Orcadian Column, 10 April 2025
Some may recall Boris Johnston’s hopelessly optimistic plans for street parties to celebrate Brexit Day. One wonders if Donald Trump harbours similar ambitions for a Liberation Day public holiday in future.
10 Apr 2025
Orcadian Columns
Orcadian Column, 27 March 2025
Another week, another slew of MSPs announcing their intention to stand down at the next election. Of most note, if no great surprise, was confirmation that Nicola Sturgeon plans to head for the Holyrood exit next May.
27 Mar 2025
Orcadian Column, 13 March 2025
Orkney has established itself as a “must visit” destination for government ministers, parliamentary committees and politicians of every political stripe.
13 Mar 2025
Orcadian Column, 27 February 2025
This week marks the third anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The quick victory expected by Putin was denied by stoic Ukrainian resistance, but the subsequent three years have seen casualties on both sides climb.
27 Feb 2025
Orcadian Column, 13 February 2025
I’m delighted to confirm that 18 years after first being elected as Orkney’s MSP, I’ve finally delivered my ‘maiden’ speech in the cattle ring at The Mart. There are many more iconic debating chambers, but few as intimidating.
13 Feb 2025
Orcadian Column, 30 January 2025
Last Thursday, as the last rites were read over the Scottish Government’s flagship, National Care Service, few tears were shed. This hapless attempt by the SNP to centralise care services proved singularly unpopular.
30 Jan 2025