Scotland and Independence need a new approach and agenda Sunday National, 27 July 2025 Gerry Hassan John Swinney recently engaged in the latest relaunch of independence. Some people noticed; some even cared and thought it relevant. Mostly his efforts passed unnoticed, without any real impact. Scottish politics, democracy, government and independence are not in good health and failing too many people. Some don’t see things this way. They measure the state of Scotland by saying we are not like the collective disaster of Westminster as if this is an effective measurement. Others say we need independence now such is the

Continue Reading Scotland and Independence need a new approach and agenda

Notes on a Scottish Republic of Letters Bella Caledonia, 7 July 2025 Gerry Hassan The health and vibrancy of the Scottish cultural landscape was once acclaimed across public life. Not so long ago many folk felt that we had been living through a renaissance of expression and talent, not unlike such periods as the 1930s, and that this had lasting import on how we viewed ourselves and on our political disposition. Today things are a lot less rosy and sure-footed. Instead of the above, there is now a discernible mood of angst, worry and negativity - centred particularly on funding,

Continue Reading Notes on a Scottish Republic of Letters

How do we address the Future of the Future? Sunday National, 29 June 2025 Gerry Hassan How we perceive the future is central to how we organise society, government, democracy and power. Thinking about the future has always been part of being human, since we first began organising and living in complex civilisations and cultures. However, there is now a growing feeling that the very idea of the future – how we think, imagine and act upon it – is in deep crisis affecting how we reflect and behave in the present and see our capacity to bring about change.

Continue Reading How do we address the Future of the Future?

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

Continue Reading After Hamilton, Scottish Politics and the Cause of Independence