How Brexit failed the past and stole the future
Once upon a time, progress was inevitable. Wasn’t it? Neither simple nor linear. Trial and error had its piece to play. But we learn from history. Don’t we? I certainly hoped so. But I’m beginning to wonder. I’m a child of the 20th century. And as the second decade of the 21st century draws to […]
Scottish independence – a journey not a destination
During the last week, I’ve reflected on my journey from No to Yes during the independence referendum. It’s also the 15th anniversary of my arrival in Scotland aged 42. Although both my parents were Scottish I was born out of wedlock in 1961 and given up for adoption. I grew up in a place I […]
They wanted us there that day – policing and the miners’ strike
Michael Matheson’s announcement that the Scottish Government is to set up an independent review of the impact of policing on communities in Scotland during the miners’ strike in 1984-5 will have evoked many a painful memory. It is a stark reminder of the long shadow cast on mining communities by the police handling of the […]
Why marriage is still a thrill one year on
‘I’m still strangely excited about being married.’ Not my words, but those of one of my oldest friends who married his long-term partner just a few weeks ago. Theirs, he said, was not a wedding. Just a signing on the dotted line before they whisked each other away for a few days. When my husband […]
Big thinking for a small country
On Thursday 18th September 2014, my husband and I walked to the polling station. It was a fine evening and as we walked we shared stories about our respective days. Much like any other couple, just another day at work. And yet this was a day unlike any other. We both knew that. Having cast […]
Scotland’s mental health: shoulders to the wheel
I’ll be honest. This time last week I’d never heard of Scott Hutchison or Frightened Rabbit. I’m not completely out of touch. But the indie music scene isn’t part of my world. So when news of Scott’s disappearance emerged I had to look him up to find out about the man behind the unfolding story. […]
Stories – a gift worth giving
Earlier today I tweeted my ‘Show and Tell’ for Scotland’s Learning Disability Week which starts on Monday, 14th May. It’s a book, A Kestrel for a Knave, by Barry Hines. It was turned into a film, Kes, which I was taken to see at the age of nine at our local cinema. Later I studied […]
Making a contribution shouldn’t be a privilege – it should be a right
I’m very lucky. I have a great job. As chief executive of the Scottish Commission for Learning Disability (SCLD), I work with a brilliant team and some terrrific organisations. I’m privileged to work close to the heart of government, influencing legislation and policy. Most importantly, in all of this, I get to work alongside people […]
On the restlessness of faith – and doubt
I’m in the serenity of Martin Hall, in Edinburgh’s New College on the Mound. The religious scholar and public intellectual, Mona Siddiqui, is talking to the singer-songwriter and broadcaster, Ricky Ross. The early evening sun is streaming in and Ricky has regaled us with words and music. It’s all rather sublime. And then, towards the […]
What’s left? Nowness and the next phase
More than forty years ago our car pulled into the drive at home after a holiday in north Wales. We couldn’t have been away for more than a couple of weeks but it seemed an age since we’d been there. Time lasted longer in childhood. It was an ending of sorts, of the holidays, of […]