The thing is, just as we’re supposedly heading for a rightward turn at Westminster, Holyrood appears to be facing the other way. Scottish Socialist Youth has a report from the PCS strike, which ended up affecting business at Holyrood as Labour and SNP MSPs announced that they were refusing to cross the picket line at the Scottish Parliament. Dave over at Holyrood Chronicles has two posts on the hyperbole surrounding this decision, while Stuart queries the motives and symbolism surrounding what was, essentially, the Parliamentarians’ secondary strike.

Meanwhile, it’s not just in supporting the PCS that MSPs have started moving to the left: SNP MSP Jamie Hepburn has tabled a motion praising Venezuelan socialist visionary leader/bloodthirsty tinpot dictator* (delete as applicable) Hugo Chavez, and has gained support from other SNP and Labour members, much to the chagrin of Andrew, Caron, and Mr. Eugenides.

Anyway. In other news, there’s an election coming up (no, really, it’s crept up on us, this one) and with the outcome too close to call, all eyes are on the LibDem Spring Conference to try and gauge their approach to a Hung Parliament. We didn’t learn that, but we did learn their election slogan. Stephen approves. Tom Harris doesn’t.

Meanwhile, Neil Craig sets out what ought to go in the upcoming budget (I suspect that he isn’t holding his breath, though).

Still, despite the recession, economic projections are turning out to be less controversial than environmental ones. Bishop Hill takes a look at attempts to predict the planet’s climate 100 years from now.

On a similar note, the recent spate of earthquakes and the devastion caused by them generates this post at Scottish Socialist Youth, where it’s argued that poverty and deprivation are the main cause of the catastrophe rather than the earthquakes themselves.

Ironically, while tectonic plates seem to be shifting at the moment, High Speed Rail isn’t – the first part of the line will go no further than Birmingham and it’ll be a long while before it reaches Scotland. Now, I’m all in favour of anything that gets travellers to the points failure at Oxenholme Lake District sooner, but Joan McAlpine has a more thorough set of comments on her desire for the HSR network to reach from London to Scotland, while Osama Saeed looks at discussions on who should foot the bill for a line north of Carlisle. He then follows that up with a second post in which he notes that the choice is either “trains or Trident”, and Jeff agrees.

Meanwhile, Glasgow is still the centre of attention, though not just for the Steven Purcell saga. The suicide of three asylum seekers in the Red Road area has generated this thoughtful post from Joan McAlpine, and a wider discussion of asylum policy under Labour led to this exchange of views between James, and Tom Harris, posting on each other’s blog (which explains why the links are that way round).

Staying in Glasgow, Subrosa reports on the logo for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, while Big Rab points out that it looks eerily similar to another part of the designers’ portfolio.

Moving along, East Lothian is also in the news for the local Labour party’s ongoing attempts to de-select their local MP: Andrew, Jeff and Mark all report on how, after years of trying, the local activists may finally be getting their way – and what the consequences are for Labour.

Meanwhile, in Dundee, Stuart fesses up to not knowing whether, for the purposes of Parliamentary representation, he lives in East or West Dundee, noting that an Angus Councillor apparently doesn’t realise what constituency he lives in either.

And in West Dunbartonshire, the Council’s continued ropey performance has led to an audit, which in itself has managed to raise a few more questions, if this investigation by Mark is anything to go by.

Maybe we should all just move to Edinburgh: these photos by Scott Liddell certainly present a good case for doing so.

Meanwhile, The Kiosque reports on two exhibitions by Frances Walker. She’s managed to get two displays on the go, but Crabbit Copy looks at some of the pitfalls of portfolio management.

Elsewhere, Peenko has an interview with Fiona Soe Paing, one half of audio-visual duo Colliderscope. And over at Elba Sessions there’s a review of singles by Chris T-T and Kill the Captains, while Aye Tunes has a review of the new EP from Miss The Occupier.

Meanwhile, The Pop Cop has two good posts this week, the first on the indie disco tracks that get everyone going, and the second a review of the Mumford and Sons gig at ABC1. I don’t think their opinion of the UK’s Eurovision entry will be overly high, though. Caron tries to find the positives. James Kelly doesn’t.

This week’s BBC Question Time managed to exasperate Martin Kelly. He should instead have gone with Subcity Radio’s Debate is Free, which held its own Election Question Time this week.

Speaking of election coverage, Jess the Dog is appalled that reporting from Afghanistan will stop during the campaign.

Richard Havers has analysed some of the reporting in the Scotsman, and come to the conclusion that it has ceased to be a newspaper.

Bill Boyd discusses communication skills for the 2010s.

Robert Sharp discusses how people are exercising too much caution on the blogosphere, lest their posts come back to haunt them. Over at Clinically Fed Up, there’s a post about not so much the caution as, well, pretty much that bizarre combination of joy and terror which came with being asked to send something into Ian Hamilton’s blog.

Ideas of Civilisation looks at how rules and reality rarely map onto each other successfully.

Elsewhere, the old chestnut that is homophobia in sport has popped up again, must to the anger of Stephen

And over at Left Back in the Changing Room there’s a look at suggestions to expand the Scottish Premier League.

So that’s your lot for this week. Next week it’s the turn of The Enraged Greek in the chair. As always, you can nominate posts for inclusion using the dooberrythingummyjig on the right, dropping us a line at scottishroundup@gmail.com or following our Twitter account @ScottishRoundup. Bye-de-bye!

Glasgow City Council

I’m a bit wary of commenting on the Steven Purcell issue – after all most of Scotland’s papers seemed too wary to fully investigate the issue.  However, with the Sundays now covering the story in varying levels of detail I’ll highlight just a few of the comments.  Initially a lot of bloggers followed the same line as Iain Hamilton expressing their sympathy for someone who is clearly ill, however rumours kept surfacing on various blogs regarding the nature of the illness as highlighted by Rock’s Blog Spot and  with Tory Bear being less than subtle. The week is rounded off by SNP Tactical Voting who gives a brief summary of the Sunday papers and their take on the Purcell issue.

The Leader’s Debate

The announcement that the BBC, ITV and Sky are to only have the leaders of the three main unionist parties on their Leaders Debates has caused an outcry across the blog world.  North to Leith complains about the exclusion of the SNP,  Joan McAlpine highlights ten Scottish issues you won’t hear on the debates,  Bella Caledonia presents the case for ‘no television without representation’ complaining of the sanitisation of political debate while Two Doctors warns the SNP about their response to being excluded from the debates.

However, despite admitting to being a political junkie, Mr Eugenides isn’t getting too excited about the prospect of the debate.

Chilcot and Brown

In the same week that Gordon Brown appeared before the Chilcot Enquiry,  Subrosa reports on more deaths of British soldiers in Afghanistan.  Craig Murray expresses no surprise that Blair kept Brown out of the loop,  Blogo Wogo highlights Brown never answered the questions people wanted answered and Conservative Home blog unsurprisingly accuses Brown of evading the real questions and contradicting other witnesses.   Meanwhile Moridura contrasts Brown’s (in)actions over Iraq with Robin Cook’s actions.

Michael Foot

Most bloggers from across the political spectrum provide a general appreciation of the former Labour leader including Hythlodaeus who describes his death as a great loss to the socialist tradition in Britain,  Tom Harris states the oft reported comment that Foot was unlucky to lead the Labour party when it was un-leadable, meanwhile SNP Tactical Voting contrasts the politics of Foot leading from the front with the ’shadowy’ nature of Michael Ashcrofts donations to the Tories.

And Finally,

Lib Dem Scottish Conference

Andrewrunning blog provides an insiders view of the Lib Dem conference  while Carons-musings provides some more detail on Lib Dems policy positions.    Apart from a few twitter comments about paying back illegal donations, there has been little mention of the Lib Dems from other political viewpoints.

You can’t beat a bit of bully

The week began with The Observer serialisation of Andrew Rawnsley’s book on what has happened within the Labour government since his last book. The allegations that civil servants cowered in fear as the Prime Minister punched seats of cars prompted a wonderful Grand Theft Auto style reconstruction but prompted little comment from the Scottish blogosphere (although Jeff suggested that it might not be a negative factor come election day) until the intervention of Mrs Pratt – head of the National bullying helpline – who suggested that her confidential helpline had had calls from Downing Street including one person who had been signed off with stress, while suggesting that through not naming these individuals anonymity was preserved. Big Rab pointed out that Mrs Pratt had previously been a litigant in a case where she had been alleged to have “thrust her face into his and screamed “Communicate!” very loudly and directly into his ear. Mr Roberts found this very painful and was profoundly shocked by her conduct.” Caron and Mr Eugenides found themselves bemused by Mrs Pratt’s conduct (while Stephen maintained a running commentary on the slow death of the helpline as patron after patron resigned). Duncan’s perceptive post on Mrs Pratt’s entwining with the Prime Minister suggests that personal criticism of Gordon Brown may serve only to strengthen him – by appearing like bullying.

When it comes to Rauf justice sorry doesn’t seem to be the hardest word

Deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, disarmed critics in the media and Holyrood by making an apology for her conduct. The apology was welcomed by bloggers from various quarters including Angus Nicolson, and Caron - although some (including Angus Nicolson and Jeff) noted that the wording of the apology – where the Deputy first minister indicated that she did not have a “duty” to act in the way she had may have left Alex Salmond somewhat exposed. Noteworthy though was the reaction from the Labour party. The Gallus Glaswegian, for example, suggesting that the one week recess between the original story and the apology worked to Nicola Sturgeon’s advantage. Joan McAlpine noted the adversarial personal tone of aspects of the Labour party parliamentary  response (notably from Iain Gray and Johann Lamont) and Will wonders if the memory of the Wendy Alexander resignation influenced Labour party behaviour.

Consultation paper and National Conversation leads to… new consultation paper

For the second time in two and a half years a draft referendum bill has been published for consultation by the Scottish public. This unprecedented level of pre-legislative consultation (which has nothing to do with parliamentary arithmetic or the imminent general election with the consultation period closing during the campaign – if we are heading for a May election) sees one big variant from the first paper, with two questions proposed on greater powers for the Scottish Parliament, and negotiations on independence. The approach is supported by Subrosa who notes the lack of response to the consultation from opposition leaders within First Minister’s Questions this week. While Braveheart suggests that this approach is designed to encourage confusion in the electorate.

Spare some change, mister?

I would be better disposed towards political slogans if they were better written. After Labour appeared to promised funfairs for all the other week, the Conservatives launched their slogan “Vote for change” – without specifying exactly how much change or what denomination of change we’ll get.  Jeff  suggests that it is a vacuous slogan to come up with at a time when polls suggest that more than 1/3 of the electorate don’t know what the Conservative party stands for. And Tom Harris MP has his own fun with the slogan.

Political blogging headline of the week

This comes from James, whose “Long-time lurker, first-time Parliamentary candidate” confirms his selection as PPC for the Scottish Greens in East Lothian.

What would Richard Dawkins do?

The Secretary of State for Scotland delivered a speech this week on faith and politics – appearing to suggest that people of faith would find their natural home in the labour party. This prompted a riposte from the National secular society, as well as various religious and political figures. As well as a lengthy post from Richard Thomson generally critical of Murphy Richard notes that religion and politics can mix because

” The experiences which people have and the beliefs that they hold will always inform how they respond to the issues of the day and will always shape their views on how the world should be. While it’s plainly wrong to pretend that religious belief can lead only to one single ‘correct’ viewpoint or that someone’s faith should lend their views any additional weight, it would be equally wrong to pretend that our public debate would be anything other than greatly diminished were no religious perspectives to be found.”

Yousuf takes a similar view (in a piece praising Murphy for his engagement with faith in politics). On such issues I turn to my “What would Richard Dawkins do” wristband – and, as he no doubt does, watch a story from season 17 of Doctor Who.

Football news

The following story came as something of a shock to me – and no doubt readers will have their flabbers well and truly gasted. Apparently, some people in Scotland will not be cheering on those parragons of virtue, John Terry, Steven Gerard et al during the forthcoming World Cup. Indeed, in a bid to cash in on this sentiment a company has produced casual wear bearing the slogan “anyone but England”. Michael Greenwell has a post justifying this view.

Also this week news broke that Celtic had contacted the SFA to complain about the quality of refereeing in Scotland due to decisions sometimes going against Celtic. A blog known as Celtic Paranoia has its own analysis. From my own perspective may I suggest to Celtic fans and board that if they want to see bad decisions they really need to come to the Third Division.

Mark Devereaux

The case of Mark Devereaux, the HIV infected man convicted of reckless and culpable conduct after he had sex with four partners, has prompted two passionate posts from opposite sides of the argument. Efrafandays argues that Devereaux 10 year sentence was correct. Lallands Peat Worrier’s post contains the sentencing statement and expresses some concern about prosecution and sentencing of HiV sufferers.

Miscellany

Ellen Arnison has an interesting post on news values and the impact of social media on the development of news stories.

Little Mummy comments on some of the Winter Olympics commentary where in certain sports female competitors are reduced to their status as “pin-ups”. And Skip Cottage Curling offers a summary of the disappointing British performance in the curling within the Games – while having rather warmer words for Steve Cram’s commentary than were used in my house.

Andy at Road Maps for the Soul has a post on the parliamentary report on homeopathy – which contrary to the “science of homeopathy” maintains its potency despite exhibiting no dilution of view, arguing that

“My own view is that a fraction of that £4 million would be better spent informing the public that “alternative” medicines are only so named because they are the alternative to the sort that makes you better.”

Of course, if the parliamentary report is followed and the budget for homeopathic treatment is diluted this will serve to make the funding of homeopathy even stronger.

Also nominated this week was the A Place to Stand post challenging the idea that there is (or was) scientific consensus on climate change.

The Absolvitor law blog reassures readers that the prosecution has been dropped in the case of Michael Mancini who had been charged with not being in control of a motor vehicle when he blew his nose while behind the wheel (and digs up the wonderful piece of information that the officer who charged Mr Mancini apparently issued an on the spot fine of £50 to a man who dropped a £10 note last year).

One blog that looks like it will be worth keeping an eye on as the year goes on is the Fraoch Wood site which is building up a diary examining an area of privately owned woodland in the Cairngorms with some photos of the area and the wildlife.

Iain MacWhirter

And like Ian Hamilton QC, Subrosa, and others I’d like to wish sometime blogger (and journalist) Iain MacWhirter a speedy recovery from his heart by-pass surgery. His excellent post on his imminent surgery gives a good indication why we need him back writing on Scottish politics and life in general as soon as he is able.

Keep the nominations coming in via the widget or by e-mail to the usual address or via the twitter feed. Next week you’ll be in the hands of Kenny MacLaren.

Ultimo boss, Michelle Mone launched a fund raising drive this week for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund.  Now when I first cast my curious eyes over the pictures that accompanied the piece in the paper – of the Gabreselassie family  working the fields in Ethiopia- my natural instinct was to determine if the mother’s breasts were looking noticeably uplifted, friendly even…. one wouldn’t be surprised if Michelle had generously sent a few sets of her new push-up bras by recorded delivery, scheduled an impromptu photoshoot with Mrs Gabreselassie, and then unveiled the bemused potato picker later in the year as the new face of Ultimo, but no, upon reading the details of the venture my cold heart defrosted ever so slightly, this was a more serious affair.   Scots are being encouraged to give up a treat for 40 days during lent and donate the cash saved to help stop global poverty (here’s hoping wives around the country choose to give-up chocolate over sex then or there is going to be no money in the pot and a hell of a lot of wayward husbands hitting the bottle).  Michelle will also be travelling to the North Pole in 2 weeks time to undertake a month long 2000-mile expedition.  No comment need be made on the hardship her poor breasts might take during the trek but I’m confident Michelle has had her breast team of experts design her a form fitting number that will see her through her road trip minus the convenient road, warmth or Little Chef’s.  Ah well.  It is all for a good cause after all so get thinking…. What treat are you prepared to give-up?

In other news the Ministry of Defence have released reports of flying objects spotted over a range of locations in Scotland, with one electrician in West Lothian having described his sighting to be a ‘Toblerone shaped’ UFO.  Both mysterious AND delicious sounding… well count me in!  Of course they are just ‘reports’, and for the most part they have been made by men who work 60 hour weeks…. Think fishermen (long periods of time spent at sea, almost hoping to see ‘something’ other than water), bakers (notorious for sampling their own butter based delights with the sugar hits as a result causing paranoid delusions ) and candlestick makers… I’m not quite sure where I’m going with this.  But it might be fun to read up on the claims and slip on your ginger Scully wig for an afternoon or two – god I miss the X Files!  The reports are available to download for free for a month from The National Archives.  The truth is out there!

As an Editor (with an imminent expiry date) it has been my added responsibility to showcase a few of the blogs that have been nominated on Scottish Roundup this week.  I KNOW – pressure cooker responsibility!  And apparently I am meant to read the blogs before I promote them? Well, that’s just not my style.  But you can trust my instinct. So here we go…

There is an adorable blog to be found (if you look hard enough or just click on my link for ease) that talks about lipsticks and dressing like Marilyn Monroe, it is called Beauty Bombshells.  There is another blog that posts pictures of hung parliamentary members……. but I’m a little confused, the blog was in no way arousing.  Over at Come Dine With Me’s sister blog, ‘Have Fun At Dinner’ you can download a free Scottish Compilation album!  And don’t you worry it is a ‘legal’ playlist that is just perfect for nights in making love to (I’m hoping for your sake) the loved one.   Jan Patience is a journalist and she writes about Art.  I like Jan; she has a bit of spunk about her.  There is also to my surprise a blog about apples and pears AND a blog to compliment it called Salt n Sauce.  That blog likes to ask you the reader a lot of questions!  Over at Lewd Awakenings you will be introduced to Phoebe Henderson, the Skinny’s resident sex columnist… a fun read but may I suggest you wear a paper bag over your head – the convenient kind with cut out eyes, it’ll help to spare you any public blushes.  Douglas Carswell writes about money and the internet, two of my favourite things and Leith Records is quite the lovely website, showcasing Scotland’s finest music.

And then just like that…. it has all come to an end.  Another week wrapped up on Scottish Roundup!

I have to get back to my own blog now who is giving me severe *side-eye* glances.  He doesn’t like to share much.  Next week, Love and Garbage will be rounding up the strays so keep nominating the fun blogs you find on the interweb by filling in the convenient ‘Nominate Your Blog’ widget to the right of this mess or by emailing, tweeting or tagging.  That’s right, tag a wall today and see your nominated blog in print next Sunday! Au revoir.



Of course, the main focus of attention has been on Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s donning of her MSP for Glasgow Govan hat to write a character reference for Abdul Rauf, pending his trial for benefit fraud. Though it hasn’t yet been given ‘-gate’ status. Lettergate, perhaps? Anyway, Yousuf notes how the papers currently make bad reading for the DFM, who is at least defended by Alex Salmond, citing the Code of Conduct for MSPs. However, in his defence, he omits a number of qualifications written into the code, prompting Tom Harris MP to accuse the FM of misleading Parliament.

By Thursday lunchtime, there were calls for the Deputy First Minister made by all opposition parties to make an immediate statement to the Scottish Parliament, but the Tories then went on to agree to delay the statement until after the brief Parliamentary recess. Andrew and Stephen rip into the Tories for this apparent U-turn.

However, the main thrust of arguments seems to surround Sturgeon’s judgement in the matter, with Jim Millar and Dave calling it into question. Stuart agrees to an extent, though finds the over-reaction and hyperbole exchanged by both sides exasperating. Subrosa isn’t overly happy either, but believes that it’s not a resigning matter.

Meanwhile, Malc offers the DFM his cautious backing, and stronger support comes from Caron, who argues that she would have done the same thing under the circumstances.

Also, Jeff takes a look at dodgy characters given support by politicians of other political hues and wonders why they don’t have ’serious questions to answer’ as well, while James Kelly worries that this row will ultimately impact on the service and support that Parliamentarians will be willing to offer their constituents.

And speaking of MSPs duties, Richard Havers clocks a nearly-empty Holyrood debating chamber and wonders quite what MSPs are paid to do in the first place.

Still, Lettergate, or whatever you want to call it, has knocked Lunchgate off the front pages, but Ideas of Civilisation has managed to produce three posts on the story and its implications. Stuart, meanwhile, condenses his views on the story, the reaction to it, and its reporting into one thoughtful post.

And the reporting of the two stories draws comments at Bella Caledonia, where it’s noted that they’ve been prioritised ahead of other, arguably more serious matters.

Incidentally, there might be another ‘-gate’ brewing: SNP Tactical Voting-gate. It turns out that Jeff is the subject of a press release by Margaret Curran, and he doesn’t seem too cut up about it. But I daresay he won’t mind the supportive character reference from James Kelly.

The real online scandal can be found in the companies trying to use the present trends for social networking sites as a source of a quick and easy buck (so easy, in fact, that it doesn’t really require the services of a third party to sort out): Contently Managed has the story.

And speaking of social media phonies, someone’s been gallivanting around the internet pretending to be Councillor Terry Kelly – remember him? Of course you do. The fake has been wreaking havoc on Comment is Free, he/she/it/they went on to make an appearance in the Comments section over at Harry’s Place. This got the attention of CiFwatch, and ultimately, the real Terry Kelly had to venture onto Harry’s Place to try and clear things up, augmenting his response with a post on his own site. Since then, Terry has had to issue further posts on the matter, given continuing attacks and the appearance of the story in the local press. Now at the risk of editorialising, everyone knows that I’m not exactly the man’s biggest supporter, but really, this just isn’t funny anymore.

Anyway, in more pleasant blogging news, Contently Managed are publicising the latest Scottish social media dinner, to be held this Wednesday, and Tom Harris has his top ten tips for political blogging.

In other news, the Scottish Tories had their shindig this week, and Fitaloon offers two supportive posts. A less supportive post comes from James.

Andrew hails the defection of Glasgow SNP Councillor Alex Dingwall to the LibDems. It’s interesting that John McNamee’s defection to Labour provoked far more comments from across the spectrum, but this move provoked little comment from outside the LibDem blogosphere, save a quick post from Yousuf. Perhaps it’s because Cllr Dingwall was more respected, more of a stalwart, and has fewer bones to bury than his South Lanarkshire counterpart. Or perhaps it’s because he switched to the Liberal Democrats rather than Labour. Who can say?

Stephen notes with dismay that regardless of the outcome of the election, VAT may be going up to 20%. Leaving aside the monetary impact, on the plus side, this makes it easy to calculate – simply divide by five, then add, or to calculate the net amount, simply divide by six then subtract. On the other hand, it’s a passport to nervous breakdowns for accountants and financial or purchasing systems administrators…

Richard Thomson notes the support for a referendum on further legislative powers for the Welsh Assembly and asks why, when that vote is backed, and a referendum on the Alternative Vote has government support, the economic situation is too murky for a vote on Scottish independence.

Further afield, Subrosa takes a look at the possibility of Sarah Palin making a bid for the US Presidency in 2012.

More locally, We Know SFA considers Steven Pressley’s chances of keeping Falkirk in the SPL.

On a more sober note, Stephen discusses the overshadowing of the Opening of the Vancouver Winter Olympics, with the death of Georgian lugist Nodar Kumaritashvili.

On a lighter note, Ellen Arnison is perturbed to be turning into her mother.

Here’s an intriguing gem over at Except the Kyles and Western Isles: an obituary of Highlands & Islands GP Dr. Martha Devon from the 1960s.

Kasia has her reflections of Valentine’s Day.

From the gallery, Claudia Massie conjures up a romantic image of Perthshire, while Heidi Kuisma gives us a couple of images which are decidedly less romantic, though do have something to say about the way we live.

Finally, good news from BellgroveBelle, who is expecting her first child – congrats!

And that’s very much your whack for another week. Portis Wasp is in the hotseat next week, and as always, you can nominate posts for inclusion using the diddlydoodah on the right, dropping us a line at scottishroundup@gmail.com or following our Twitter account @ScottishRoundup. But from me, it’s bye-de-bye!