SNP now seem content to manage Scotland's decline within the Union
What was once a party of national ambition now seems content to manage Scotland's decline within a Union that's tightening the noose. Devolution doesn't empower – it strangles. And Grangemouth's demise is proof. Scotland's last crude oil refinery, lost. Yet the SNP offer mitigation, not mobilisation.
READ MORE: Westminster, not the SNP, can take credit for increased Yes support
Meanwhile, the UK rolls out Freeports – a glossy rebrand of economic extraction zones. These aren't engines of Scottish prosperity; they are conduits. Wealth flows in, value is stripped, and profits vanish south – into the deep vaults of the City of London Corporation and beyond, to offshore havens. Scotland gets low-paid jobs, deregulation, and a Union Jack stamped on the ruins of our industrial base.
We are watching the final chapter of Scotland's economy being written – for someone else's benefit. If we want a future where our economy serves our people, not imperial finance, it won't come from managing the Union. It will come from ending it – and reclaiming the fiscal powers we held before 1707.
Dianne Alexander
Rosewell, Midlothian
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The National
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Scotland can lead the world with 'ecocide' bill currently in Holyrood
Good evening! This week's edition of the In Common newsletter comes from Michaela Girvan and Tara Pierce of the Ocean Rights Coalition. IMAGINE the scene: a CEO sits handcuffed, silent, in the dock of a Scottish courtroom. He is not there because of a shareholder scandal or financial fraud but because the company he leads has caused widespread, long-term destruction of the marine environment through illegal bottom trawling in Scottish waters. Expert witnesses describe the devastation. Once-thriving seabeds flattened. Biodiversity lost. Species pushed to collapse. Carbon stores released from the seafloor, worsening climate change, communities along the coast left with the wreckage and coastal artisan fishermen struggling. The courtroom listens, and the law now recognises this harm for what it truly is – not an unfortunate side effect of business but a crime against nature. That scene may feel like fiction. However, it is exactly the kind of accountability the Ecocide (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill currently progressing through the Scottish Parliament could make real. If passed, Scotland would become the first country in the world to criminalise ecocide in domestic law – a powerful and necessary step at a time of ecological crisis. The bill, brought forward by Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon (above), defines ecocide as the causing of severe environmental harm, whether intentional or through reckless disregard. The harm must be either widespread or long-term – measured not in headlines, but in habitats, ecosystems and years. If passed, the law would make individuals, companies and public bodies liable for the most serious kinds of environmental destruction. Punishments include up to 20 years in prison, fines and court-ordered restoration of the damaged ecosystems. Importantly, it introduces personal liability for directors and decision-makers. In a world where corporate impunity too often shields those at the top, this matters. What sets this legislation apart is not only its ambition but its timing. Just last week, world leaders gathered in Nice for the third United Nations Ocean Conference. Once again, they committed to reversing marine biodiversity loss and protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. The pledges are noble. But if we are honest, global action has repeatedly failed to match the scale or speed of the crisis. Here in Scotland, we have a rare opportunity to do something the international system has so far failed to do: make marine destruction legally actionable as a criminal crime. From deep-sea mining and industrial overfishing to oil spills, chemical dumping and plastic pollution, Scotland's marine environment is facing an onslaught of threats. Some of these are caused by foreign actors; others are permitted under existing UK or devolved policy. Either way, the law has not kept up with science, morality or the pace of destruction. That is why this bill matters so deeply to those of us working in ocean protection. It acknowledges that the sea is not an industrial buffer zone or economic abstraction. It is a living system on which we all depend. Its kelp forests and corals store carbon. Its species form fragile food webs. Its health is climate health, biodiversity health and human health. The bill does not mention the ocean by name, but its scope is broad enough to include it and serious marine harm. In doing so, it brings new hope to those who have campaigned for decades for stronger protections for the sea. It gives voice to communities who have watched polluters act with impunity. It sets a legal precedent that others can follow. Scotland is no stranger to progressive leadership. From banning smoking in public spaces to providing free period products, it has shown the courage to legislate ahead of the curve. With this bill, it can again lead – not just the UK, but the world – on environmental justice. There will be attempts to dilute this legislation as it moves through Parliament. Some will argue the definitions are too broad. Others will raise fears about economic impact. The truth is this: the cost of doing nothing is far greater. The science is clear, the damage is real and the legal gap is glaring. We must not allow this bill to be watered down into symbolism. It must retain the strength to do what it promises: hold powerful actors to account for the destruction of the natural world. This is not about stifling enterprise. It is about drawing a line. About saying, as a country, that we will no longer tolerate the wilful wrecking of our wild ecosystems that sustain life. The Ocean Rights Coalition is calling on MSPs to support this bill with integrity and urgency. We are asking members of the public to do the same. 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The National
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Daily Record
29 minutes ago
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Ayrshire hotel offers local food and flavours with new restaurant
The Azalea, by Glenapp Castle, opened last month as the five-star hotel added another string to its bow. An Ayrshire hotel is offering up local food and flavours after opening up a new restaurant. The Azalea by Glenapp Castle, near Ballantrae, welcomed its first customers in May this year after the Victorian glasshouse and bothy were transformed. Dating back to 1832, the historic buildings have been carefully redesigned to create a kitchen, toilet block and intimate dining areas as the castle's owners look to welcome more locals to their venue. Acquired by Paul and Poppy Szkiler in 2015, the new restaurant marks the latest development in their tenure at the helm of the popular tourist destination and wedding venue. Ayrshire Live was invited to The Azalea to meet the team behind the scenes and try the new restaurant. On arrival, the sole car park adjoins the 1870s castle and is a short walk from the walled garden which predates it and hosts The Azalea. It may be slightly younger but the castle is no less historic after it hosted Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower as the pair planned the D Day landings in 1944. Paul, accompanied by hotel manager Jill, provided a tour of the groups and the gardens as they highlighted what they hoped guests would take from an evening or an afternoon dining at The Azalea. It is a stunning setting with beautifully tended grounds and picturesque scenes around every corner. Upon entering the walled garden, you are presented with the fruits and vegetables that will one day become dinner. Part of the ethos of executive chef Peter Howarth and his team is sustainability and approximately 80 per cent of the menu's herbs have gone from seed to service within the gardens. A refreshing mocktail of the day was presented upon entry, hand-crafted by Jennifer who takes inspiration from the different ingredients grown and hand-picked in the gardens. The historic nature of the glasshouse has not been lost with grape vines that have grown there for over 100 years have been retained in the setting and the old coal-fired heating system have been lovingly restored to ensure it stays warm in the winter. Starters included baked west coast lobster freshly caught from the Firth of Clyde near Ballantrae, Glenapp's garden pea risotto and the splendid grilled fillet of west coast mackerel, spiced aubergine, chilli and garlic oil - who knew aubergine could taste so nice? The menu does change regularly to ensure the chefs can take advantage of what is currently in season. Mains included roast rump of Scottish lamb, Roscoff onion and fennel Tarte Tatin and the perfectly cooked Summerisle four per cent beer-battered west coast cod - the crispy and flavoursome batter is a result of the mixture being left to mature for a couple of days before it meets the freshly-caught cod. For dessert, champagne and rhubarb trifle, chocolate marquise - made with bespoke Glenapp 69 per cent Valrhona chocolate - or the delightful Scottish strawberry pavlova - a perfect seasonal dish with juicy fresh strawberries taken straight from the gardens. It's not just dinner that Glenapp Castle hopes to sell you, its an experience as diners are encouraged to come for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea before - or after - exploring the grounds and all Glenapp has to offer.
