This is chapter 4 of the Scottish Devolution Monitoring Report September 2009, but with added references at the end. For the full reports see http://www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/research/devolution/devo-monitoring-programme.html
Key Points:
- The neutrality and conduct of senior Scottish Government civil servants has come under considerable opposition party scrutiny
- The agendas on public spending and expenses have focused attention to the size and cost of the Scottish public sector
- There is still a clear difference in the UK and Scottish Government approaches to targetry
- The recession (and Diageo affair) has further exposed the limited levers the Scottish Government enjoys over the economy
- The swine flu pandemic has exposed intergovernmental disagreement over treatment funding
- The Scottish Government continues to build on tobacco controls and further the agenda on alcohol regulation
- The parties continue to disagree over short term sentencing and progress made on police numbers, but have worked well together on sexual offences legislation
- The SNP seems at its most vulnerable when defending its record on education
- Blame-avoidance may be more likely than earlier intervention in social work cases
- The Climate Change Act introduces new targets to reduce emissions
- Scottish crofting policy remains unresolved
- New council housing may not be enough to address bigger problems of affordable and social rented housing
- The new ‘Scottish Six’ may come from the STV, not the BBC
4.1 The Scottish Government
As the introduction to this report suggests, most attention to the Scottish Government in this period was focussed on the release of the Lockerbie bomber. More recently, opposition parties (and Scottish Labour in particular) have explored the chance to criticise the Scottish Government through its civil service. Permanent Secretary John Elvidge has come under particular scrutiny in this period. Elvidge has been on Labour’s radar for some time following his statement in 2007 suggesting that the Scottish civil service was effectively operating independently, his involvement in 2008 in debates between the Treasury and the Scottish Government about the adequacy of the Scottish budget and, in 2009, his involvement (criticised by the Public Audit Committee – see 3.7) in the governance of Transport Scotland.[1] In August, Labour complained about the tone of Elvidge’s article to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which suggested that the administrative reorganisation of the Scottish Government represented a marked improvement.[2] In September it pounced on the suggestion from a leaked Scottish Government minute that senior civil servants favoured using ‘conflict and confrontation’ as part of their overall strategy when dealing with UK Government departments.[3] It also alleges that Elvidge is taking the Scottish Government’s side over the latest factual debate with the UK Government on the adequacy of the Scottish Government’s budget[4] and on opposition party complaints that the SNP Government is using National Conversation events and holding cabinet meetings outside Edinburgh to further its by-election campaign.[5] Overall, there is some disquiet that neutral civil servants are supporting the biases of their political masters by, for example, articulating their priorities in relation to National Conversation aims. Yet, this is to present a skewed notion of the relationship between ministers and civil servants based on the unrealistic idea that the latter have some objective higher level of loyalty to the Crown. Rather, civil servants exist to implement the policies of the ministers they serve.
There has also been a miscellany of stories continuing long-term themes: companies can pay the SNP to be in the presence of Scottish Government ministers; ministers do not use enough green transport; and, in this age of austerity (and expenses scandals), the Scottish Government is not doing enough to cut extraneous hospitality and travel costs. More substantively, the prospect of a reduced budget has focused attention on the overall cost of the public sector – in terms of the overall numbers of staff employed, the salaries enjoyed by key executives and the perennial issue of number and cost of quangos. While the Scottish Government line is that the number of quangos in Scotland is falling (see 5.5), we will not have the full picture without examining the number of employees and their costs[6] or, more ambitiously, a measure of what they deliver at a certain cost.[7]
4.2 Public Sector Targets
The UK Government’s latest document on public sector reform was portrayed in The Telegraph as a U-turn on its previous commitment to stringent targets backed by strong central control.[8] As such, this would represent significant convergence with devolved government policies and policy styles. Yet, further inspection of this document suggests something else: that adherence to targets (particularly in the NHS) is so accepted in the UK public sector that the process no longer requires strong central direction. As such, they have become ‘guarantees’ that consumers of public services can count on (and complain about if they are not delivered). No such guarantees are provided by the Scottish Government’s targets (although NHS targets are still being met), providing opposition parties with easy headlines (rather than a more mature debate on the effectiveness of targets).[9]
4.3 The Economy
Although it annoyed the unions when Scottish Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said it, the Scottish economy may be less hard hit (in terms of unemployment and growth) than the UK average.[10] However, it also grows more slowly than the UK average and so may take longer to recover from recession. Usually this is not worrying because the UK average masks much higher activity in the south and south east of England and Scotland does well compared to the rest. However, there is now some suggestion that regions with large public sectors (like the devolved territories) are the least well equipped to grow.[11] Perhaps the more pressing problem for a devolved government is the lack of policy levers to influence economic development (including control over North Sea oil revenues[12]). For example, there is still no resolution to the funding of the Forth bridge (which effectively needs Treasury approval), while the Scottish Futures Trust still does not look like a realistic way to get round Treasury rules on borrowing for capital projects. The Scottish Government’s attempts to stop Diageo closing down key operations in Scotland proved unsuccessful[13] (while Whyte and MacKay cited alcohol policy reform as one reason for its decision to cut jobs in Scotland).[14] Following its deal with Scottish Labour in the last annual budget, one of its key levers is to fund and subsidise apprenticeships.[15] It also has the power to reform planning laws to aid building projects, relax the regulations on bankruptcy[16] and pay businesses promptly[17] and provides funding for employment-based training.[18] There have also been calls for colleges and universities to make a bigger contribution.[19] The recession has also highlighted another interesting connection between reserved and devolved issues, following UK Government measures to make sure that those with mental health problems retain their jobs.[20]
4.4 Healthcare and Public Health
The swine flu pandemic has raised an interesting issue regarding Scottish funding. While critical accounts of Scottish financial advantage suggest that the expense of initiatives such as free prescriptions (and the provision of expensive drugs often not provided by English health authorities) is met by the English taxpayer, recent developments suggest that the lack of equivalent policies for England allows the English NHS to maintain a relatively large surplus.[21] This has come in handy following calls by the Scottish Government for the Treasury to fund swine flu treatment as a national emergency. Instead, the Treasury has argued that the money should come from the NHS budget, knowing that this can be delivered in England.[22] If not for the swine flu, other issues such as C difficile (the Vale of Leven will now be subject to a public inquiry) and MRSA (a new screening process has been announced) may have received more attention. So too would drugs policy be higher on the agenda, particularly since there is still a battle of ideas taking place between critics of methadone treatments and harm reduction (including most notably the Scottish Conservatives) and those who recommend going further, to emulate pilots in England which prescribe heroin instead (the Scottish Government has announced that it will introduce a HEAT target on drugs in November[23]).[24] The battle of ideas is also raging in relation to the future of a free NHS.[25]
4.5 Cigarettes, Alcohol and Food
The BMA recently praised the Scottish Parliament as a forum to deliver innovative public health laws, citing the smoking ban as the most important policy in its ten years.[26] The ban has not only opened the door for further tobacco restrictions (the latest is a proposed ban on tobacco displays at point-of sale, while there are calls to criminalise the act of buying cigarettes for children[27]), but also other controls justified on public health grounds, such as the proposed (by an MSP) ban on trans fats[28] and the Scottish Government’s agenda on alcohol policy (backed by some damning evidence of alcohol use in Scotland).[29] The key development in this period is the introduction of new licensing regulations (based on the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 passed by the previous Scottish Executive) giving licensing boards a wider remit when considering the fitness of someone applying to hold a license to sell alcohol, and to review existing license holders (in part by clarifying the rights of individuals and organisations to complain about particular premises).[30] Some reports have suggested that the regulations will be used to support minimum pricing ‘by stealth’ because in theory licensing boards could argue that (say) buy-one-get-one-free offers in supermarkets promoted anti-social behaviour. Yet, this has been countered by the Glasgow Licensing Board which argues that the regulations are not strong enough.[31] In any case, the Scottish Government has already accepted the need for parliamentary support on minimum pricing[32] (and, ideally, some degree of support from the drinks industry).[33]
4.6 Justice
It now seems a very long time ago that Kenny MacAskill was coming under pressure regarding Brian Martin’s escape from an open prison (see also 3.2 – this was the subject of a complaint made about Alex Salmond).[34] The issue of short-term prison sentencing (‘one of the most bitterly contested issues since the SNP took power in 2007’[35]) is less likely to be short lived. MacAskill’s stance has been bolstered in this period by further complaints about prison overcrowding which undermines rehabilitation efforts and new statistics which suggest that reoffending rates among short-term prisoners is high (3 of 4 reoffend within 2 years) and the continued support of former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish.[36] However, opposition parties (and Scottish Labour in particular) continue to use his stance as a sign of weakness, particularly when linked to the issue of knife crime.[37] There is similar conflict over the issue of police numbers, with Labour suggesting that the Scottish Government’s success at meeting an interim target will be short lived given the financial crisis in the police force.[38] There is more consensus on the Scottish Government’s sexual offences bill (see 3.9), with signs that MSPs are engaging in the details and the Scottish Government is open to amendments.[39] See also 3.9 on the resolution to claims made regarding slopping out.
4.7 Education
The SNP seems at its most vulnerable when defending its record on education, particularly when issues such as the number of teachers in work, school class sizes, the curriculum for excellence, the condition of the school estate, free nursery care, student debt and the long-term financing of universities are on the agenda (see also 3.5).[40] However, in many cases there are understandable problems, such as the choice between training more teachers and making sure that existing trainees can find work and balancing two potentially contradictory policy aims – such as the aim to produce national policies on class sizes and the curriculum, but also to foster local government autonomy which will inevitably produce territorial variations. As 5.1 discusses, there is also some confusion about the primary purpose of the Scottish Government decision to reduce the legal maximum primary 1 class size from 30 to 25 to reduce the ability of parents to appeal to ‘close a legal loophole that has undermined the government’s policy on class sizes’ while giving local authorities some flexibility when trying to meet the target of 18.[41] Not surprisingly, the agenda on raising top-up fees in England has reignited calls for their introduction in Scotland.[42] As 3.5 suggests, this would be much more likely under a Labour-led Scottish Government.
4.8 Social Services and Social Work
The cases of Brandon Muir and Baby P have prompted calls for social workers to intervene more and take children into care quicker.[43] Yet, the main response may actually be what Hood et al call institutionalised ‘blame-avoidance’[44] as social work departments react to media and political criticism.[45] A report by the Care Commission suggests that only half of all care homes meet national standards on nutrition.[46] While the introduction of ‘free’ personal care for older people in Scotland was a flagship policy for the former Scottish Executive it was not a panacea. Thus, the UK Government’s Green Paper on the issue may reignite the agenda in Scotland.[47]
4.9 Energy, Transport and Environment
The biggest development in this period is the passing of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (see 3.9). Following some negotiation with the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government brought forward its interim target from 2030 to 2020 and increased the proposed reduction in emissions from 34% to 42%.[48] The Scottish Government also has also opened consultation on waste targets.[49] The debate over the Beauly to Denny line continues despite some (much criticised) attempts by MSPs to speed up the process.[50] The Scottish Government is still hopeful that the high speed rail link will reach Scotland and that Scotland’s road vehicles will be electric or low carbon within 10 years.[51] Civil servants in the UK and Scottish Governments have been accused of delaying renewable energy incentives and home lagging respectively.[52]
4.10 Agriculture, Fish, Food and Water
The Scottish Government has followed a long tradition in producing crofting policies not welcomed by crofters’ representatives (or not implementing existing policy).[53] It remains opposed to GM food.[54] The role of the EU continues to produce consternation – for example – the Common Fisheries Policy has come under further attack and sheep farmers are unhappy about electronic tagging.[55]
4.11 Housing and Homelessness
Although the SNP promise to build more council houses seemed like the end of an era (with more funding announced this year)[56], a bigger surprise would come from the implementation of Conservative promises to follow suit in England.[57] However, the numbers involved would struggle to make up for shortages in affordable and social rented housing allegedly caused by the right to buy, the rise in repossessions during the recession and the lack of funding available.[58] However, some progress has been made on homelessness targets.[59]
4.12 Culture and Media
The SNP has published its plans for broadcasting under an independent Scotland as part of its National Conversation.[60] More pressing is the funding and provision of broadcasting and newspaper services.[61] The longest running media issue since devolution took a new twist when STV announced it would run the ‘Scottish Six’.[62] Although the Homecoming appears to be a success, it seems that the SNP and its opposition can not agree on which parts of Scottish history they should celebrate.[63]
MORE STORIES
4.1 The Scottish Government
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT COSTS (see also MP expense headlines)
J. Allardyce 28.6.09 ‘SNP 'is touting ministers to business'’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6591353.ece
J. Robertson 9.8.09 ‘Sky-high cost of ministers' luxury travel’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6788816.ece
22.8.09 ‘£100,000 bill for Salmond's aides’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2526821.0.100_000_bill_for_Salmonds_aides.php
I. Swanson 11.9.09 ‘Scottish Government attacked over £200k London office bill’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Scottish-Government-attacked-over-200k.5639106.jp
J. Quinn 22.8.09 ‘One day with advisers cost £25k’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/One-day-with-advisers-cost.5578557.jp
S. Ross 29.8.09 ‘Ministers (including environment supremo) shun green trains for cars’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Ministers--40including-environment-supremo41.5600090.jp
29.8.09 ‘Scottish ministers accused of failing to use train’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2528058.0.Scottish_ministers_accused_of_failing_to_use_train.php
STORM IN A TEA CUP
P. Hutcheon 13.9.09 ‘Leaked emails show SNP minister’s anger with Salmond’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/leaked-emails-show-snp-minister-s-anger-with-salmond-1.919549
PERIPATETIC CABINET
28.6.09 ‘Ministers meet away from capital’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/8121437.stm
24.6.09 ‘Summer Cabinet programme’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/24094717
COST OF PUBLIC SECTOR
M. McKendry 5.7.09 ‘public sector staff swollen by 35% since devolution’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6638003.ece
H. Macdonell 18.6.09 ‘Public sector up by 50,000 posts since devolution’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Public-sector-up-by-50000.5377369.jp
5.7.09 ‘Audit Commission boss says public sector pay cuts is way out of recession ‘ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/recession/5747866/Audit-Commission-boss-says-public-sector-pay-cuts-is-way-out-of-recession.html
D. Maddox 30.6.09 ‘Council chiefs defend rise in £100k salaries’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Council-chiefs-defend-rise-in.5412061.jp
B. Currie 23.7.09 ‘Public sector still not making enough savings, says watchdog’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2521516.0.Public_sector_still_not_making_enough_savings_says_watchdog.php
23.7.09 ‘Call to spend wisely on services’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8163373.stm
D. Ross 19.8.09 ‘Gray attacks SNP on agency budgets’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2526212.0.Gray_attacks_SNP_on_agency_budgets.php
22.8.09 ‘Thousands of council staff face pay freeze until 2014 because of cuts to public spending’ http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2526951.0.0.php
24.8.09 ‘Pay freezes and industrial disputes beckon’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2526981.0.Pay_freezes_and_industrial_disputes_beckon.php
24.8.09 ‘Public sector costs taxpayers £58bn a year, says think tank’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2526983.0.Public_sector_costs_taxpayers_58bn_a_year_says_think_tank.php
22.8.09 ‘Thousands of council staff face pay freeze until 2014 because of cuts to public spending’ The Herald http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2526951.0.0.php
K. Bussey 28.8.09 ‘Union warns of plan for five-year freeze on council pay’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Union-warns-of-plan-for.5596492.jp
M. Howie 11.7.09 ‘Crime pays as prison governors paid Scottish work bonus’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Crime-pays-as-prison-governors.5450398.jp
P. Hutcheon 31.8.09 ‘Angry MSPs urge public pay review over police chief's perks’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2528205.0.Angry_MSPs_urge_public_pay_review_over_police_chiefs_perks.php
17.6.09 ‘Public sector reform’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/17121059
16.9.09 ‘Public service reform slated’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Public-service-reform-slated.5649612.jp
14.9.09 ‘Unprecedented job cuts fear as Scottish Government launches “effectiveness” review’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/unprecedented-job-cuts-fear-as-scottish-government-launches-effectiveness-review-1.919932
CIVIL SERVICE
R. Edward 10.7.09 ‘Experience lost in civil service shake-up’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Experience-lost-in-civil-service.5447283.jp
http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Ian-Swanson-Civil-war-is.5639130.jp
17.9.09 ‘Russell backs civil servants' strategy’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Russell-backs-civil-servants39-strategy.5655168.jp
JOHN ELVIDGE
H. MacDonell 12.6.09 ‘ Scotland's top civil servant 'should quit' over damning MSPs' report’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Scotland39s--top-civil-servant.5359818.jp
A. Macleod 26.3.09 ‘Sir John Elvidge gets dressing down from Hugh Henry, Audit Committee convener’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article5976985.ece
A. Macleod 11.6.09 ‘Call for head of “obstructive” top civil servant’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6480012.ece
D. Maddox 13.6.09 ‘Top civil servant gives up bonus … but pressure to resign fails to ease’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Top-civil-servant-gives-up.5362985.jp
QUANGOS (see 5.5 in the September 2009 Scottish Devolution Monitoring Report)
30.5.09 ‘Quango cuts 'to save £40m'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Quango-cuts--39to-save.5317939.jp
2.6.09 ‘Think-tank will assist struggling Scottish museums’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6419053.ece
A. Macleod 8.6.09 ‘Swinney announces bonfire of the quango bonuses’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6451925.ece
J. Belgutay 5.7.09 ‘Quango chiefs’ expenses revealed’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6638351.ece
M. McLaughlin 18.6.09 ‘Housing Association chair claims review is politically influenced’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Housing-Association-chair-claims-review.5377358.jp
18.7.09 ‘Three agencies, three years, £350m in consultancy fees’ The herald http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2520796.0.three_agencies_three_years_350m_in_consultancy_fees.php
J. Robertson 19.7.09 ‘Scots quangos ‘wasting millions’ on consultants’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6719174.ece
M. Williams 1.8.09 ‘Holyrood moves to clean up rules on quangos’ the Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2523303.0.Holyrood_moves_to_clean_up_rules_on_quangos.php
R. Dinwoodie 4.8.09 ‘Pressure group demands a ban on public bodies hiring lobbyists’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2523755.0.Pressure_group_demands_a_ban_on_public_bodies_hiring_lobbyists.php
D. Ross 20.8.09 ‘National parks cut board members’ he Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2526421.0.National_parks_cut_board_members.php
G. Braiden 27.8.09 ‘Dornan is surprise candidate for GHA board’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2527614.0.Dornan_is_surprise_candidate_for_GHA_board.php
L. Mcintosh 9.9.09 ‘National Trust for Scotland estates ‘becoming derelict’’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6826850.ece
L. Mcintosh 10.9.09 ‘Standards at NTS will decline, admits chief executive’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6828352.ece
J. Cunningham 25.9.09 ‘Reid to review troubled Trust in late bid to calm its critics’ The herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/reid-to-review-troubled-trust-in-late-bid-to-calm-its-critics-1.922033
R. Dinwoodie 6.8.09 ‘Delay in reform of water industry sparks row’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2524129.0.Delay_in_reform_of_water_industry_sparks_row.php
B. Currie 19.8.09 ‘Former GHA vice-chairman claims he was forced to quit’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2526208.0.Former_GHA_vicechairman_claims_he_was_forced_to_quit.php
J. Churcher 5.7.09 ‘Treasury examines the cost of quangos’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Treasury-examines-the-cost-of.5430077.jp
J. kirkup 6.7.09 ‘Conservatives review each quango to see if it can be abolished’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/5751343/Conservatives-review-each-quango-to-see-if-it-can-be-abolished.html
J. Crucher 6.7.09 ‘Cameron promises 'bonfire of quangos'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Cameron-promises-39bonfire-of-quangos39.5430891.jp
M. White 6.7.09 ‘Culling the quangos (again)’ The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/07/michael-white-david-cameron-quangos
R. Lydall 7.7.09 ‘Cameron pledges a 'bonfire of quangos'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Cameron-pledges-a--39bonfire.5433696.jp
4.2 Public Sector Targets
UK TARGETRY
P. Johnston 29.6.09 ‘The ultimate turnaround from Labour, the dying Government’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/philipjohnston/5681147/The-ultimate-U-turn-from-Labour-the-dying-Government.html
Article puts it down as a big U-turn on targets, but I think it is a bit of a fudge – keeping NHS and education targets as ‘guarantees’ to be upheld by consumers plus old-fashioned targets on e.g. child poverty and emissions that are aspirations rather than punished if not met.
p18 (16 on pdf); 61; 62-3; 64; 65 “Across the public services, the next stage of reform will be characterised by moving from a system based primarily on targets and central direction to one where individuals have enforceable entitlements over the service they receive … As we extend clear service entitlements, so we will devolve greater responsibility and power to the front line, offer greater choice and control for users and continue to tackle robustly underperformance and failure wherever it occurs …. Once aspirational targets are now almost universally delivered, like the 18-week maximum waiting time from referral to treatment … We have achieved these improvements through a radical reform programme over the last 12 years. Initially this relied on a heavily top-down approach. Central government intervened to drive up quality and standards. Because we were impatient to drive through improvements in services, we relied on direct central government action – for example to tackle underperforming schools and to set targets for healthcare waiting times. But the progress made means we are now in a position to move decisively to the next phase of reform – empowering individuals and communities with clear entitlements and freeing up front-line professionals to be more responsive, innovative and personalised. Local and national government will remain key players in this new phase – setting out entitlements that are right for different public services and intervening swiftly to ensure they are delivered. But the key relationship in the next decade will not be between the government and the public service provider. It will be between the empowered individual service-user and the public service professional – with a strong, strategic role for government to ensure the system works in the best interests of all those who depend on our vital services … we have fostered innovation and flexibility in service provision by freeing up public service professionals, by increasing training and development and recruiting more of our country’s highest achievers into our key public services. There are now more opportunities for professionals to lead and personalise services, and new institutions – like Foundation Trusts in the NHS and Trust and Academy schools – have given local professionals significant autonomy to improve services. And we have reduced the number of targets for local authorities from over 1,000 performance indicators to just 35 agreed priorities in each area … once aspirational targets will become the guarantees for all patients. For example, the right to be seen by a cancer specialist in under two weeks. And we will establish robust redress mechanisms so that where patients fail to receive their entitlements, they and their advocates will be equipped to act – getting access to alternative services … By establishing self-policing systems of rights and entitlements, the users of services can be empowered to ensure minimum standards are achieved, and the role of government can be further streamlined, and any unnecessary bureaucracy removed, for example, reducing the focus of Strategic Health Authorities in the NHS on the performance management of targets … p76 To ensure that officers are freed up to deliver the highest service, we have scrapped all the central targets for the police except one: building public confidence … p77 we move from a system based on targets and central direction, to one where individuals and communities have enforceable entitlements over the service they receive, with clear redress mechanisms when those entitlements are not delivered. World class public services should be a guarantee, not a gamble. So we will build on the introduction of neighbourhood policing, the Policing Pledge, the ‘Engaging Communities in Justice’ Green Paper, and the ‘Justice Seen Justice Done’ campaign to set out clearly the full range of what people can expect from their local police and justice system … p82 We are not setting a specific target for the reduction of immigration: we believe that a flexible system is better for British business and the British economy. But in tough economic times it is right to be more selective about the skill levels of migrants, and to do more to put British workers first. So this year we have tightened up the system … p83 We continue to remove increasing numbers of foreign criminals – exceeding our targets of 4000 in 2007 and 5000 in 2008, with a target of 5800 in 2009 … p103 Over the last year, working with partners in the EU, we have put in place the essential building blocks towards this goal. The EU has committed to reduce European emissions by 20 per cent by 2020, or 30 per cent as part of a strong global agreement. In December Britain played an instrumental role in passing the historic ‘2020 package’ of EU measures to implement that commitment, including a strengthening of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, a 20 per cent target for renewable energy, a 20 per cent improvement in energy efficiency by 2020, and a new financial support mechanism for carbon capture and storage technology, alongside radical new emissions standards for cars … p112Enshrining in law the Government’s commitment to eradicate child poverty by 2020;
• Defining success in eradicating child poverty based on four targets that aim to:
– reduce the proportion of children who are poor compared to the rest of society;
– ensure that no child experiences poverty for long periods of time. Families can often cope with a temporary period when their incomes fall, but research shows that long periods of poverty have a damaging effect on a child’s life chances;
– measure whether the poorest families see their real incomes increase over time to ensure that no family lives in absolute poverty; and
– improve living standards to ensure that all families are able to afford the necessities that others may take for granted, such as adequate housing or a space to play or study.
P121 (119 on pdf) Key Deliverables 2011 to 2020
These dates are indicative only
2011 • No child goes to a school where fewer than 30 per cent of students achieve five
good GCSEs or where a rigorous plan to meet that target is not in place
”.http://www.hmg.gov.uk/media/27749/full_document.pdf
WAITING TIMES AND LISTS
26.5.09 ‘NHS hits waiting time targets for patient scans’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/NHS-hits-waiting-time-targets.5301492.jp
25.8.09 ‘NHS exceeds waiting time targets’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/25101400
4.3 The Economy
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
P. Jones 19.6.09 ‘GERS report shows Scots economy was £219m in surplus for 2007-2008’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6531317.ece
P. Jones 24.6.09 ‘'No turning point in sight for Scottish economy'’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6572328.ece
4.6.09 ‘Swinney rebuts economist's claim that taxation raised in Scotland is declining’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Swinney-rebuts-economist39s-claim-that.5332273.jp
J. McLaren 23.7.09 ‘Analysis: Negative trends cause concern as ministers plan for future’ The Scotsman http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/opinion/Analysis-Negative-trends-cause-concern.5485859.jp
S. MacDonald 2.8.09 ‘Scotland holds out in the slump’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6736224.ece
I. Mcconnell 16.9.09 ‘Scotland’s economy on track to exit recession by year-end’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/markets-economy/scotland-s-economy-on-track-to-exit-recession-by-year-end-1.920099
15.9.09 ‘Businesses 'head for turnaround'’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8257732.stm
UNEMPLOYMENT
A. Macleod and P. Jones 18.6.09 ‘Scots unemployment figures show big increase as 200 chase every job’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6522468.ece
A. Macleod 5.7.09 ‘Scottish downturn' will peak at 230,000 jobs lost'’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6644969.ece
16.7.09 ‘Bill Jamieson: True figures of unemployment are masked by numbers in government sponsored programmes’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Bill-Jamieson-True-figures-of.5464041.jp
G. Peev and M. Flanagan 8.8.09 ‘Scotland will escape worst of job cuts at RBS, says boss’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Scotland-will-escape-worst-of.5535833.jp
T. Peterkin 21.8.09 ‘Good news at last: 1,300 new jobs’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Good-news-at-last-1300.5575519.jp
UK ROLE/ INFLUENCE
M. Wardrop 16.7.09 ‘Sir Gus O'Donnell warns of spending cuts to raise funds for government projects’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/5838526/Sir-Gus-ODonnell-warns-of-spending-cuts-to-raise-funds-for-government-projects.html
T. Peterkin 19.7.09 ‘Fury as the Treasury rejects budget increase’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Fury-as-the-Treasury-rejects.5473122.jp
T. Peterkin 22.7.09 ‘15-year MoD deal to secure thousands of shipyard jobs’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/15year-MoD-deal-to-secure.5480492.jp
15.9.09 ‘Prime Minister: We will make cuts’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/scottish-defence-jobs-in-firing-line-in-battle-over-spending-cuts-1.920123
If there is one headline that shows that Scotland is small beer to the Treasury it is the one showing that the effect of the recession is to reduce its tax take by more than the Scottish Government’s annual budget.
T. Crichton 21.7.09 ‘Tax take falls by £32bn amid economic downturn’ The herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2521111.0.Tax_take_falls_by_32bn_amid_economic_downturn.php
G. Peev 21.8.09 ‘Britain owes £801,000,000,000’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Britain-owes-801000000000.5575539.jp
L. Davidson 22.7.09 ‘BVT shipbuilders secures £230m deal with MoD for next 15 years’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6722550.ece
OIL
S. Macnab 31.7.09 ‘Westminster waste claim as Swinney steps up call for oil fund’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Westminster-waste-claim-as-Swinney.5511502.jp
R. Dinwoodie 31.7.09 ‘It is not too late for a Scottish oil wealth fund, says Swinney’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2523115.0.It_is_not_too_late_for_a_Scottish_oil_wealth_fund_says_Swinney.php
27.7.09 ‘Swinney puts oil fund case’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2522203.0.Swinney_puts_oil_fund_case.php
S. Johnson 28.9.09 ‘North Sea oil gave Scotland 'massive' budget surplus, say Government records’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/scotland/6240671/North-Sea-oil-gave-Scotland-massive-budget-surplus-say-Government-records.html
30.7.09 ‘An oil fund for Scotland’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/30125129
SFT
1.6.09 ‘Swinney on defensive as councils rubbish Scottish Futures Trust’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Swinney-on-defensive-as-councils.5319848.jp
T. Peterkin 7.6.09 ‘SFT will not be able to fund new schools any time soon: Swinney’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SFT-will-not-be-able.5342061.jp
B. Currie 17.6.09 ‘Trust unlikely to cut costs, report finds’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2514776.0.Trust_unlikely_to_cut_costs_report_finds.php
H. Macdonell 17.6.09 ‘A matter of Trust as plan to get rid of PPP backfires on government’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/A-matter-of-Trust-as.5371757.jp
D. Maddox 11.6.09 ‘Flagship quango runs up £4.5m bill 'doing nothing'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Flagship-quango-runs-up-.5354989.jp
16.9.09 ‘Capital funding acceleration’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/16160044
BBC News 1.7.09 ‘Treasury 'manipulating' PFI books’ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8112758.stm
FORTH BRIDGE
8.6.09 ‘Call to revive first plan for Forth bridge’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2513033.0.Call_to_revive_first_plan_for_Forth_bridge.php
H. Macdonell 29.5.09 ‘Tories may back SNP bridge cash proposal’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Tories-may-back-SNP-bridge.5314226.jp
A. Macloed 10.8.09 ‘UK and Scottish Governments clash over funding for Forth crossing’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6789217.ece
10.8.09 ‘Treasury refuses to bend on Forth bridge's £2bn funding’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2524669.0.Treasury_refuses_to_bend_on_Forth_bridges_2bn_funding.php
A. Macleod 10.8.09 ‘UK and Scottish Governments clash over funding for Forth crossing’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6789217.ece
B. Padley 15.7.09 ‘New Forth crossing a bridge too far for English MP’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/New-Forth-crossing-a-bridge.5458813.jp
15.7.09 ‘MPs urged to reject Forth bridge demand’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2519958.0.MPs_urged_to_reject_Forth_bridge_demand.php
D. Maddox 23.9.09 ‘Twin bids to delay new Forth bridge voted down’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Twin-bids-to-delay-new.5670146.jp
DIAGEO/ JOHNY WALKER/ WHITE MACKAY
T. Peterkin 15.7.09 ‘Diageo must listen to the 'voice of Scotland' over job cuts, says Swinney’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Diageo-must-listen-to-the.5458820.jp
D. Maddox 3.7.09 ‘War of blame over whisky jobs’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/War-of-blame-over-whisky.5425967.jp
2.7.09 ‘Salmond urges whisky giant to reconsider plans to close distillery’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Salmond-urges-whisky-giant-.5425248.jp
A. Macleod 3.7.09 ‘Alex Salmond accused of failing Johnnie Walker bottling plant workers’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6626179.ece
A. Macleod 8.7.09 ‘Salmond 'snubs' Diageo talks for TV politics show’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6670407.ece
A. Macleod 8.7.09 ‘Salmond 'snubs' Diageo talks for TV politics show’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6670407.ece
S. Johnson 16.7.09 ‘Alex Salmond to join demonstration against Diageo cuts’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/scotland/5835199/Alex-Salmond-to-join-demonstration-against-Diageo-cuts.html
L. Davidson 15.7.09 ‘Salmond to march against Diageo cuts’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6715533.ece
B. Currie 17.7.09 ‘Swinney to make 'every effort' to save Diageo jobs’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2520396.0.Swinney_to_make_every_effort_to_save_Diageo_jobs.php
T. Peterkin 30.7.09 ‘Salmond's 'provocative' approach to Diageo cuts slated by business chiefs’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Salmond39s--39provocative39-approach-to.5506893.jp
D. Maddox 21.7.09 ‘MPs demand talks over Tennent's 'sale'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MPs-demand-talks-over-Tennent39s.5476875.jp
G. Peev 23.7.09 ‘Taxpayers may foot the bill to rescue Scottish drink jobs’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Taxpayers-may-foot-the-.5485865.jp
L. Davidson 23.7.09 ‘Diageo ‘to consider’ alternative jobs plan, says Alex Salmond’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6723981.ece
A. Philip 19.8.09 ‘Swinney to lead summit on future of 900 Scottish whisky jobs’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Swinney-to-lead-summit-on.5565655.jp
T. Peterkin 26.8.09 ‘New masterplan in bid to prove Johnnie Walker jobs viable’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/New-masterplan--in-bid.5587113.jp
B. Currie 9.9.09 ‘Humiliation as Diageo dismisses taskforce rescue plan’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/humiliation-as-diageo-dismisses-taskforce-rescue-plan-1.918714
C. Churchill and H. Mcardle 10.9.09 ‘Diageo rejection ‘rips the heart and soul out of our community’’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/diageo-rejection-rips-the-heart-and-soul-out-of-our-community-1.918926
A. Macleod and P. Jones 10.9.09 ‘Salmond’s role questioned as Diageo rejects jobs pleas’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6828345.ece
A. Macleod 11.9.09 ‘Salmond defiant as he accuses Diageo of abandoning workers’ THE Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6829989.ece
9.9.09 ‘Diageo rejects taskforce proposals’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/09112652
APPRENTICESHIPS AND JOB CREATION
B. Currie 30.7.09 ‘Scotland 'getting a raw deal' under job creation scheme’ The herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2522850.0.Scotland_getting_a_raw_deal_under_job_creation_scheme.php
E. Barnes 30.7.09 ‘Neet solution? Youngsters to get £6,500 for six-month council jobs’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Neet-solution-Youngsters-to-get.5506868.jp
J. Swaine and R. Vaughan 7.8.09 ‘Senior civil servant attacks 'profoundly shocking' failure on neets’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/5984758/Senior-civil-servant-attacks-profoundly-shocking-failure-on-neets.html
18.8.09 ‘Plans unveiled to fund 600 apprentices’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2526027.0.Plans_unveiled_to_fund_600_apprentices.php
14.6.09 ‘Apprenticeships in hospitality’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/14143554
10.6.09 ‘Adopt an Apprentice’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/10164847
7.9.09 ‘Adopt an apprentice scheme’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/07114129
24.8.09 ‘Minimum wage for agricultural apprentices’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/24151112
11.8.09 ‘New retail apprenticeships’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/11103030
27.7.09 ‘Childcare apprenticeships’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/27142149
29.6.09 ‘Apprenticeships in life sciences’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/29122721
31.8.09 ‘Financial services traineeships’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/31131835
POLICIES ON DEBT
K. Bussey 24.6.09 ‘Minister rules out changes to debt scheme’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Minister-rules-out-changes-to.5394243.jp
B. Donnelly 24.6.09 ‘More help to people struggling with debt’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2516119.0.More_help_to_people_struggling_with_debt.php
ECONOMY AND PLANNING AND REGENERATION
3.8.09 ‘Planning changes aim to aid recovery;’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2523502.0.Planning_changes_aim_to_aid_recovery.php
D. Maddox 7.8.09 ‘Coming soon to town near you – £40m makeover’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Coming-soon-to-town-near.5532660.jp
6.8.09 ‘Reviving town centres’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/06105830
3.8.09 ‘Scotland's planning system’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/03080507
7.8.09 ‘Edinburgh housing scheme gets £2m regeneration boost’ ghe Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Edinburgh-housing-scheme-gets-2m.5532657.jp
H. Mcardle 7.8.09 ‘Street value: 50 Scots towns win £40m boost to beat credit crunch’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2524291.0.Street_value_50_Scots_towns_win_40m_boost_to_beat_credit_crunch.php
B. Ferguson 4.6.09 ‘Swinney admits planning system has failings’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Swinney-admits-planning-system-has.5332724.jp
L. Cameron 3.8.09 ‘Stevenson hails new rules to speed up planning’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Stevenson-hails-new-rules-to.5516402.jp
2.8.09 ‘Major planning changes in force’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8178067.stm
MISCELLANY
4.6.09 ‘Graeme Brown: Don't leave country's charities to shoulder burden of cuts in council spending’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Graeme-Brown-Don39t-leave-country39s.5332272.jp
12.6.09 ‘Public Social Partnership welcomed’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/12142211
9.6.09 ‘Cabinet meets Third Sector’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/09145545
24.6.09 ‘Further support for Third Sector’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/24102947
D. Maddox 11.6.09 ‘'We need to save like England' The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/39We-need-to-save-like.5355007.jp
COUNCIL TAX
D. Maddox 17.8.09 ‘Tories seek to exploit rifts over council tax successor’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Tories-seek-to-exploit-rifts.5558836.jp
D. Scott 10.9.09 ‘Choosing the right tax to fund councils’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Choosing-the-right-tax-to.5634078.jp
4.4 Healthcare and Public Health and 4.5 Cigarettes, Alcohol and Food
SWINE FLU
I. Johnston 17.8.09 ‘Ministers ignored advice on mass issue of Tamiflu’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/swine-flu/6040495/Ministers-ignored-advice-on-mass-issue-of-Tamiflu.html
C. Sweeney 23.7.09 ‘School holidays could be extended to slow spread of swine flu’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6723971.ece
C. Sweeney 24.7.09 ‘Dying swine flu patient flown from Scotland to Swedish hospital’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6725161.ece
24.7.09 ‘'Best chance' for swine flu woman’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8166781.stm
S. Lister 11.8.09 ‘Side-effects of Tamiflu outweigh benefits for children with swine flu, study shows’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/Swine_flu/article6790014.ece
13.7.09 ‘Flu staff praised’ The Scottish Government http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/13151556
23.7.09 ‘Influenza patient transfer’ The Scottish Government http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/23121925
A. Campsie 25.9.09 ‘Record as swine flu virus hits 1000 Scots each day’ The herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/record-as-swine-flu-virus-hits-1000-scots-each-day-1.922029
24.9.09 ‘Swine flu Scot sent to England for treatment’ The herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/swine-flu-scot-sent-to-england-for-treatment-1.921907
2.7.09 ‘Move to treatment phase’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/02125359
SWINE FLU FUNDING
L. Davidson 21.6.09 ‘Call for Westminster to foot bill for swine flu drugs’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6549843.ece
A. Macleod 22.6.09 ‘Sturgeon accused of playing politics over swine flu’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6557025.ece
B. Currie 19.7.09 ‘Sturgeon seizes on health cash warning’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2520891.0.Sturgeon_seizes_on_health_cash_warning.php
ENGLAND COMPARISONS
R. Smith 27.8.09 ‘NHS projected to have record £1.75bn surplus’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/2632310/NHS-projected-to-have-record-1.75bn-surplus.html
31.8.09 ‘English cancer patients are failing to claim free prescriptions’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2528208.0.English_cancer_patients_are_failing_to_claim_free_prescriptions.php
17.8.09 ‘Cameron in 'smears' row over support for NHS’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2525812.0.Cameron_in_smears_row_over_support_for_NHS.php
C DIFFICILE AND MRSA
M. Reid 30.7.09 ‘SNP under fire after C. diff kills 28 people at Gartnavel Royal Hospital’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6732511.ece
C. Sweeney 24.6.09 ‘No charges over worst C. diff outbreak’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6572332.ece
29.7.09 ‘Hospital C. diff record defended’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8175144.stm
8.7.09 ‘C. Diff rates at record low’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/08101210
4.9.09 ‘C diff inquiry’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/04110014
24.6.09 ‘Vale of Leven Inquiry’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/25082743
9.9.09 ‘Boyack attack over superbug’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Boyack-attack-over-superbug.5629995.jp
T. Peterkin 30.8.09 ‘Hospitals start superbug screening programme’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Hospitals--start-superbug-screening.5601208.jp
9.9.09 ‘Improving patient safety’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/09092253
29.6.09 ‘Consistency key to infection control’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/29103506
8.6.09 ‘Superbug supremo selected’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/08105251
PUBLIC HEALTH
M. Reid 17.6.09 ‘Call to combat the killer diseases that blight Scotland’s health’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6514787.ece
M. Reid 17.6.09 ‘Case for vitamin D to do great deal of good grows more compelling’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6514741.ece
24.9.09 ‘Government hails ‘fantastic’ cervical cancer jab campaign’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/government-hails-fantastic-cervical-cancer-jab-campaign-1.921856
HEALTH INDICATORS
10.9.09 ‘Scottish death rate falls to new low’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/scottish-death-rate-falls-to-new-low-1.919164
B. Donnelly 24.9.09 ‘Scottish life expectancy still below UK average’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/scottish-life-expectancy-still-below-uk-average-1.921893
DRUGS
S. MacDonald 5.7.09 ‘Methadone cost hits £16.6m’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6638039.ece
S. Macnab 22.9.09 ‘Residential care for drug addicts at 'astonishing' all-time low’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Residential-care-for-drug-addicts.5666386.jp
12.8.09 ‘Tackling drug deaths’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/12105412
TOBACCO
D. Maddox 5.8.09 ‘Fears over ban on tobacco displays’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Fears-over-ban-on-tobacco.5523097.jp
S. Macnab 2.8.09 ‘Support for 'fire safe' cigarettes’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Support-for-39fire-safe39-cigarettes.5515724.jp
14.9.09 ‘Scottish ministers urged to make it a crime for adults to buy cigarettes for underage smokers’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/scottish-ministers-urged-to-make-it-a-crime-for-adults-to-buy-cigarettes-for-underage-smokers-1.919794
13.9.09 ‘Smoking ban cuts heart attack rate’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/smoking-ban-cuts-heart-attack-rate-1.919603
23.9.09 ‘Campaigners warn smoking is a ‘childhood addiction’’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/campaigners-warn-smoking-is-a-childhood-addiction-1.921635
22.9.09 ‘Reducing child smoking rates’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/22120821
14.9.09’ Tobacco firms claim proposed display ban is 'unnecessary'’ he Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Tobacco-firms-claim-proposed-display.5644593.jp
D. Maddox 25.9.09 ‘Tobacco display ban moves a step closer with Holyrood vote’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Tobacco-display-ban-moves-a.5678646.jp
R. Dinwoodie 25.9.09 ‘MSPs vote to restrict sale of tobacco’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/msps-vote-to-restrict-sale-of-tobacco-1.922041
MENTAL HEALTH
M.O.Hara 7.6.09 ‘Concern over mental health training in public sector’ The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jul/07/mental-health-publice-sector
S. Naysmith 14.9.09 ‘Mental health festival aims to provide the feelgood factor’ he Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/life-style/real-lives/mental-health-festival-aims-to-provide-the-feelgood-factor-1.919962
M. Linklater 16.9.09 ‘The illness that dare not speak its name’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/magnus_linklater/article6836018.ece
20.9.09 ‘Adults With Incapacity Code’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/21120451
DOCTORS
J. Robertson 26.7.09 ‘Briefing: Junior doctors' hours’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6727772.ece
A. Craig 2.8.09 ‘NHS 'urging junior doctors to lie about hours to comply with EU laws'’The Dailymail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1203757/NHS-urging-junior-doctors-lie-hours-comply-EU-laws.html
M. Macaskill 16.8.09 ‘Junior doctors pushed to work illegal hours’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6797724.ece
27.9.09 ‘The NHS bonus culture exposed’ The herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/health/the-nhs-bonus-culture-exposed-1.922321
MISC HEALTH SERVICE
23.6.09 ‘Concern over child health service’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8113855.stm
R. Robertson 27.6.09 ‘Plan to merge nursing roles is abandoned by Sturgeon’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2516796.0.Plan_to_merge_nursing_roles_is_abandoned_by_Sturgeon.php
G. Harris 27.6.09 ‘Harry Burns's prescription for Scots’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6591384.ece
M. De. Andrade 29.6.09 ‘MSPs seek answers as cervical cancer vaccine fears grow’ he Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MSPs-seek-answers-as-cervical.5408956.jp
L. Moss 30.6.09 ‘Doctors warn Brown: Don't make us pay for your errors’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Doctors-warn-Brown-Don39t-make.5412135.jp
R. Smith 20.6.09 ‘Complaining patients could end up with worse treatment’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5688408/Complaining-patients-could-end-up-with-worse-treatment.html
C. Hope 30.7.09 ‘NHS follows rules that 'guarantee failure', says Civitas’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/5932832/NHS-follows-rules-that-guarantees-failure-says-Civitas.html
16.6.09 ‘Health board election pilots’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/16100021
30.6.09 ‘Dentist numbers hit new high’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/30110310
HEALTH AND SAFETY
L. McIntosh and C. Sweeney 17.7.09 ‘Liquid gas safety rules ‘inadequate’ five years after Stockline’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article6717281.ece
ALCOHOL MINIMUM PRICING
22.6.09 ‘Minimum alcohol pricing policy backed by top medics’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Minimum-alcohol-pricing-policy-.5388194.jp
E. Barnes 5.7.09 ‘Minimum price for alcohol set at 40p per unit’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Minimum-price-for-alcohol-set.5430099.jp
12.7.09 ‘Warning over alcohol price plan’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8146101.stm
28.7.09 ‘SNP alcohol 'breakthrough' as brewer backs minimum pricing’ the Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-alcohol-39breakthrough39-as-brewer.5498139.jp
A. Macleod 28.7.09 ‘Brewer Molson Coors backs Scottish debate on minimum alcohol pricing’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6729568.ece
G. Braiden 11.9.09 ‘Stores targeted in war on cut-price alcohol’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/stores-targeted-in-war-on-cut-price-alcohol-1.919173
B. Currie 12.9.09 ‘Government faces backlash over ban on cut-price alcohol’ He Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/government-faces-backlash-over-ban-on-cut-price-alcohol-1.919409
A. Macleod 15.9.09 ‘Watchdog challenge to minimum alcohol pricing’ he Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6834380.ece
T. Peterkin 16.9.09 ‘Whisky group attacks price plan’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Whisky-group-attacks-price-plan.5649465.jp (note point about Scottish Policy Style – does not mean that will agree to consulted demands! What about details?)
28.9.09 ‘Alcohol pricing could save £950m’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8278385.stm
28.9.09 ‘Minimum alcohol pricing will save billions – report’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Minimum-alcohol-pricing-will-save.5684579.jp
S. Johnson 28.9.09 ‘Alcohol minimum price would save Scotland £950 million, claim academics’ he Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/scotland/6240709/Alcohol-minimum-price-would-save-Scotland-950-million-claim-academics.html
A. Macleod 29.9.09 ‘Minimum pricing will cost moderate drinkers £11 a year’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/article6850853.ece
T. Peterkin 12.9.09 ‘SNP curb on drink prices is condemned in America’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-curb-on--drink.5641282.jp
ALCOHOL - LICENSING REFORM
R. Dinwoodie 27.7.09 ‘MacAskill postpones part of reform to drinks law’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2522201.0.MacAskill_postpones_part_of_reform_to_drinks_law.php
K. Bussey 31.7.09 ‘Licensing board chief slams 'ambiguities'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Licensing-board-chief-slams-39ambiguities39.5511551.jp
E. Barnes 2.8.09 ‘Call to scrap alcohol laws as chaos looms’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Call-to-scrap-alcohol-laws.5515845.jp
G. Braiden 1.9.09 ‘New licensing laws force pubs to shut’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2528484.0.New_licensing_laws_force_pubs_to_shut.php
C. Sweeney 2.9.09 ‘Pubs forced to close as new licensing laws take effect’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6817525.ece
26.7.09 ‘Alcohol licensing’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/24120504
T. Peterkin 31.8.09 ‘Licensees forced to pay £60m to comply with new alcohol laws’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Licensees-forced--to-pay.5601883.jp
ALCOHOL ABUSE
5.8.09 ‘'Little help' for alcohol abusers’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8183290.stm
14.9.09 ‘Government not making enough use of alcohol treatment centres, claim Lib Dems’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Government-not-making-enough-use.5644912.jp
M. Reid 15.9.09 ‘We must curb Scotland’s drink problem, says BMA boss’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6834222.ece
A. Macleod 16.9.09 ‘Scottish alcohol deaths more than five times UK average’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6837306.ece
C. Sweeney 3.6.09 ‘Minimum pricing 'will have little effect on problem drinkers'’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6425156.ece
C. Sweeney 30.6.09 ‘Alcohol behind 1 in 20 Scottish deaths’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6611323.ece
23.6.09 ‘Smoking, drugs and alcohol survey’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/23143038
UK ALCOHOL
R. Prince 22.7.09 ‘No takers for Alcohol Disorder Zones’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/5880621/No-takers-for-Alcohol-Disorder-Zones.html
4.6 Justice
PRISON ESCAPE
D. Maddox 28.5.09 ‘MacAskill admits open jail gaffe over 'Hawk' prisoner’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MacAskill--admits--open.5309569.jp
A. Macleod 28.5.09 ‘Kenny MacAskill shifts the blame over Castle Huntly escape’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6375077.ece
L. Davidson 29.5.09 ‘Salmond fails to inform Holyrood of second escape from Castle Huntly jail’ the Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6383325.ece
1.6.09 ‘MacAskill challenged over claim of prisoner 'cover-up'’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2511578.0.MacAskill_challenged_over_claim_of_prisoner_coverup.php
30.5.09 ‘MacAskill feels the heat over murderer on the run’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2511356.0.MacAskill_feels_the_heat_over_murderer_on_the_run.php
H. Macdonell ‘MacAskill dealt further blow as jailbreak pressure mounts’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MacAskill-dealt-further-blow-.5319866.jp
H. Macdonell 29.5.09 ‘Salmond accused as killer goes on the run’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Salmond--accused-as-killer.5314209.jp
H. Macdonell 1.6.09 ‘MacAskill dealt further blow as jailbreak pressure mounts’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MacAskill-dealt-further-blow-.5319866.jp
C. Fairweather 26.6.09 ‘MacAskill should have seen system was going awry for a long time’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MacAskill-should-have-seen-system.5404464.jp
A. Macleod 26.6.09 ‘Brian Martin escaped from open prison despite warnings from police’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6579437.ece
M. McLaughlin 26.6.09 ‘Report eases pressure on justice secretary’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Report-eases-pressure-on-justice.5404439.jp
L. Adams 26.6.09 ‘Blunders that allowed violent inmate to abscond’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2516559.0.Blunders_that_allowed_violent_inmate_to_abscond.php
SENTENCING
M. Howie 26.5.09 ‘Sentences shake-up an easy option, believes half the public’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Sentences-shakeup-an-easy-option.5300756.jp
M. Howie 24.6.09 ‘MSPs attack plans to give police input on sentences’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MSPs-attack-plans-to-give.5394196.jp
S. Macnab 24.6.09 ‘Short jail terms for women slated’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Short-jail-terms-for-women.5394268.jp
M. Wade 26.6.09 ‘Phase out short prison terms, says chief constable David Strang’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6579245.ece
24.6.09 ‘£5.5m bid to speed up community service’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2516118.0.5_5m_bid_to_speed_up_community_service.php
K. Bussey 31.7.09 ‘MacAskill: Low-level offenders better off out of prison’ the Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MacAskill-Lowlevel-offenders-better-off.5511587.jp
PRISONS
9.6.09 ‘SPS to set out stance on jail overcrowding’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SPS-to-set-out-stance.5346657.jp
J. Allardyce and M. Macaskill 14.6.09 ‘Focus: How to punish, if prison's a break?’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6493151.ece
T. Peterkin 4.7.09 ‘Anger at 'soft' jail terms for serious attacks’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Anger-at-39soft39-jail-.5429125.jp
P. McBride 4.7.09 ‘MacAskill's move to tie sheriff's hands is nothing to do with justice’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MacAskill39s-move-to-tie-sheriff39s.5429120.jp
A. Macleod 5.7.09 ‘Cherie Blair backs community sentences and angers Labour’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6644310.ece
6.7.09 ‘McLeish derides Labour critics of prison overhaul’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2518333.0.McLeish_derides_Labour_critics_of_prison_overhaul.php
A. philip 6.7.09 ‘McLeish hits out at Labour 'nonsense' on prison sentencing’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/McLeish-hits-out-at-Labour.5430695.jp
D. Maddox 14.7.09 ‘'Soft-touch' claim as community sentences soar by 30%’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/39Softtouch39-claim-as-community-sentences.5455271.jp
K. MacAskill 14.7.09 ‘SNP fails to record how many community orders completed’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6703447.ece
18.7.09 ‘Prison chiefs admit inmate numbers exceed safe limits’ The Herald http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2520800.0.prison_chiefs_admit_inmate_numbers_exceed_safe_limits.php
A. Campsie 31.7.09 ‘Prison is not always the answer, MacAskill insists’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2523116.0.Prison_is_not_always_the_answer_MacAskill_insists.php
M. Mclaughlin 18.9.09 ‘600% rise in ex-cons back in court after flouting their parole’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/60037-rise-in-excons-back.5658726.jp
MORE MACASKILL
B. Currie 15.7.09 ‘Pressure to mount on MacAskill for running of his department’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2519989.0.Pressure_to_mount_on_MacAskill_for_running_of_his_department.php
M. Howie 16.7.09 ‘MacAskill in the dock over plans to scrap one in three courts’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MacAskill-in-the-dock-over.5463967.jp
L. Davidson 15.7.09 ‘A third of courts could shut under legal review’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6715537.ece
B. Currie 1.9.09 ‘On call: MacAskill returns to normal duties’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2528485.0.On_call_MacAskill_returns_to_normal_duties.php
31.5.09 ‘MacAskill facing Holyrood showdown’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MacAskill-facing-Holyrood-showdown.5319416.jp
KNIFE CRIME
T. Peterkin 7.6.09 ‘Two-thirds of knife criminals avoid jail’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Twothirds-of-knife-criminals-avoid.5342033.jp
M. Howie 23.7.09 ‘Police reveal nation divided in war against violent crime’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Police-reveal--nation-.5485868.jp
A. Philip 24.8.09 ‘Two-thirds of knife criminals have past conviction’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Twothirds-of-knife-criminals-have.5580420.jp
31.8.09 ‘Knife crime statistics prompt Labour demand for jail terms’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2528202.0.Knife_crime_statistics_prompt_Labour_demand_for_jail_terms.php
24.8.09 ‘LibDem: Prison largely useless as deterrent to knife crime’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2526982.0.LibDem_Prison_largely_useless_as_deterrent_to_knife_crime.php
5.6.09 ‘Knives licensing’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/05112834
POLICE NUMBERS/ MONEY
H. Macdonell 10.6.09 ‘Scots police numbers reach a record high’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Scots-police-numbers-reach-.5349727.jp
BBC 9.6.09 ‘Police numbers 'at record high'’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8091041.stm
M. Mclaughlin 3.8.09 ‘Crimefighting faces cuts as biggest police force is hit by £35m deficit’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Crimefighting-faces-cuts-as-biggest.5516358.jp
C. Sweeney 3.8.09 ‘Police forces across Scotland admit budget crisis’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6737966.ece
H. Macdonell 12.6.09 ‘New £20m police pension black hole – and taxpayer has to fill it’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/New--20m-police-pension.5359817.jp
I. Swanson 26.6.09 ‘Whyte warns national policing board may lead to single force’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Whyte-warns-national-policing-board.5405147.jp
SEXUAL OFFENCES
29.5.09 ‘Labour attempts to remove 'get-out' clause in rape law’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Labour-attempts-to-remove-39getout39.5313911.jp
10.6.09 ‘MSPs move to close loophole in new rape bill’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2513445.0.MSPs_move_to_close_loophole_in_new_rape_bill.php
BBC 10.6.09 ‘MSPs pass major sex crime reforms’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8092157.stm
R. Dinwoodie 11.6.09 ‘Holyrood passes landmark legislation on rape and sexual assault’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2513682.0.Holyrood_passes_landmark_legislation_on_rape_and_sexual_assault.php
3.8.09 ‘Fewer than one in ten rape cases in Scotland ends up in court’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2523551.0.Fewer_than_one_in_ten_rape_cases_in_Scotland_ends_up_in_court.php
23.7.09 ‘Project to 'turnaround' offenders’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8164592.stm
K. Bussey 29.7.09 ‘Treatment for jailed sex offenders is 'woefully inadequate'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Treatment-for-jailed-sex-offenders.5501747.jp
S. Macnab 2.8.09 ‘Less than 10% of rape cases prosecuted’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Less-than-1037-of-rape.5515764.jp
10.6.09 ‘Sexual Offences Bill’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/10171818
Mckie INQUIRY
BBC 2.6.09 ‘Evidence begins at McKie inquiry’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8077893.stm
EUROPE
M. Macaskill 14.6.09 ‘Euro threat to Scots justice’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6493674.ece
SLOPPING OUT
R. Dinwoodie 19.6.09 ‘£50m to be saved by bill to reduce prisoners' claims’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2515221.0.50m_to_be_saved_by_bill_to_reduce_prisoners_claims.php
18.6.09 ‘Legal loophole for prisoners closed’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/18172522
VICTIMS
J. Robertson 26.7.09 ‘£100m paid to victims of crime’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6727816.ece
19.7.09 ‘'Lack of help' for abuse victims’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8158173.stm
ASSISTED SUICIDE
M. Reid 24.9.09 ‘Lord Advocate says assisted suicide law is a matter for Scottish Parliament’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6846648.ece
25.9.09 ‘MSP wants free vote on legal suicide bill’ he Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MSP-wants-free-vote-on.5678566.jp
DNA
T. Whitehead 20.8.09 ‘Police face calls to scrap thousands of DNA files’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/6058411/Police-face-calls-to-scrap-thousands-of-DNA-files.html
IMMIGRATION
A. Macleod 27.5.09 ‘Immigrants choose England over Scotland’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6368575.ece
R. Dinwoodie 27.7.09 ‘Migrants who settle in Scotland will get extra citizenship points’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2522197.0.Migrants_who_settle_in_Scotland_will_get_extra_citizenship_points.php
T. Crichton 4.8.09 ‘New point system for immigrants’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2523753.0.New_point_system_for_immigrants.php
3.8.09 ‘Fresh calls to end the detention of children’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2523553.0.Fresh_calls_to_end_the_detention_of_children.php
1.8.09 ‘SNP urge end to child detentions’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8179737.stm
SECTARIANISM
10.7.09 ‘Minister promises action over sectarian flags’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2519087.0.Minister_promises_action_over_sectarian_flags.php
A. Macleod 23.4.09 ‘SNP urged to drop 'sectarian and divisive' Muslim candidate’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6157961.ece
4.7 Education
TEACHERS
B. Currie 2.6.09 ‘Tories and LibDems join in criticism of SNP over potential loss of teaching jobs’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2511839.0.Tories_and_LibDems_join_in_criticism_of_SNP_over_potential_loss_of_teaching_jobs.php
L. Christie 15.6.09 ‘SNP is accused of 'betraying' new teachers’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-is-accused-of-39betraying39.5364668.jp
G. Paton 11.8.09 ‘Teaching scheme branded 'a flop'’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/6006049/Teaching-scheme-branded-a-flop.html
D. Maddox 25.9.09 ‘The lady vanishes: beleaguered education secretary accused of fleeing schools debate’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/The-lady-vanishes-beleaguered-education.5678568.jp
17.8.09 ‘Labour on attack over drop in teaching posts’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2525786.0.Labour_on_attack_over_drop_in_teaching_posts.php
J. Allardyce and J. Robertson 30.8.09 ‘Galbraith: sack bad teachers’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6815053.ece
A. Denholm 9.9.09 ‘Scottish teachers fall behind in European salary scale’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/scottish-teachers-fall-behind-in-european-salary-scale-1.918639
CLASS SIZES
J. Belgutay and J. Allardyce 28.6.09 ‘SNP's class-size pledge 'dead in water'’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6591361.ece
J. Allardyce and J. Belgutay 28.6.09 ‘Class struggle for parents ahead of new term’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6591260.ece
2.7.09 ‘Parents 'misled on class sizes'’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8129736.stm
R. Jacson 21.7.09 ‘Tory claims agreement exposes end to SNP class-size policy’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Tory-claims-agreement-exposes-end.5476856.jp
27.7.09 ‘Councils are ignoring class vow, say Tories’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2522199.0.Councils_are_ignoring_class_vow_say_Tories.php
D. Maddox 27.6.09 ‘SNP denies abandoning move to cut primary class sizes’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-denies-abandoning-move-to.5407692.jp
23.9.09 ‘Shambles in schools’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/herald-view/shambles-in-schools-1.921626
F. Macleod 9.9.09 ‘Pupils need better teachers, not smaller classes, says academic’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Pupils-need-better-teachers-not.5629104.jp
A. Macleod 26.6.09 ‘SNP 'wriggling out' of promise on primary classes’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6586413.ece
A. Denholm 29.9.09 ‘Fears for pupils in classroom funding shortfall’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/fears-for-pupils-in-classroom-funding-shortfall-1.922855
L. McIntosh 9.9.09 ‘Smaller class sizes ‘don’t benefit pupils’’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6826859.ece
A. Denholm 23.9.09 ‘Lesson in realism as class size of 25 targeted’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/lesson-in-realism-as-class-size-of-25-targeted-1.921621
L. Mcintosh 23.9.09 ‘Primary class sizes to be reduced to 25’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6845187.ece
NURSERIES
28.7.09 ‘Childcare boost for economy’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Childcare-boost-for-economy.5498142.jp
12.8.09 ‘It's childs' play’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2525076.0.Its_childs_play.php
NEW SCHOOLS/ CLOSURES/ REPAIRS
D. Maddox and F. Macleod 18.6.09 ‘Delay on new schools drags into 2011’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Delay-on-new-schools-drags.5377287.jp
F. Macleod 18.6.09 ‘Slow progress on a long-term problem’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Slow-progress-on-a-.5377360.jp
L. McIntosh 18.6.09 ‘SNP building plan attacked for lack of new schools’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6523699.ece
S. Macnab 20.6.09 ‘School closures must be clearer, say MSPs’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/School-closures-must-be-clearer.5385354.jp
A. Denholm 29.6.09 ‘SNP slammed over changes in school repairs priority lists’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2517018.0.SNP_slammed_over_changes_in_school_repairs_priority_lists.php
Scottish Government News Release 17.6.09 ‘MSPs learn of new schools programme’ http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/17153444
V. Rames 28.9.09 ‘Crumbling schools are given cash to rebuild’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Crumbling-schools-are-given-cash.5683554.jp
28.9.09 ‘Education Secretary announces first schools to get £1bn funding boost’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/education-secretary-announces-first-schools-to-get-1bn-funding-boost-1.922708
25.8.09 ‘Cash boost for new Gaelic schools’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8219224.stm
PRESSURE ON HYSLOP
A. Macleod 25.9.09 ‘Fiona Hyslop a victim of her party's Alice and Wonderland manifesto’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6848191.ece
24.9.09 ‘Salmond backs embattled minister’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8272467.stm
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
A. Denholm 23.9.09 ‘Scottish Government plans overhaul of primary schools’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/scottish-government-plans-overhaul-of-primary-schools-1.921735
Curriculum for excellence
L. McIntosh 8.7.09 ‘Mission to declutter the education system’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6670372.ece
L. McIntosh 8.7.09 ‘Now join up the details, teachers demand’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6670401.ece
M. Linklater 8.7.09 ‘We must also teach the basics - or repeat the blunders England made in the 1960s’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6670397.ece
F. Macleod 10.7.09 ‘New schools curriculum is branded 'not good enough'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/New-schools-curriculum-is-branded.5447251.jp
F. Macleod 22.9.09 ‘Fears of lack of detail in school plans dismissed by minister’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Fears-of-lack-of-detail.5666380.jp
9.6.09 ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/09122044
SCHOOL MEALS
23.6.09 ‘Fewer pupils eating school meals’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8115758.stm
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
D. Maddox 20.7.09 ‘New call to open up private schools to poorer children’ Thee Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/New-call-to--open.5473716.jp
UNIVERSITIES
J. Allardyce and J. Belgutay 7.6.09 ‘SNP snubs David Willetts plan to lower university grades’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6445275.ece
J. Allardyce 2.8.09 ‘University drop out rate is 11%’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6736174.ece
L. McIntosh 4.8.09 ‘Record Highers pass rate squeezes university places’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6739376.ece
5.8.09 ‘Exam passes reach record levels’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8185925.stm
S. Macdonald 9.8.09 ‘Fears for exam value as 44% score gains Higher pass’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6788686.ece
L. McIntosh 15.7.09 ‘Status at risk as universities cut jobs’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6715553.ece
14.9.09 ‘We will pay a heavy price if we lose free university education’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/iain-macwhirter/we-will-pay-a-heavy-price-if-we-lose-free-university-education-1.919691
TUITION FEES
23.6.09 ‘Fees boost for part-time study’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Fees-boost-for-parttime-study.5390306.jp
P. Wintour 19.7.09 ‘Student fees for those who live at home should be axed – report’ The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jul/19/fees-home-students-axed
J. Swaine 28.7.09 ‘Universities should take more poor pupils if fees are to rise, says Mandelson’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/5918612/Universities-should-take-more-poor-pupils-if-fees-are-to-rise-says-Mandelson.html
10.9.09 ‘Tuition fees reintroduction call’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8246907.stm
S. Mackinnon 6.11.08 ‘Call for three-year uni courses’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7714027.stm
9.3.09 ‘Extra funds for further education’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7285275.stm
10.9.09 ‘Call to bring back university tuition fees’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/call-to-bring-back-university-tuition-fees-1.918985
17.9.09 ‘Scotland will not reintroduce university tuition fees’ The herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/scotland-will-not-reintroduce-university-tuition-fees-1.920506
G. Peev 21.9.09 ‘Scots Liberal Democrats warn Clegg: Think again on allowing tuition fees’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Scots-Liberal-Democrats-warn-Clegg.5663530.jp
31.8.09 ‘Record level of student hardship funding, say LibDems’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2528211.0.Record_level_of_student_hardship_funding_say_LibDems.php
MISC SCHOOLS
M. Macaskill 31.5.09 ‘Truants bribed not to skip class’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6395765.ece
L. McIntosh 11.6.09 ‘Pupils freed to leave school at 16 without any qualifications’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6482055.ece
I. Swanson and G. Fraser 28.7.09 ‘Schools chief 'destroying vital project'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Schools-chief-39destroying-vital-project39.5498774.jp
S. Macnab 12.9.09 ‘£1m education pledge 'broken'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/1m-education-pledge-39broken39.5641257.jp
UK/ ENGLISH INITIATIVES/ COMPARISONS
G. Paton 1.7.09 ‘Ed Balls: Teachers to be 'licensed' to work in schools’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/5700476/Ed-Balls-Teachers-to-be-licensed-to-work-in-schools.html
2.7.09 ‘Ed Balls criticised over academies programme’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/5712741/Ed-Balls-criticised-over-academies-programme.html
J. Shepherd 22.7.09 ‘Primary teachers should have A-level maths and English, say thinktank’ The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/jul/22/primary-teachers-qualifications
E. Conway 22.7.09 ‘Education spending to be cut by £100m despite Gordon Brown's pledge’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/5889812/Education-spending-to-be-cut-by-100m-despite-Gordon-Browns-pledge.htm
4.8.09 ‘Sats results: fewer primary school pupils reach English standard’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/5970649/Sats-results-Fewer-primary-school-pupils-reach-English-standard.html
4.8 Social Services and Social Work
OLDER PEOPLE
C. Sweeney 17.9.09 ‘Elderly not fed properly at care homes’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6838746.ece
This could open up debate in Scotland on free personal care:
M. Beckford 15.7.09 ‘Elderly face £20,000 bill upon retirement for care costs’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/5829111/Eldery-face-20000-bill-for-social-care.html
M. Beckford 15.7.09 ‘Elderly care Green Paper: Labour accused of doing too little, too late’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/5827787/Elderly-care-Green-Paper-Labour-accused-of-doing-too-little-too-late.html
M. Beckford 14.7.09 ‘Care funding: pros and cons of the options’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5827368/Care-funding-pros-and-cons-of-the-options.html
14.7.09 ‘Andy Burnham says 'cruel lottery' of elderly care must end ‘ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/elderhealth/5824546/Andy-Burnham-says-cruel-lottery-of-elderly-care-must-end.html
J. Hope, L. Philips and A. Dolan 19.8.09 ‘Justice over care home costs: NHS forced to refund £350,000 fees to grieving families’ The Dailymail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1207384/Council-ordered-pay-100-000-family-Alzheimers-sufferer-refusing-pay-care-home-fees.html
SOCIAL WORK
26.6.09 ‘Take more children away from addict parents, says Labour leader’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Take-more-children-away-from.5404412.jp
G. Braiden 29.6.09 ‘£8m pledged to build children's homes’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2517030.0.8m_pledged_to_build_childrens_homes.php
L. Mcintosh 20.8.09 ‘Brandon Muir: social workers knew of Heather Boyd's chaotic life’ he Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6802720.ece
L. Mcintosh 20.8.09 ‘Brandon Muir timeline’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6802748.ece
L. Mcintosh 20.8.09 ‘Demand for public inquiry into death of Brandon Muir’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6802768.ece
9.9.09 ‘Government bid to salvage children’s hearing laws’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/government-bid-to-salvage-children-s-hearing-laws-1.918663#
R. Dinwoodie 8.9.09 ‘Row over lawyers at children’s hearings’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/row-over-lawyers-at-children-s-hearings-1.918605
4.9 Energy, Transport and Environment
4.10 Agriculture, Fish, Food and Water
CLIMATE CHANGE BILL
J. Haworth 27.5.09 ‘MSPs reject tough climate targets in committee vote’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MSPs-reject-tough-climate-targets.5304440.jp
J. Haworth 18.6.09 ‘Salmond rapped for failing climate request’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Salmond-rapped-for-failing-climate.5377329.jp
B. Currie 22.6.09 ‘SNP plan for carbon cuts too weak, say opposition’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2515688.0.SNP_plan_for_carbon_cuts_too_weak_say_opposition.php
R. Dinwoodie 23.6.09 ‘SNP bows to Green lobby and amends carbon emissions cut’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2515885.0.SNP_bows_to_Green_lobby_and_amends_carbon_emissions_cut.php
23.6.09 ‘Margo holds key to vote on climate’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Margo-holds-key-to-vote.5390323.jp
23.6.09 ‘Climate change targets 'tougher'’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8114193.stm
24.6.09 ‘SNP warms to higher target for reduction in emissions’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP--warms-to-higher.5394224.jp
J. Haworth 25.6.09 ‘MSPs get power to fine over climate change’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/-MSPs-get-power-to.5399645.jp
24.6.09 ‘MSPs agree 42% pollution-reduction target by 2020’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MSPs-agree-4237-pollutionreduction-target.5397031.jp
R. Dinwoodie 25.6.09 ‘MPs back target to reduce emissions by 42%’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2516319.0.MPs_back_target_to_reduce_emissions_by_42.php
A. Macleod 24.6.09 ‘Bill to cut carbon emissions 80% by 2050’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6572299.ece
8.9.09 ‘Progress made on emissions’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/08100039
2.9.09 ‘Climate Challenge Fund’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/02131051
5.8.09 ‘Climate Change Bill’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/05131424
25.6.09 ‘Climate Change Bill passed’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/25081909
23.6.09 ‘Climate change agreement’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/23100543
TRANSPORT
M. Macaskill 31.5.09 ‘Bikes pushed as eco plan in Scots cities’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6395603.ece
D. Maddox 29.6.09 ‘Scots vehicles to go electric in next ten years, vow ministers’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Scots-vehicles-to-go-electric.5408964.jp
J. Ross 24.7.09 ‘SNP accused of falling behind with road improvements’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-accused-of-falling-behind.5490261.jp
26.8.09 ‘New high-speed rail plan unveiled’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8221540.stm
8.6.09 ‘High speed rail link’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/08144836
NUCLEAR ENERGY
D. Maddox 1.7.09 ‘MSPs back nuclear-free goal but seek more years from existing plants’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/MSPs-back-nuclearfree-goal-but.5415978.jp
RENEWABLE ENERGY
A. Seager 12.7.09 ‘Civil servants accused of delaying renewable energy incentives’ The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jul/12/renewable-energy-feed-in-tariffs
F. Urquhart 18.8.09 ‘Salmond announces £2.6m for green energy centre’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Salmond-announces-26m-for-green.5562202.jp
ENERGY/
D. Ross 1.7.09 ‘MSPs under fire over Beauly to Denny line’ The Herald heherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2517421.0.MSPs_under_fire_over_Beauly_to_Denny_line.php
J. Ross 4.7.09 ‘Holyrood ignored power line evidence, claim critics’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Holyrood-ignored-power-line-evidence.5429082.jp
D. Maddox 27.8.09 ‘Power line 'could create 12,000 green jobs'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Power-line-39could-create-12000.5592128.jp
27.8.09 ‘Green power 'may create 12,500 jobs'’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2527611.0.Green_power_may_create_12_500_jobs.php
TAX INCENTIVES
10.6.09 ‘Holyrood backing for council tax breaks on energy’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2513431.0.Holyrood_backing_for_council_tax_breaks_on_energy.php
ENVIRONMENT
S. Houston and J. Belgutay 12.7.09 ‘Paper meant for recycling is dumped’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6689840.ece
F. Urquhart 21.8.09 ‘Minister unveils plans for a 'zero waste' Scotland’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Minister-unveils-plans-for-a.5575188.jp
A. Philip 28.9.09 ‘Home-insulation scheme 'set up to fail', say Greens’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Homeinsulation-scheme--39set-up.5682660.jp
20.8.09 ‘Zero Waste Plan’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/20121827
AGRICULTURE AND FISH AND FOOD
R. Dinwoodie 28.5.09 ‘Liberal Democrats flock to Holyrood to protest at 'unworkable' electronic tagging of sheep’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2510829.0.Liberal_Democrats_flock_to_Holyrood_to_protest_at_unworkable_electronic_tagging_of_sheep.php
D. Charter 2.6.09 ‘CCTV fishing trial aims for big quotas but less waste’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6410897.ece
H. Macdonell 15.6.09 ‘Deer could be shot all year round under wildlife law reforms’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Deer-could-be-shot-all.5364676.jp
B. Currie 9.6.09 ‘SNP attacked over rural funding’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2513193.0.SNP_attacked_over_rural_funding.php
D. Ross 26.6.09 ‘MSPs call for Ombudsman to mediate in price wrangles’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2516557.0.MSPs_call_for_Ombudsman_to_mediate_in_price_wrangles.php (PIG REPORT)
N. Christian 19.7.09 ‘Pledge to safeguard Scots food supplies’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Pledge-to-safeguard-Scots-food.5473119.jp
B. Currie 20.7.09 ‘Scotland could be hit by food shortages’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2520889.0.Scotland_could_be_hit_by_food_shortages.php
11.8.09 ‘GM produce is back on the political menu, says minister’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/GM-produce-is-back-on.5540973.jp
A. Philip 21.9.09 ‘'Failing fishing rules need urgent reform'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/39Failing---fishing-rules.5663510.jp
21.9.09 ‘Farming for a better climate’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/21114656
31.7.09 ‘Protecting fish stocks’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/31143714
30.7.09 ‘Single Farm Payment timetable’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/30164458
25.6.09 ‘Single Farm Payment Inquiry’ The Scottish Governement http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/25094144
CROFTING
D. Ross 14.7.09 ‘Crofters mobilising against 'oppressive' draft reform bill’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2519774.0.Crofters_mobilising_against_oppressive_draft_reform_bill.php
D. Ross 12.8.09 ‘Crofters and landowners join forces against reform Bill’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2525212.0.Crofters_and_landowners_join_forces_against_reform_Bill.php
M. Wade 11.8.09 ‘Crofters warn of traditions being lost ‘within two generations’’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6790807.ece
A. Macleod 31.7.09 ‘Pressure on SNP to revive Scottish Land Fund’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6734103.ece
C. Macleod and N. Busby 27.8.09 ‘Cash up front or right to buy is meaningless’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Cash-up-front-or-right.5592025.jp
4.12 Housing and Homelessness
E. Barnes and T. Peterkin 14.6.09 ‘Holyrood set to levy tax on house sales’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Holyrood-set-to-levy-tax.5364029.jp
R. Dinwoodie 12.6.09 ‘Gray's pledge on repossessions’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2513896.0.Grays_pledge_on_repossessions.php
B. Currie 16.6.09 ‘Swinney announces £31m housing boost ‘ The Herald ‘http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2514566.0.Swinney_announces_31m_housing_boost.php
7.7.09’ Immigrants do not get housing priority, study shows’ The Telgraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/5765667/Immigrants-do-not-get-housing-priority-study-shows.html
I. Swanson and S. McAngus 16.7.09 ‘Capital housing waiting list 'would take 13 years to clear'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Capital-housing-waiting-list-.5465134.jp
5.8.09 ‘MP attacks 'muddled' government schemes to help homeowners’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2523928.0.MP_attacks_muddled_government_schemes_to_help_homeowners.php
T. Peterkin 10.8.09 ‘SNP accused of favouritism over green housing scheme’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-accused-of-favouritism-over.5537600.jp
D. Maddox 20.8.09 ‘Labour calls for Scottish figures on housing repossessions’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Labour-calls-for-Scottish-figures.5570815.jp
S. Macnab ‘Call for £200m of new homes’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Call-for-200m-of-new.5604053.jp
4.9.09 ‘More homes for homeless households’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/09/04103334
27.8.09 ‘Number of affordable homes soar’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/27101429
10.7.09 ‘Right to buy slammed’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/09142119
26.6.09 ‘Council homes across Scotland’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/26095735
10.6.09 ‘Help to prevent homelessness’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/10095830
30.7.09 ‘More energy efficient homes’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/30105512
4.13 Culture and Media
HOMECOMING, TOURISM
D. Maddox 16.7.09 ‘SNP under fire for no plan to mark Reformation’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-under-fire-for-no.5464002.jp
C. Sweeney 17.7.09 ‘Upturn cheers Scots tourist chiefs as golfers take to the fairways’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6717151.ece
S. Macnab 29.7.09 ‘Ministers hold talks over fresh Gathering’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Ministers-hold-talks-over-fresh.5501779.jp
A. brown 26.7.09 ‘Clans make it a giant party’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6727781.ece
R. Dinwoodie 7.8.09 ‘Campbell pipes up in praise of devolution and Homecoming’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2524295.0.Campbell_pipes_up_in_praise_of_devolution_and_Homecoming.php
MISCELLANY
I. Swanson 6.7.09 ‘Government attacked over refusal to ban circus animals’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Government-attacked-over-refusal-to.5431464.jp
[1] See previous monitors: Cairney, September 2007: 17; Cairney, January 2008: 10-11; Cairney, May 2009: 41.
[2] T. Gordon 3.8.09 ‘Sir John Elvidge in 'bias' row’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article4449102.ece
[3] E. Barnes 7.9.09 ‘Top civil servants plan for break-up of the UK’ The Scotsman http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/latestnews/Top-civil-servants-plan-for.5622286.jp; A. Macleod 8.9.09 ‘Civil servants accused of stoking conflict with UK’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6825340.ece The other, much less newsworthy strategies were competing, co-existing and collaboration
[4] D. Maddox 22.9.09 ‘Pressure piles on Scotland's top mandarin over 'Nationalist bias'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Pressure-piles-on-Scotland39s-top.5666456.jp
[5] A. Macleod 6.8.09 ‘Salmond accused of using public funds to campaign’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6741605.ece
[6] D. Maddox 27.6.09 ‘Quango row blamed on SNP’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Quango-row-blamed-on-SNP.5407516.jp
[7] See also a similar debate regarding the UK Government – e.g. M. Settle 7.6.09 ‘Whitehall hits back at attack on quangos’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2518550.0.Whitehall_hits_back_at_attack_on_quangos.php
[8] HM Government/ Cm 7654 (June 2009) Building Britain’s Future http://www.hmg.gov.uk/media/27749/full_document.pdf; P. Johnston 29.6.09 ‘The ultimate turnaround from Labour, the dying Government’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/philipjohnston/5681147/The-ultimate-U-turn-from-Labour-the-dying-Government.html
[9] J. Allardyce 21.6.09 ‘Scottish government missing half of targets’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6544131.ece
[10] A. Macleod 13.8.09 ‘Jim Mather rebuked by unions over Scottish unemployment claims’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6793706.ece
[11] B. Jamieson 23.7.09 ‘Scotland 'will fall to 9th' in UK economic league table’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Scotland-39will-fall-to-9th39.5485838.jp
[12] 26.7.09 ‘Time for oil fund - Finance Secretary’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/24154201
[13] B. Currie 10.9.09 ‘Scotland always at the mercy of global firms’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/brian-currie/scotland-always-at-the-mercy-of-global-firms-1.918928
[14] D. Maddox 5.8.09 ‘Whyte & Mackay axes sixth of workforce’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Whyte-amp-Mackay-axes-.5523075.jp
[15] 18.6.09 ‘Modern Apprenticeships’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/18090631; S. Macnab 11.6.09 ‘Firms will be offered £2,000 to 'adopt' apprentices’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Firms-will-be-offered-2000.5354644.jp
[16] 23.6.09 ‘Dealing with debt’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/23115155
[17] 19.6.09 ‘Prompt payment for businesses’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/19131609
[18] 19.6.09 ‘Funding to help people find work’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/19105402
[19] 2.6.09 ‘Help through the downturn’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/02153159; L. McIntosh and J. Sugden 9.7.09 ‘'Colleges must help employers find way through recession'’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6677571.ece
[20] 24.8.09 ‘Help to keep the mentally fragile in work’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2526987.0.Help_to_keep_the_mentally_fragile_in_work.php
[21] R. Smith 27.8.09 ‘NHS set for record £1.75bn surplus as patients protest over cancer drugs ‘ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/2633064/NHS-set-for-record-1.75bn-surplus-as-patients-protest-over-cancer-drugs.html
[22] D. Maddox 24.6.09 ‘Swine-flu row erupts as Westminster rules out vaccination cash’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Swineflu-row-erupts-as-Westminster.5394263.jp
[23] 1.6.09 ‘Target for drug treatment’ Scottish Government News Release
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/01083004
[24] 15.9.09 ‘Expert in heroin prescribing call’ BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8256402.stm; M. Reid 13.8.09 ‘Scottish government accused of accepting steep rise in drug-related deaths’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6793746.ece
[25] A. Pollock 22.6.09 ‘Rationing and charges would destroy NHS principles’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Rationing-and-charges-would-destroy.5387033.jp; L. Moss 22.6.09 ‘Free NHS cannot survive, doctors told’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Free-NHS-cannot-survive-doctors.5387065.jp
[26] 30.6.09 ‘Praise for Holyrood 'maturity'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Praise-for-Hollyrood-39maturity39.5411864.jp
[27] D. Maddox 25.9.09 ‘Tobacco display ban moves a step closer with Holyrood vote’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Tobacco-display-ban-moves-a.5678646.jp
[28] C. Sweeney 10.6.09 ‘Holyrood bid to banish trans fats from Scots diet’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6474478.ece
[29] E.g. 30.6.09 ‘Alcohol-related deaths’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/30102232
[30] 30.8.09 ‘New licensing laws come into force’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/28142140
[31] E. Barnes 31.8.09 ‘SNP accused of drink crackdown by stealth’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-accused-of-drink-crackdown.5601936.jp; B. Currie 12.9.09 ‘Glasgow ’will not go out on a limb’ over alcohol promotions’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/glasgow-will-not-go-out-on-a-limb-over-alcohol-promotions-1.919379
[32] D. Maddox 23.6.09 ‘Minimum prices for alcohol a step closer as Lib Dems hint at U-turn’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Minimum-prices-for-alcohol-a.5390329.jp; 16.8.09 ‘Labour backing paves way for minimum pricing of alcohol’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2525813.0.Labour_backing_paves_way_for_minimum_pricing_of_alcohol.php
[33]Scottish Government News Release 22.6.09 ‘Alcohol Summit’ http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/22102738
[34] R. Dinwoodie 28.5.09 ‘Inquiry as MacAskill admits escapee should not have been in open prison’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2510828.0.Inquiry_as_MacAskill_admits_escapee_should_not_have_been_in_open_prison.php
[35] 4.7.09 ‘Justice secretary has an uphill struggle over short sentences’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Justice-secretary-has-an-uphill.5429087.jp
[36] 31.8.09 ‘Reconviction rates’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/31095423 ; 31.8.09 ‘Most short-term inmates reoffend’ BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8230215.stm; S. Naysmith 17.9.09 ‘Overcrowded prisons ‘not able to offer rehabilitation’’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/crime-courts/overcrowded-prisons-not-able-to-offer-rehabilitation-1.920390
[37] J. Quinn 12.8.09 ‘Labour leader accuses SNP of being soft on knife crime’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Labour-leader-accuses-SNP-of.5544061.jp
[38] L. Mcintosh 3.8.09 ‘Cash crisis could derail SNP plans on policing’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6736830.ece
[39] 10.6.09 ‘MSPs move to close loophole in new rape bill’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2513445.0.MSPs_move_to_close_loophole_in_new_rape_bill.php
[40] L. Mcintosh 25.9.09 ‘Fiona Hyslop battered by universities on teacher training cuts’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6847980.ece; L. McIntosh 8.7.09 ‘New school curriculum 'complete nonsense' says its creator’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6670559.ece ; S. Johnson 28.9.09 ‘Alex Salmond accused of two years' 'paralysis' over school building’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/scotland/6240734/Alex-Salmond-accused-of-two-years-paralysis-over-school-building.html; W. Humes 25.9.09 ‘Education crisis a political and professional failure’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6847981.ece ; F. Macleod 17.7.09 ‘Increase in free nursery hours not enough for critics’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Increase-in-free-nursery-hours.5468792.jp
[41] A. Denholm 23.9.09 ‘Hyslop to enforce Primary 1 classes of 25 pupils’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/hyslop-to-enforce-primary-1-classes-of-25-pupils-1.921623
[42] L. McIntosh 11.9.09 ‘Scotland ‘must bring back tuition fees’’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6830010.ece
[43] E. Barnes 12.8.09 ‘Call for children at risk to be taken in to care sooner’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Call-for-children-at-risk.5544537.jp
[44] Christopher Hood, Will Jennings and Brian Hogwood, with Craig Beeston (2007) ‘Fighting Fires in Testing Times: Exploring a Staged Response Hypothesis for Blame Management in Two Exam Fiasco Cases’, Carr Research Paper 42 http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/CARR/pdf/DPs/Disspaper42.pdf
[45] T. Maxwell 20.8.09 ‘Brandon Muir: media's obsession with child tragedies a danger, warns peer’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6802760.ece
[46] C. Sweeney 17.9.09 ‘Elderly not fed properly at care homes’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6838746.ece
[47] M. Beckford 14.7.09 ‘Care funding: pros and cons of the options’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5827368/Care-funding-pros-and-cons-of-the-options.html
[48] K. Wright (2009) Climate Change (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3, SPICe briefing, 09/43 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/briefings-09/SB09-43.pdf; BBC News 23.6.09 ‘Climate change targets 'tougher'’ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8114193.stm
[49] F. Urquhart 21.8.09 ‘Minister unveils plans for a 'zero waste' Scotland’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Minister-unveils-plans-for-a.5575188.jp
[50] D. Ross 1.7.09 ‘MSPs under fire over Beauly to Denny line’ The Herald theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2517421.0.MSPs_under_fire_over_Beauly_to_Denny_line.php
[51] 8.6.09 ‘High speed rail link’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/06/08144836; D. Maddox 29.6.09 ‘Scots vehicles to go electric in next ten years, vow ministers’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Scots-vehicles-to-go-electric.5408964.jp
[52] A. Seager 12.7.09 ‘Civil servants accused of delaying renewable energy incentives’ The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jul/12/renewable-energy-feed-in-tariffs; D. Maddox 28.5.09 ‘Home lagging row rolls on’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Home-lagging-row-rolls-on.5309418.jp
[53] D. Ross 14.7.09 ‘Crofters mobilising against 'oppressive' draft reform bill’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2519774.0.Crofters_mobilising_against_oppressive_draft_reform_bill.php
[54] 11.8.09 ‘GM produce is back on the political menu, says minister’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/GM-produce-is-back-on.5540973.jp
[55] A. Philip 21.9.09 ‘'Failing fishing rules need urgent reform'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/39Failing---fishing-rules.5663510.jp; R. Dinwoodie 28.5.09 ‘Liberal Democrats flock to Holyrood to protest at 'unworkable' electronic tagging of sheep’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2510829.0.Liberal_Democrats_flock_to_Holyrood_to_protest_at_unworkable_electronic_tagging_of_sheep.php
[56] J. Quinn 27.6.09 ‘1,300 new council houses to be built in Scottish towns’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/1300-new-council-houses-to.5407523.jp
[57] M. Butterworth 12.7.09 ‘New era of council house-building proposed by Conservatives’ The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/5810475/New-era-of-council-house-building-proposed-by-Conservatives.html
[58] 10.7.09 ‘Right to buy slammed’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/07/09142119; 14.8.09 ‘Repossession figures’ Scottish Government News Release http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/08/14105910; 1.9.09 ‘Charity calls for an extra £200m a year for housing in Scotland’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2528487.0.Charity_calls_for_an_extra_200m_a_year_for_housing_in_Scotland.php
[59] 5.9.09 ‘Councils on track to meet targets on housing homeless’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Councils-on-track-to-meet.5620534.jp
[60] R. Dinwoodie 25.9.09 ‘Salmond defends his controversial broadcasting plans’ The Herald http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/salmond-defends-his-controversial-broadcasting-plans-1.922043
[61] D. Maddox 14.7.09 ‘Urgent call to safeguard the future of the Scottish newspaper industry’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Urgent-call-to-safeguard-the.5455295.jp; M. Reid 6.8.09 ‘Culture Minister demands answers from broadcasters’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6741678.ece
[62] A. Brown and J. Belgutay 20.9.09 ‘Do we want all our news to be Scots-centric?’ The Times http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6841307.ece
[63] R. Dinwoodie 7.8.09 ‘Campbell pipes up in praise of devolution and Homecoming’ The Herald http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2524295.0.Campbell_pipes_up_in_praise_of_devolution_and_Homecoming.php ; D. Maddox 16.7.09 ‘SNP under fire for no plan to mark Reformation’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-under-fire-for-no.5464002.jp ; D. Maddox 14.9.09 ‘Homecoming for Bruce 'SNP brainwashing'’ The Scotsman http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Homecoming-for-Bruce-39SNP-brainwashing39.5642990.jp
