The Arrangement

There has been a slew of articles by journalists and commentators down south supporting Scottish independence. Lesley tries, and succeeds, to tease out just what's going on. Gordon Brown, in stark contrast, remerged to issue dire warnings about "disruptive and divisive nationalism". We question what, if any, relevance the ex PM’s intervention has in the current political climate. Wings over Scotland has announced his intention, under specific circumstances, to launch a new pro Indy party to stand for list seats in the next Holyrood election. This prompts a discussion not only on why, but also the best way to "game" the Additional Member voting system to ensure a pro-independence parliamentary majority. It's the "glorious 12th", the start of the grouse shooting season. Labour has announced plans to consider banning the practice and the Revive Coalition is running a vigorous campaign to eliminate it in Scotland. Lesley considers what the defence of the industry says about aspects of the Scottish psyche. Along the way we also look at the current in-fighting between Scottish and UK Labour, and within Scottish Labour itself, and certain folk win their bet on hockey rearing its head.