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After Hamilton, Scottish Politics and the Cause of Independence
After Hamilton, Scottish Politics and the Cause of Independence Bella Caledonia, 6 June 2025 Gerry Hassan Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehall has proven to be a consequential Scottish by-election. Not of the mythical levels of Hamilton 67 or Govan 73, but contests like that are few and far between. Yet in a world where by-election aren’t what they used to be, it has thrown significant light on Scottish politics and the major protagonists. Labour gained a seat from the SNP, against the expectations of the commentators and prevailing wisdom which says much about both. The SNP and Tories suffered major
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Why the Reform Bandwagon is coming to Scotland – and what can be done to stop it?
Why the Reform Bandwagon is coming to Scotland – and what can be done to stop it? Sunday National, 25 May 2025 Gerry Hassan Nigel Farage and Reform are on the march across England, Wales and Scotland. What was once seen as purely an English (as well as Welsh) phenomenon is now making clear inroads in Scotland. In the past few weeks Reform have risen to 21% in Westminster voting intentions in Scotland and 20% in one Scottish Parliament poll in regional list voting intentions. This would make them the main opposition party to the SNP and dramatically alter
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The Road from 2014 is Over: A New Road Map is needed for Scotland and Independence

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Why does the story of the Beatles and Lennon and McCartney still matter?
John & Paul: A Love Story in Song, Ian Leslie, Faber & Faber £25 Bella Caledonia, 4 April 2025 Gerry Hassan The Beatles story is one of the most enduring, beguiling and seemingly never-ending of our modern age. What else is there to be said? Ian Leslie thinks he has an answer in exploring the relationship, inner workings and chemistry between John Lennon and Paul McCartney - the central axis of the phenomenon that was the Beatles. This is a riveting, well-written account throwing new light on old stones – the band, John and Paul, songwriting and creativity, and the
Continue Reading Why does the story of the Beatles and Lennon and McCartney still matter?