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The Herald Scotland
11-08-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Yes, Scotland owned slaves, but don't just blame us
But this also means comprehensively, rather than partially and selectively, and recognising in the words of the novelist L. P. Hartley that 'the past is another country'. Goring asserts that 'even' the Picts traded in slaves. Why 'even'? All tribes and societies throughout history probably did, and we can all agree that Britain's part in the Atlantic trade and the plantations was brutal and appalling, but could not have happened, at least to the extent it did, without the enthusiastic and enriching supply role of the West African kings and tribal chiefs. She might also have mentioned the North African Barbary slavers who for centuries kidnapped and enslaved an estimated one million Europeans from Mediterranean countries, plus England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Iceland. She praises Edinburgh University, but its 'cancellation' of David Hume, based largely on one brief and understandable reference (if untypically poorly researched) among all his numerous writings, was unwise and simplistic. Sir Peter Mathieson, the principal, says 'we cannot have a selective memory about our past', but as Ms Goring writes, he seems selective about the present (Re China). Likewise, Edinburgh City Council is selective in its Melville Monument plaque in St Andrew Square. I admired the late Professor of Brewing, Sir Geoff Palmer, but he and his panel did not apply a historian's rigour to their choice of wording, which is certainly not comprehensive or impartial, but gives a misleading, distorted and false view of history to its readers, both locals and tourists, about Melville's role in the slave trade's abolition – as many historians have asserted. But the university leadership's silence lends it regrettable credence. Finally, the Race Review, overseen also by Sir Geoff for the university, refers to Britain's 'genocide' of colonised people, and condemns former PM and Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour for his role in creating today's Palestine and the Middle East. Both these points are partial and misleading. Balfour was maybe naive, but his 1917 Declaration was clear that a national home for the Jews in Palestine must not prejudice the rights of its existing non-Jews. Arguably, Germany set the scene for modern Palestine by bringing the Ottoman Empire into the First World War as its ally, leading to the defeat of both, and by the Nazi atrocities in the Second World War. John Birkett, St Andrews. Letters: Racism and prejudice are rapidly becoming the norm Letters: Middle East arms sales morally wrong Letters: Salmond and Sturgeon have torn the nation apart Oliver's army I RECENTLY predicted the collapse of the UK economy and society, and the hope that some benevolent, omniscient Cromwell-type figure would take over, sort everything out, then hand it back to Parliament. The nearest thing we have to this is what President Trump is doing in the US, and on the world stage. Toby Young, the founder of the Free Speech Union, suggested Trump should become a UK Citizen, take over Reform UK and stand against Keir Starmer's Labour in the next general election. Clearly he was making a point rather than a serious proposal, but apart from his opposition to Net Zero and woke ideology, Nigel Farage has neither the policies, people around him, nor guile and ruthlessness to remake the UK. So it will take someone like Trump to withstand what Young referred to as a radical, reforming government being "met on day one by an institutional intifada" and "seen off by the closed ranks of the Establishment". Even a year ago I wouldn't have imagined writing the above, but you only have to look at the surreal rearguard action against UK gender laws taking place in NHS Fife and elsewhere, Ed Miliband, Anas Sarwar and John Swinney's trashing of oil and gas, and the windmill obsession. Also, the impossibility of controlling both legitimate and illegal immigration, and the benefits bill that is engulfing our finances to realise the enormity of the challenge and the need for leadership and brutal reality that doesn't currently exist in the UK Allan Sutherland, Stonehaven. Gold-hearted rich AS a postscript to my letter responding to Neil Mackay's recent opinion piece ('Us vs them: why the rich like Musk and Bezos are destroying our world', The Herald, August 7), I would like to add a thought that suggests that there is another side to this coin, of which, perhaps, a lot of the population are unaware. First, Bill Gates has created a philanthropical foundation that supports many causes throughout the world. Second, in Britain there is the Patriotic Millionaires network, who lobby the government about accepting a nominal percentage of their wealth as a form of taxation; the object being to redistribute this to where it would benefit the country. There may well be others who do much more than is known; this may be where the problem lies. Perhaps a form of 'quiet' publicity would raise awareness and challenge the incumbent government to acknowledge that this cohort does in fact do more than many are aware of. If we, the public, and Neil Mackay, draw conclusions that are wrong, who is to blame? However, the present available information leads to the conclusion drawn by myself, Mr Mackay, and many others . A balance of the scales is needed, otherwise the perception of the need for a 21st century 'Robin Hood' will remain, and actions be demanded from our politicians. There is no doubt that something needs to be done, and to be see to be done. Ian Gray, Croftamie. Keeping economy afloat What an inspiring sight I saw from Kirkcaldy Esplanade the other day. Seven large ships all headed up the Forth. Whether they were bound for Leith or Rosyth, Hound Point, Braefoot Bay, or even Grangemouth, they represent the trade on which we all depend. Wouldn't it be something to have a Scottish government that focused on growing our economy, so that there were twice, or three times as many ships in the Forth? Reform UK, perhaps? Otto Inglis, Fife. Pipe dreams ELLE Duffy's weekly log from Rum is enthusiastically read every Saturday. My memories of the island date from a trip there in 1975, on a tandem laden with wife, three-year-old son and even bagpipes. Elle's writing would be more easily digested, however, if she would rid her copy of such ghastly Americanisms as 'gotten' and trees 'laying' down. Gordon Casely, Kincardineshire. Dynamism and tight deadlines are the key to solving a crossword, it seems. Fast times I JOIN Ian McNair (Letters, August 8) in being irritated by Scottish Government spokespersons claiming to be working 'at pace'. I am leaving no stone unturned and attempting to be dynamic and resilient under the tight deadline I have set myself for completion of the Wee Stinker. In my determination and resolution, I shall stop at nothing. David Miller, Milngavie.
The Herald Scotland
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Let's stand up for our countryside and fight the march of the pylons
Scotland's most wild and beautiful spaces are being raped and we're too busy watching the latest episode of Love Island to care. A friend recently criticised my objections to these massive pylons, saying: "I can't support the outrage of usually quite well-off people upset that their view may be spoiled". Quite apart from the fact that most of the people in the Borders hamlet of Yarrow Feus that Ms Goring refers to are not particularly well-off – locals include a nurse, a plumber, a rep for a roller blind firm and a retired teacher – it's not about individuals. It's about preserving the exquisite beauty of Scotland's landscape for future generations and about making sure we all have access to it. There are countries with higher mountains and more dramatic waterfalls but few with the unique play of light and shade, the complex mix of the rugged and the peaceful that we have in Scotland. Destroying the beauty of our countryside is like tearing our own lungs out, yet our governments have allowed this to happen all over the Highlands and Islands and the west of Scotland. Keir Starmer's so-called Labour Government intends to build on Green Belt land and actually included in its manifesto the commitment to force through planning consents over local opposition. Democracy is dead in this country – SPEN has not had its plans knocked back in 15 years. Isn't it time we started protecting our country instead of sacrificing it for big business? Jean Rafferty, Amble, Morpeth. Read more letters Will Scotland change tack? Gerard Quinn's letter (June 25) is a reminder that the debate about assisted dying isn't over, despite legislation allowing it having been passed by the UK Parliament and progressing at the Scottish Parliament. The Westminster vote was close, with 314 votes for and 291 against, a majority of only 23. However, a closer look reveals that's not the full picture. The legislation approved by the House of Commons applies to England and Wales only, not to Scotland and Northern Ireland. On that basis, the SNP and some Northern Ireland MPs didn't take part in the vote; other parties did. The votes of MPs from Scotland and Northern Ireland MPs were 18 for and 38 against, with one MP (Wendy Chamberlain, North East Fife) having voted both ways. Subtracting those votes from the totals, MPs representing constituencies in England and Wales voted 296 for and 253 against, a much clearer majority of 43. The smaller majority actually recorded does raise the question of why MPs representing constituents who aren't affected by the legislation thought it appropriate to take part in the vote. What happened to "English votes for English laws"? Among MPs representing Scottish constituencies, there were 17 for and 29 against. This differs markedly from the Stage One vote last month at Holyrood, which saw 70 MSPs back the bill and 56 oppose it. I wonder if that majority will hold up all the way to Stage Three. Doug Maughan, Dunblane. Politicians, have a drink Stephen Smith (Letters, June 26) accuses the powers that be of conducting a dishonest war on alcohol. This must be the politicians or bureaucrats; certainly not the medical profession. Having entered my ninth decade on this planet, I have benefited for a number of years from an annual "MOT" from our overworked, but wonderful, NHS. At each "inspection" I am asked how much alcohol I drink. With a mock shamefaced look on my face, I truthfully inform the doctor or nurse that I am exceeding the Government's target by 100%, averaging between 25 and 30 units per week. After all, that is only one large glass of red wine with my evening meal and one large malt whisky before bed. I have to say that no medical professional has met this confession with any suggestion that my intake is excessive. Perhaps the politicians would benefit from sharing a drink or two (and some wisdom) with a group of practising clinicians. Eric Begbie, Stirling. What makes for excessive consumption of alcohol? (Image: PA) On the wrong track? Intriguing though it was to read about "safeguarding patrollers" being deployed to improve safety on the railway network in Scotland ("Patrollers being introduced at train stations across Scotland in safety move", The Herald, June 26), would it not be worthwhile to consider solving security and safety issues more simply by staffing all the railway stations? AJ Clarence, Prestwick. A pair of pears "Go pear-shaped" is the answer to clue 12 across in this week's Radio Times crossword, the clue being "Fail to start looking fruity? ( 2, 4-6)". Some two hours after solving the puzzle, I find myself watching an early edition of Midsomer Murders, and hearing a character talking about the local mill project going pear-shaped. I wonder whether readers of a statistical bent can suggest the odds on reading or hearing little-used words and phrases repeated within such a short period of time. David Miller, Milngavie. A bee in my bonnet I'm getting a bit worried about myself in these dotage years. In the 100 years ago section of "From Our Archives" today (The Herald, June 25) I read that a swarm of bees had caused a bit of consternation in Greenock, until a beekeeper successfully 'skepped' them. Instead of just accepting this, I had to investigate 'skepped' and your readers will have the benefit of my research to now know that a 'skep' is a type of beehive. I can rest easy now. Eric Macdonald, Paisley.
The Herald Scotland
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Why is the Kirk so keen to close down community outreach?
Ms Goring highlights the massive decline in Church of Scotland membership, currently sitting at 68,000 and – make no mistake – due to the current policy of church closures this number will continue to decline. Churches are often much more than places of worship, much more than the House of God. They are often the hub of the community, a lifeline for the lonely, a place of support for those visiting food banks and much more. So why on earth is the Church of Scotland intent of closing the door, shutting down community outreach and now closing down yet another source of outreach, the magazine? Catriona C Clark, Falkirk. Flamingo Land fight goes on Among the many expert bodies which roundly rejected the Loch Lomond Flamingo Land application last year, the most relevant is the National Park's board, whose remit is to protect the land under its authority. Its unanimous rejection of Flamingo Land's plans should have brought this sorry business to an end. Flamingo Land appealed at the end of last year and rather than being heard in a public inquiry, we have a government reporter, who makes decisions on behalf of the Scottish administration, disregarding local democracy ('Ministers refuse to recall decision to overturn block on Loch Lomond plan', The Herald, May 21). Where do the views of the parks authority, Sepa, the transport authorities, the local council and the general public – currently 178,000 of them – come in? This isn't the first time this has happened. Remember Donald Trump's golf course or the nine fish farm refusals which were overturned? We have a broken system. It allows decisions to be made outwith public or parliamentary scrutiny and is an open door for unscrupulous gold-diggers. Writing to Planning Minister Ivan McKee doesn't address the local democracy deficit nor does it prevent another Flamingo Land. Read more letters There's another option. The Referendums (Scotland) Act 2020 allows for a vote to take place on any controversial content – like this one. The Scottish Government should use it. But if it won't consult the people, Scotland Decides can do it for them. It has a platform for verifiable voting that accords with national and international standards. Concerned citizens just need to register on the Scotland Decides website, as well as sign public petition PE2135 to enact the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which would give the people direct political rights and the right to self-determination. The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, has failed to support the petition, which speaks volumes about the seriousness of this administration when it comes to protecting our rights. David Younger, Tighnabruaich, Argyll. Discrimination by exclusion Every government and statutory body, health boards, local authorities and any other organisation big enough to think they need it always ask individuals/service users to complete "the attached form on gender and ethnicity". I am in the majority of the population on both accounts but am excluded from adding to the real data breakdown of these surveys. Not one of these so-called surveys allows me to list myself as a white, biological, British male. Why is that? Would collecting that information upset the balance of statistics? Would counting white British of a specific biological gender affect or upset the minority who identify themselves as something other than white British of a certain biological gender? Why should I and others like me be offended without any say about the exclusion of our specifics from all these surveys? These forms discriminate against me and many others. James A Mackie, Garmouth, Moray. Temporary relief As one of the five million-plus viewers a month of channel 328's Talking Pictures, recommended during conversation at my golf club, may I commend Mark Smith on his article ("Ten years on: the TV channel that saved us", The Herald, May 24)? Current television acting does indeed contain so much mumbling that switching on the subtitles becomes a necessity. I am amused by the warnings preceding Rumpole of the Bailey that some viewers may find the language offensive. I suppose that in today's world, Rumpole's references to his long-suffering spouse Hilda as SWMBA (she who must be obeyed) might constitute grounds for divorce. I, too, love the simple, cheap, sugar-laden past quoted by Mr Smith ; the real world, however, beckons. Escapism is temporary. David Miller, Milngavie. Sort of annoying In recent weeks there has been considerable comment on the usage of "so", "well", "look" and "listen" by persons about to comment on an issue. The fault is not exclusive to sporting pundits. Following First Minister's Questions (May 22) a female political commentator used the phrase "sort of " on 12 occasions as she offered her observations on political points earlier discussed. At best "sort of", "kinda" and "y know" are slovenly but also detract from the value of the opinion being made. Am I no' right? Allan C Steele, Giffnock. An impression of how the Flamingo Land development could look (Image: Flamingo Land) Rhyme crime Bob Byiers' excellent letter (May 24) re teachers and their classes reminded me of one morning in distant memory: third or fourth year at morning school assembly, with one of our PE teachers, Mr Chris Begg, on duty in the hall and looking after the hordes of pupils – and grabbing one of the third-year boys who was starting to leave and shouting at him: "Where's your blazer, Fraser?", and the immediate retort from the pupil: "On the peg, Begg!". Brought the place down of course, and brought the belt down on the pupil's hands when he was carted off to the staff room for retribution. Happy memories. Walter Paul, Glasgow.
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Goring sandpit build begins despite planning permission refusal
Work to build a large children's sandpit and recreation area in a field in West Sussex has begun, despite planning permission being Dixon applied to build a 25m/sq sandpit, "tumble down mound", boules pitch and bar area on land off Marine Drive, Goring, however his bid was Mr Dixon confirmed in an online statement that he had begun building the project anyway, and that there would "soon be 23 flag poles proudly waving the Union Jack".A spokesperson for Worthing Borough Council said it was waiting for further information about the works before taking any action. "We've been made aware of the activity and have written to the landowner for clarification about what he is doing there," they said."We will then consider whether any enforcement action is necessary."Mr Dixon's company, Goring Gap Limited, announced plans last year to create a "fenced family entertainment area" focused around the scheme also includes concessions for vendors selling food, drinks, snacks and sweets from gazebos and trailers, as well as a bar for would also feature toilets and car parking council previously said it rejected the application because it had not received enough information from Mr Dixon to prove that the "use and operations described in the application would be or are lawful"."The proposed leisure related uses would involve a material change of use of the land, which was previously agricultural, and the associated works would be operational development," the council said this believed such a development would be unlawful under Section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 15 May, Mr Dixon posted to his website: "Work has begun on the children's sandpit, tumble down mound, boules and bar area."There will soon be 23 flag poles proudly waiving the Union Jack, Worthing and Sussex colours."The BBC has contacted Mr Dixon for comment.
AU Financial Review
14-05-2025
- AU Financial Review
The London hotel where you are most likely to spot a royal
Amid the elegance of Belgravia, The Goring Hotel has held a cherished place in London's hospitality scene for over a century. Today, the British hotel is evolving, shifting from a royal favourite under Queen Elizabeth II to a contemporary icon of sustainable luxury at in the early days of King Charles' reign. The Goring's geographic location couldn't be more fitting for a royal legacy. A 10-minute stroll from the palace gates, the hotel has served as a discreet haven for royalty and dignitaries for 113 years. It was famously the choice of accommodation for Kate Middleton on the eve of her wedding to William, Prince of Wales, and Queen Elizabeth II was a regular in the restaurant –cementing its place among Britain's most revered establishments.
