Sunday 31 March 2019

Photos 2018


2018 was a confusing year.  In Scotland we enjoyed the grand opening of the new V & A Dundee, which is a wondrous new landmark and attraction on the river Tay. 

Journeys
I travelled the Scottish islands – Orkney, which was awesome, and all its history. Orkney gently tells many stories – ancient sagas from its rich past. The outer Hebrides and the beauty of the shimmering soft blues of those landscapes is breathtaking, with its expanse of sands and surging seas....

Ross Wilson
Emeli Sande

MUSIC - Rab Noakes, Blue Rose Code,
Photo of Brian May In Edinburgh - also Karl Ove Knausgaard, Murray Lachlan Young, Gina Miller.


We learn invaluable lessons by following those who walked before us. 

I’ve been searching for Scotia – in Edina’s ancient streets ….

Brian May
Gina Miller






Sunday 24 March 2019

Indyref Yes No vote 2014 documentary: BBC Scotland



The new BBC Scotland has been running a three part series on the Indy Ref Yes/No Vote 2014. 
‘We have made a vote for progress and change", spoke Alastair Darling, of leave of the Better Together campaign (of Lorretto 
school fame) after the 2014 vote. (45% yes, 55% no) How hollow his words ring....  We were promised all these increased powers; protection of our pensions; being in Europe,.

England must now also be heard. The day after the No vote result Cameron announced English votes for English laws. It was a dark forces of the blatant ignoring and side-lining of Scotland that was to come. Its hard to watch without feeling a sense of shame.  

One young man felt the NO side had more to offer – which suggests 2 things – their control of the media and press, and also the lists of promises. The wise amongst us saw from past performances and that promises or vows are actually Lies dressed up in fancy clothes and we listen to the MSM with questioning ears. 

Does this mean in a future ref the indy side, rather than have vague outlines, needs to have clearer promises? Perhaps? What would these be exactly – control of our resources, improved infrastructure, investment in R & D and education, a fair welfare system, business opportunities and investment… 


According to Osborne, ‘SNP were put back in their box.’ ‘Lib Dems were a spent focre.’ This also ruined Labour in Scotland – who barely got a mention in this series. Except for the very funny video shot in Glasgow of the Labour Mps descending to the music of Darth Vadar, " Our imperial over lords are here to rule us.’"! Or the blustering speeches of yesterdays man, Gordon Brown making promises he had no way of ever keeping!


Friday 15 March 2019

Women Musicians


Beth Orton
There are many exciting Scottish women musicians  
Be Charlotte, Stephanie Cheape, Iona Fyfe, Siobhan WilsonKarine Polwart,

But there is also a serious lack of women producers, songwriters and executives. Women must think bigger. I believe we must have more business and management courses in education. There are many women in media and promotions.


Iona Fyfe
Julie Fowlis

Low Anthem
Sharon Shannon
Imelda May
Congratulations to the recent success of Scots! – Calvin Harris (our major Scots producer) at the Brit awards; Tom Walker from Kilsyth and Lewis Capaldli from Glasgow! Well done to all. 
 
Laura Marling

Tuesday 12 March 2019

NEW BBC Scotland channel!


The Nine News team,Rebecca Curran and Martin Geissler
Launched 24th February 2019, with one of the most successful Scots band Chvrches and the song 'Miracles'.
So far a promising start – well done to all! Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the channel.

I welcome Debate Night much more enjoyable, honest and real than the QT, which brazenly tries to stir up unnecessary controversy – rather than looking for consensus and on how we can move forward. Plus a quality series on the Yes/No Referendum in 2014.

The Nine
The new flagship news program top marks too with presenters Rebecca Curran and Martin Geissler. A welcome return of political correspondent James Cook. And shows the breath of talent in Scotland, well able to present international and national news from both Scottish and international perspectives.   
CHVRCHES
There Nine News program with various correspondents in London, Brussels, and other locations. The show is projecting a relaxed format and looks promising so far. 

The schedule is mixed. I believe it's crucial Scotland has its own TV channel so I wish the new channel good fortunes. Catalonia has 4 tv channels - two news channels, an entertainment channel and a family channel.  I am concerned too that the Scottish license money is around £350m, yet only £32m is being spent on this channel. Much more is spent in Wales, England (over 100%) and Northern Ireland (75%) by comparison. Scotland (55%).   (Virgin 108)

BBC Scotland - https://www.bbc.co.uk/welcome-to-your-brand-new-television-channel-bbc-scotland