish 'voice'. Moreocer, even 大象传媒 English reflects only a small portion of the South-East. When was the last time you heard a strong Brummie, Geordie or Liverpudlian accent hosting the news? It is not solely Scottish accents that get a miss but the regional accents of Britain too. In Scottish news bulletins for example, you have the likes of Jackie Bird, David Roberston and Rhona Mcleod. All are recognised as Scottish, but with a "posher" accent. Well posher than average Airdrieonian anyway.
I don't know what I am getting at. Think I will go back to my Monk-made tonic wine and wallow in embarrassment of Airdrie United.
I was appalled by Ann Moffat's remarks too. If she doesn't apologise to Alex Salmond personally and to the Scottish people then Westminster will be condoning this woman's opinions. She is a disgrace to the political public office. Sadly, she trully represents Scottish Labour party.
I too was appalled by Ann Moffat's remarks about Alex Salmond. If she doesn't apologise personally to Alex Salmond then Westminster will be condoning her opinions. Sadly, from what I have seen lately, she seems to represent the tone of the Scottish Labour party.
Can you explain in this day an age why we call the present queen Queen Elizabeth 2nd? I can't remember there ever being a 1st of Scotland?
should we take the James the Vi of Sctoland and 1st of England psotion here?
furthermore, at what point in the political Union with england did the Scots become subjects? Do you think this matters or are we just really Englishmen and women at heart now?
Regarding Anne Moffat's comments about our beloved First Minister Alex. I was so annoyed by them I sent an email to the Scottish Labour Party, a first for me, but since we now have a party in power which isn't a mouthpiece for any London masters I feel quite empowered now, anyway....I digress. My complaint is that Ms Moffat comments say more about her and her contemptuous attitude towards the position of First Minister, the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish electorate, her unwillingness or inability to apologise say's much more about her lack of respect for others than it say's about her good manners. Between Moffat's comments and Darling's inability to fund the Peterhead power plant it shows how out of touch the London Labour lackies that are supposed to represent Scotlands needs in Westminster have become with political developments North of Watford. Needless to say a reply from Scottish Labour hasn't appeared in my inbox (do you think they will reply Brian?), no big surprise there then, they are most likely awaiting instructions from London, that's if London can be bothered to send any.
I like the idea of Dens becoming the 'Barcelona Beaters Memorial Car Park'
Brian,
I am really enjoying your views on Scottish politics. Great to have someone cutting through the "extraneous language" that is sometimes (often) used in the political world in order to tell us how things really are.
Keep up the good work Sir (not an offer, yet!).
This is the sort of service that makes me happy that I pay a licence fee.
Good Luck
Alex Sinclair
Re: the Scots identity.
Rather than how the Scots perceive themselves, isn't it more important how the Scots are perceived outside Scotland? This seems to have declined markedly over the last 400 years.
I recently read a book entitled Gustaf II Adolf (king of Sweden who died 1632), by Sverker Oredsson. In discussing the erudition of this king, he writes
'..... in his youth, the king obtained a wide knowledge of foreign languages. He had perfect latin, german, dutch and italian. He understood spanish, english AND SCOTS TONGUE. He even had some grasp of Polish and Russian'
It says something as to how Scotland was regarded back in those days; a Swedish king even took the trouble to learn something of the Scots tongue.
Greetings from a 'new Scot', but returning blood from West rather than the East. So far as I'm concerned, my identity has grown with long residence, as I've become an enthusiastic and often vocal transplant.
I found myself in Marchmont one Sunday morning with time to kill, and struck up conversation with a man painting the railings in front of his house. Very soon we had discovered quite a few folk we knew in common, and I remarked on this as I took my leave.
His reply remains with me to this day. "Aye, Scotland's the world's biggest village."
At the risk of appearing less than a fan, I have to take issue with you on one point. It is a well known, and scientifically proven fact that everything can, indeed, be solved by a group hug and a common rendition of Kumbaya.
It worked for Churchill.
Paul Marshall, I too am an Airdrie Onion currently living in Coatbridge (whose denizens I've heard called Brigands - made me smile), which is what prompted my comment about the well trained ear.
My own accent is, I'm told, a bit hard to place. I grew up in Airdrie, socialised in Glasgow, went to Uni in Edinburgh and now live in Coatbridge - now where do I apply for David Robertson's job?
Hey Brian!
Big fan of your reporting.
I've noticed recently that you've started issuing bookings and red cards (the ones given at the Scottish election were well deserved as well by the way). Where did you get the idea from?
I recently purchased my own set so I can do the same to my mates!
The uses and abuses of the scots language is a minefield.
I work mostly in eastern europe where the people are taught english/english or more often american/english. If Scots want always to speak a differrent english than other standard speakers - beware you will not be understood. Langauge is a medium of communication. If others do not understand you, you live in a little world of your own.
I agree completely on the issue of more local representation needed in the Beeb from Scots. I worked at the Beeb in Glasgow until last year, when I asked for and obtained voluntary redundancy. (First though, cards on the table, I am Northern Irish, though my father's family were Scots!). The lack of Scots in the department I worked in was extraordinary. The mentality was that to get commissions from England for the network production, you had to hire people from London. Not only that, but people coming up from London were then maintaining their London based salaries. In essence, a two tier salary structure existed - those hired locally at one rate, those hired from down south at another. There is such a lack of confidence in people hired locally that they feel the answer is to hire from elsewhere, especially if those hired are people known down south to the commissioners - it wasn't about what you could do, just about who those you hired knew, and it often had disastrous results in the results for commissioning.
As was stated in an earlier post, Eorpa was and is the only exception to that in regard to the television output, and long may Eorpa reign! The Gaelic Department does a fantastic job for the Gaelic community, and indeed beyond the Gaelic speaking community - why that as a model cannot be applied to Scottish programming in general from the 大象传媒 in Glasgow, I'll never know. That's not to say people should not be hired from outwith Scotland - but they should be hired for what they can do, and not who they know.
I'm glad to have left the television industry after 12 years and to have moved on to other things, but I still feel sad that 大象传媒 Scotland is so subservient to the 大象传媒 in London, staffing itself so accordingly. I used to work at STV as well, and no matter what you may or may not feel about their productions, they certainly knew how to tap into local talent when the opportunities were there for productions.
If Scotland ever became independent, I feel the 大象传媒 in Glasgow really would have a major identity crisis. At present, they are much more interested in scraping the scraps of commissions from the tables of the high and mighty at London.
"If Scotland ever became independent, I feel the 大象传媒 in Glasgow really would have a major identity crisis."
If Scotland ever becomes independent 大象传媒 Glasgow will very likely cease to be.
It's been said that an independent Scotland would be served by a Scottish Broadcasting Corporation (or similar) - identity would be the least of the 大象传媒's worries in that situation!
Re No. 18
The SNP claim to be socialists; they also claim to be Nationalists. Thus by default we have our own National Socialist Party!!
Brian - thoroughly enjoying your Blog and the human face you put on it. (Just hope the Buddies finish a point above you next year ;) )
Anyway, many of the comments on Eorpa and the 大象传媒 have hit the mark with me.
Eorpa is excellent. I have watched it regularly for years and feel it provides an incisive and refreshing viewpoint that is not filtered through the lens of 大象传媒 London Metropolitan Parochialism (LMP copyright).
I feel the 大象传媒 in Scotland need more power and resources - at the moment they have a small playground, but 'teacher' will always take away the ball or stop them climbing over the fence.
Here's a radical suggestion to take forward in this 'New Devolved Age'.
Give 大象传媒 Scotland full responsibility (and resources) for running part of the 大象传媒's international portfolio.
Given the cultural, historical and transport links ... Canada, Ireland, Iceland and Scanwegia would be an excellent start.
Imagine - perspectives on the BIG issues in the world ... it could even act as a catalyst to help bring together these North Atlantic neighbours. Issues like fishing, environment, international transport, the Gulf War, pacifism, energy, small country/big neighbour ... etc..etc.. how refreshing and exciting could that be ?
大象传媒 Central Command could then use those resources of 大象传媒 Scotland on the whole network. That TRULY would represent a shift in 大象传媒 Culture rather than the current tokenism of 'local' programming and local soaps.
International stories to an International audience with a Scottish intellect ? I think you would see an unleashing of talent, confidence and initiative .. but perhaps that would be too much for 大象传媒 or Govt in London to concede ....
I suggest it is the way of the future. In fact as a licence fee payer .. I demand it !! :)
Good Evening Mr Taylor, I'm about to go into 6th year at high school, and have a keen interest in both politics and writing, and am considering pursuing either (or both) of them further into University etc, have you got any tips, only i'm not too sure how to go about it!
Apart from that, fantastic blog, even with the disgraceful Dundee Utd bias, c'mon the Dons!
"We're not putting up with it - the new politics is not what they want but what we'll let them deliver," said Des McNulty yesterday. But it didn't quite work out that way, did it? Labour still think that they are calling the shots; yesterday made it quite clear that they are not. Clear to everyone, that is, except Labour.
Why has one of the best reporters been so quiet on the Kirsty Wark affair.
Your cover on the Lybian affair is rather muted for such a blether,
What I find troubling about you Brian is that you're not prepared to accept, like the rest of you colleagues, that the political landscape in Scotland is shifting. Did you bother to read that Scotland is the worst performing of the smallest countries? This is why we need to put this country on the road to recovery and you would do a much better job being constructive instead of talking and writing rubbish. Do something positive.
Be proud of your country.
The thing that really bothered me about some of your comments on this blog along with Kirsty Wark's shameful treatment of Alex Salmond is the fact that both of you really failed to underline that the problem started from Tony Blair, not Alex Salmond. Now, he is not, nor should he be impervious to criticism. Not at all. But I'm a bit fed up with hearing that it's always him who has to pick a fight. Why can't it be that you just admit that the blame should lie squarely with Number 10???
I wonder how the Labour party will feel about the role of the Secretary of State for Scotland if they lose the next election at Westminster but win the subsequent Holyrood election. Will they then campaign to get rid of the post?
Mr Taylor can you please shed some light on water charges in Scotland. In May of 2006 I purchased a property in the town of Auchterarder, since the purchase the property has been uninhabited.The Perth & Kinross council continue to bill me for water and sewerage charges regardless of the fact that I do not currently use any water.
Kind Regards, Craig