There’s really only one show in town this week and that’s the Pre-Budget Report. Delivered on Tuesday, it’s kept the Scottish blogosphere talking ever since.

Holyrood Patter was unimpressedwith the 2.5% cut in VAT, explaining how little he would have saved had he bought his Ipod after the cut. Wholly Rude wasn’t wholly impressed either. Stephen made the argument that it was a regressive cut which wouldn’t help the poor. This was a point on which I differed from Stephen! 

Adopted Domain felt that this was a political budget, with J.Arthur MacNumpty feeling that it would be the next parliament who would really have to take the tough decisions.

Interestingly, most of the discussions were about what taxes were cut in the PBR rather than the principle of borrowing to boost demand, although Two Doctors and Holyrood Chronicles still raised doubts.

The debate moved beyond the Blogosphere with light-hearted video’s for both Labour and the Tories.

Lest we forget that this started as a banking crisis the Merger Action Group are still protesting with regards to the competition commissions involvement (or lack of involvement) in the merger, and Callum Cashley is continuing his campaign.

However the economy is not the only big issue concerning the Scottish blogosphere, there was also the small matter of our democracy apparently imploding with the arrest of Damian Green. Both Stephen and Malc looked at the potential repercussions of this for our democracy, although Tom Harris was more timid in his criticisms of what had happened, suggesting that this was not in Labour’s interest; Jess disputed the Met’s impartiaity however.

The Glasgow South MP hascaused a bit of a stir defending some of the more ceremonial aspects of our democracy also.

All in all a very serious week with the Scotish blogosphere providing excellent analysis and a real medium for intelligent debate, I’m Yousuf and it’s been a pleasure providing this week’s roundup!

Once again, I have found myself in the situation where I need to reduce my commitment to something due to a lack of time. I’ve already reduced my role in Scottish Roundup a bit since I set it up two years ago.

I had, however, hoped that more people would nominate more posts. Unfortunately, it has never reached more than a trickle (normally, only one or two posts are nominated per week). So even if I am not editing the roundup myself, I still provide a lot of my own suggestions, and I also usually step in if a guest was unable to do it.

But often I don’t have the time I need to produce a decent roundup every two or three weeks. And this is before I have found myself a full-time job! Add in the recent addition of the non-political roundup, and I find myself trying to find more ways to reduce Scottish Roundup’s dependence on my time.

It would also be unfair of me to ask Will Patterson, who does such an excellent job on the roundup every third week, to pick up all of the slack.

As such, I have decided to try and set up a team of perhaps five or ten people who are willing to chip in on a regular basis. Primarily, it would involve suggesting a handful of posts every week. Hopefully that way the roundup can contain dozens of great posts with relatively little effort. It would also be helpful if some people would be willing to edit the roundup on a semi-regular basis, perhaps once every two or three months.

It would be good if there was some political balance on the team as well — maybe one blogger for each of the five major parties and a few independents. This isn’t vital, but it’s an idea.

I’m not just looking for help on the political roundup. I probably need even more help on the non-political roundup, because in my experience it is much harder to compile the non-political roundup, mostly because there are so many more blogs and it is stressful to think that I might be overlooking a complete gem of a post!

So if anyone is interested in becoming involved in helping out with Scottish Roundup on a more regular basis, please let me know. Email me at scottishroundup@gmail.com.

If you’re not so keen on being involved that often, but you still fancy editing every once in a while, I’m always looking for more editors. And I have no way of knowing who does and doesn’t want to do the roundup, so if you fancy it then please don’t be shy in coming forward.

Hi folks! It’s amazing what people get revved up about, isn’t it? This week, a list of contacts has set the blogosphere alight.

Thing is, this is no ordinary contacts list – it’s a list of BNP members, and bloggers being excitable types, quite a few people had something to say. IndyGal weighs up the pros and cons of plastering the details of nearly 13,000 supposed fascist sympathisers online and decides that they should have the courage of their convictions to make their views public anyway. On the other hand, I have a little internal monologue where I conclude that anti-fascist activists may now be as bad as the people they’re campaigning against.

Clairwil is addicted to the list (and looking at BNP members’ hobbies), and concludes that barring a few obvious cases of conflict of interest, it’s not fair for publicised members’ jobs to end up in jeopardy. Neil Craig, meanwhile, sees a hypocrisy at work in the MSM’s reporting of the issue.

However, Kevin Williamson reckons a far more important and powerful figure might have something to say about the controversy, while Davie Hutchison notes that new Edinburgh Councillor Cammy Day has got dragged into matters through his brother!

Staying with the BNP, Ewan Aitken finds himself agreeing with Hazel Blears, arguing that there are communities that feel let down by mainstream parties, and their concerns need to be addressed.

Meanwhile, as bloggers have been going loopy over the list, the MSM appears to have been going, well, ga-ga. Ideas of Civilisation looks at the media’s skewed priorities, Holyrood Patter wonders if the BBC’s supine reaction to Manuelgate and the Strictly Come Dancing saga is a reflection of a post-Hutton lack of confidence at Auntie, while Malc in the Burgh is exasperated at Jim Murphy’s call on Question Time for the Strictly judges to be sacked (they’re the four most entertaining people on television right now!), and Mr. Eugenides rips Robert Kilroy-Silk to shreds, for his attempts to justify prioritising a spell in the jungle for ITV over his mandate as an MEP for the East Midlands. Now, I know people aren’t keen on Strasbourg, but if the I’m A Celebrity set is a more preferable place to spend time then something is seriously wrong.

Staying with the MSM, Richard Thomson looks at the post-switchover options for local broadcasting, while Stewart Kirkpatrick notes that Johnston Press has presided over the number of visitors to scotsman.com being halved.

Back in the (sur)real world, a row over the re-selection of Anne Moffat as MP for East Lothian has led to the Constituency Labour Party being suspended Malc and McChatterer look at the story.

Meanwhile, Jack McConnell’s attendance record at Holyrood since his return to the backbenches has come under scrutiny, and there have been calls for him to quit as MSP for Motherwell & Wishaw: Jeff and Mr. Smith react.

And in Aberdeenshire, Trumpgate has delivered another political casualty: Councillor Debra Storr has quit the LibDem group over its treatment of members who voted against the proposed golf resort. Stephen Glenn and Bernard Salmon come out in defence of Councillor Storr, and wonder what her former colleagues are playing at.

Scottish Tory Boy looks disdainfully at an interview with Lindsay Roy, the new MP for Glenrothes.

While on the lighter side, Tom Harris MP shows that Liam Byrne isn’t the only one to produce moemos on how to work with him…

Northern Ireland comes to people’s attention this week as well: Stephen Glenn notes that an agreement has been reached that would see justice and policing devolved to Stormont, while Tom Harris casts a sceptical eye over the pact between the Tories and the UUP. Here’s my take on the matter.

On ID cards, James and Stephen look at some of the barmier minutiae of the plans.

Robert Sharp has a thoughtful tribute those casualties of wars that it’s easiest to forget.

Niall is exasperated by society’s tendency to demonise young people (try living on my street: I guarantee that after just one week you’ll want anyone under the age of 21 to be burned at the stake).

Calum Cashley takes the Tories for task for referring to an opportunity to score political points while voting against proposals for free school meals.

Neil Craig comes up with ways that Government can beat the Credit Crunch.

Malc is exasperated at the thought of rising train fares, while James criticises the left-wing parties like the SSP and Respect for their opposition to road tolls.

Ideas of Civilisation reflects on negative campaigning.

Bill Cameron hails the incoming US administration’s approach to LGBT equality.

Holyrood Watcher asks why we have a navy if it can’t deal with pirates, while on a related subject Sara refers to Alasdair Allan, who overheard someone complaining about his securing a debate on Gaelic and insisting using the language in the Chamber. The Western Isles MSP lamented, “They said, ‘There’s a debate next week on sailing. Should we all speak like pirates?’ ” Yes. Yes, they should.

And finally, Tom Harris reckons that the commercialisation of Christmas has gone too far.

So that’s your lot for this week. As always you can nominate posts for inclusion next week by e-mailing scottishroundup@gmail.com or by filling out the shamblidoobydoo on the right. Bye-de-bye!

Hello everyone and a warm welcome to this month’s non-political Scottish blogging roundup. Yes, it’s another dip into the weird and wonderful thoughts of Scottish bloggers, and the issues that are affecting their lives.

Fiona at Nintendo and Chocolate has a hilarious post about the unspoken truths of pregnancy.

Hunting for a job (I know the feeling), Adullamite rails against human resources departments. But as an HR man himself, Mike Smith defends the profession.

Craig writes about his experiences of being related to someone with Down’s Syndrome. He concludes that, far from being a burden, his presence is enriching.

On Remembrance Sunday, Jeff Zycinski wrote about his father who ended up in Glasgow as a result of his role in the Second World War.

Mr H found yet another thing to add to his ever-increasing list of why Scotchland sucks, noticing an alarming black hole of time in the North Bridge area of Edinburgh!

Amid the news that Croatian Christmas parties in the public sector are to be banned, Mike Smith is on the verge of booking his tickets.

Rhythmaning took a trip to the Tate Modern to see the Mark Rothko exhibition. Sounds great. Staying with art, Finally Woken takes a look at Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

A bit more contemporary is Jack Vettriano, the subject of a post by Niall at the Mushkush Miscellany. He broaches the topic that always surrounds Vettriano — the gulf between the public’s love for him and the art establishment’s total indifference to him.

Meanwhile, Misssy M writes about a print of a painting she has in her house. But it has caused a stir among guests.

On his travels, John Connell spotted two churches sharing practically the same patch of ground. What would make them do such a thing? Check the comments there to find out.

Speaking of travelling, Jeff of SNP Tactical Voting fame has set off on his travels and has set up Jeff and Ann’s Stamp Collection. In this post, Jeff introduces us to the concept of flashpacking.

Meanwhile, Colin Campbell alerts us to the dangers of travelling.

But transport does have one upside — the weird and wonderful conversations that you can listen in to, as 1st Lady did this month.

Tom Harris made the mistake of watching Newsnight Review and ended up wondering, why is Will Self so up himself?

As rumours that Top of the Pops may be making a return increase, Mike Smith ponders why TOTP is no longer around.

Remaining in a musical vein, Gordon McLean found himself walking out of a Sigur Rós gig. How can a band that sounds so good on CD be such a disappointing live act?

Lis also walked out of a gig, but for slightly different reasons.

Andrew writes about the phenomenon of The 27 Club. As he’s hit 27 himself, he wonders if he’s done enough with his life.

The Tomahawk Kid lacked a bit of tact when an old flame phoned him up.

If you find that a bit confusing, Finally Woken brings us a guide on what to expect if you want to date a British man. And by the way, why are they — and people in general — so obsessed with breats?

Perhaps equally perplexing, Alanna asks why it is that women find the appeal in men having a fight.

Jack Deighton takes a look at library book sales — perhaps a great way to get a bargain.

Mr Farty was asked, “Have you always had a beard?”

Big Rab brings us a selection of jokes that will only be understood by Scots. And a couple of amusing comments by his daughter.

Finally, I spotted a new social network centred around Scotland called Scotster. I’m not sure it’s my cup of tea, but it might be of interest to some readers.

I think that will do for this month. Where were all the nominations though? We need more, so get them in by using the form on the right or by emailing scottishroundup@gmail.com. Also get in touch if you fancy editing the roundup one month. I still haven’t decided who will do it next month, so if you fancy doing it then let me know! Thanks.

Hello and welcome to this week’s roundup.

Following on from the death of Baby P, West World asks how many more such deaths will be accepted before there is a rethink in how the system works.

But Cabalamat points out that no professional can expect to be right all of the time, especially when a job is so difficult as a social worker’s. And boxthejack warns against knee-jerk legislation being introduced.

Tom Harris points out that social workers are often accused of “playing God” when they remove a child from its parents — they’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t. Ideas of Civilisation adds his thoughts.

Julie McAnulty reminds us that it is not social workers that harm children — it’s often the parents.

Recent stories about how newspapers are performing has caused concern among some. Douglas Fraser, in his new blog for the BBC, casts his eye over the figures, noting that the Financial Times is the only newspaper to increase its sales recently.

Yousuf is surprised that newspapers are still surviving anyway, particularly with the might of Google’s Adwords system taking advertisers away from newspapers. Meanwhile, Alex Massie predicts that at least one major British or American newspaper will cease publication within 18 months.

Meanwhile, Bill Cameron considers the role of The Big Issue and charitable giving.

But despite the importance of charitable giving, there is a bit of cynicism about this week’s Children in Need bash. Big Rab thinks that it’s a nauseating celebrity backslapping event. Meanwhile, Tom Harris opted to read a book instead.

Fitaloon has found himself in the unusual position of agreeing with Polly Toynbee, who lays into Paul Dacre and his friendship with Gordon Brown.

Bank bother continues apace. Jeff looks at the decision by RBS to cut 3,000 jobs. Meanwhile, Stephen Glenn notes the retraction of the Bank of China’s offer to buy HBOS. And David Farrer wonders if the banks are simply incompetent.

Last week’s elections are still being digested. Malc takes a look at some of the other votes that took place in the USA last week and notes that the American right isn’t dead.

Jeff has found himself receiving emails from people of the USA’s Christian right.

Alex Massie looks at how the USA might be able to adapt PMQs to their system if they want to introduce it.

Bellgrove Belle points out that the Single Transferable Vote system is still flummoxing some of the most experienced users of the system in Baillieston.

Julie Hepburn reflects on the SNP’s performance in Glenrothes.

James Graham lambasts the SNP’s use of Barack Obama’s slogan during the Glenrothes by-election.

Mike Smithson looks at the opinion polls, as he does, and wonders how much of Labour’s resurgence in the polls is down to its support in Scotland.

Scottish Tory Boy has found himself in a spot of bother for referring to the SNP as a regional party. But Malc has sprung to his defence, pointing out that it is technically the correct term to describe a party like the SNP.

Meanwhile, Scottish Unionist has spotted another instance of an SNP politician misrepresenting the actual views of Scots. Pete Wishart claimed that only 3% of Scots see themselves as British, but Scottish Unionist points out that the cited survey actually tells a different, more subtle, story.

Richard Thomson reviews the UK Government’s submission to the Calman Commission.

Amid continuing worries about the future of the Post Office, Tom Harris reckons the only way to truly save the Post Office would be to shut down the internet.

Mr H has this take on the resignation of Willie Gallagher, the boss of Edinburgh’s trams project.

Sara highlights the Parliamentary Question of the week and it’s all about space hoppers. No, not that one.

Angry Steve notes that there are now 392 sets of roadworks in Edinburgh, and lambasts the appointment of a “cone tsar”.

Matt has heard that John Loughton was none too pleased with some of his blog coverage.

Speaking of reality television, Mr Eugenides has this splendid rant about Robert Kilroy-Silk who will be appearing on this year’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. It’s great that Mr E is back to regular blogging.

Finally, Malc considers the difference between a British football team and the British and Irish Lions rugby team — why he’s in favour of one but not the other. Holyrood Patter has more.

That’s the lot for this week. Don’t forget that this Wednesday it will be time once again for the monthly non-political roundup. We could always do with more of your suggestions for this, so please do get those nominations in by using the form on the right, or by emailing us at scottishroundup@gmail.com. Thanks! Will P will be back in the hot seat for next week’s political blogging roundup.