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The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Nigel Farage and his controversial history in Scotland
This ignorance is perhaps unsurprising given the former UKIP leader was once caught out on Irish television with a clip of him declaring "up the RA", apparently oblivious to what it meant. Farage made his sectarianism declaration in the wake of a controversial advert by his party, Reform UK, which took a speech made by Mr Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, out of context and declared he'd "said he will prioritise the Pakistani community". Read More: The video comes from a 2022 speech at an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of Pakistan, at which the Labour leader said "Pakistanis need represented in every mainstream political party in Scotland and across the UK". He made no mention of 'prioritising' the Pakistani community. Both Sarwar and the First Minister John Swinney have described the advert as being blatantly racist, with the former describing it as a "dog whistle" questioning his Scottishness. The Reform leader will visit Scotland next week ahead of the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election - one his party stands a good chance of winning. Farage, however, has something of a chequered history with Scotland. The most famous incident involving the 61-year-old north of the border came when he was UKIP leader in 2013. Farage attempted to host a press conference at the Canons' Gait pub on Edinburgh's Royal Mile but was set upon by protestors and eventually had to flee the scene in the back of a police car. Milkshaking hadn't been invented yet and it paled into comparison to an incident three years prior when a plane - Polish, as Farage notes in his autobiography - crashed while attempting to tow a UKIP banner and planted him head first into the ground. Still, the pub pillorying appears to have severely triggered the erstwhile reality TV star. In the immediate aftermath he described the protestors as "fascist scum" and said the incident was "deeply racist" with the crowd "filled with a total and utter hatred of the English". He insisted Alex Salmond should have condemned the incident, with an SNP spokesman saying: "Nothing he says can be treated with a shred of credibility." Farage was still banging on about it a year later ahead of a rally in Glasgow, calling the SNP "the voice of anti-Englishness". Nigel Farage (Image: Newsquest) To recap then, Reform's Sarwar advert was fine but its leader being heckled in a pub is "deeply racist". Farage has also said he would be "concerned" if Romanians moved in next door to him, is "awkward" hearing foreign languages spoken on the train, that Muslims "do not subscribe to British values" and that a UKIP candidate who used the word "ch**ky" was a "rough diamond". One might suggest that comments like those are more of a factor in the protests which greet him both north and south of the border than some kind of virulent anti-English racism. Farage returned to Scotland on the eve of the independence vote - despite the No campaign urging him not to - telling voters they could not hope to achieve a "self-confident, self-governing Scotland" while part of the European Union. Whether this late intervention had any bearing on the no vote is dubious, but the UKIP leader was soon back campaigning for his pet political project. In April 2016 he joined the party's Scottish leader, David Coburn, at a Grassroots Out meeting in Glasgow and was greeted with protestors blasting 'YMCA' by The Village People. The song has since been adopted by Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, and Farage was spotted singing it at a £25k per head champagne party in London in January. Of the musical protest he said: "It's a deliberate attempt by the so-called nationalists to close down genuine, open proper political debate in this country". Journalists attending the event were told they wouldn't be allowed re-entry if they deigned to speak to the protestors. The event saw the launch of UKIP's manifesto for the 2016 Holyrood election, which included a pledge to allow smoking in pubs again and raise the drink driving limit. The party stood in every regional seat and managed 2% of the vote though, of course, Farage got his wish in the Brexit referendum the following month as, on June 23, 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU. His appeal remained more selective in Scotland, though, which voted by 62% to remain. Having voted to leave the European Union, the country and its political parties couldn't quite work out exactly that that meant. David Cameron resigned the morning after the vote and, like a dog actually catching the car it's chasing, the Brexiteer wing of the Conservative Party appeared to have very little plan for what they'd do next. With deadlock in parliament, Farage - who had left UKIP in December 2018 - launched the Brexit Party on January 20, 2019. In May of that year he was back in Scotland, telling a rally in Edinburgh: "You cannot be independent if you're governed from the European Court of Justice. You cannot be independent if you're in the EU's customs union and single market. You cannot be independent if you're governed by Monsieur Barnier and Mr Juncker. "Unless we get Brexit, you cannot really have an intelligent debate about Scotland's future. "Actually, what you ought to do folks, is at this election lend your votes to the Brexit Party. Let's get out of the European Union and then have an honest debate about the future of Scotland." That appeared to represent a slight softening of his position on the constitution, though he noted that another vote "shouldn't happen for a very long time". The speech came during campaigning for the 2019 European Parliament election in which the Brexit Party would take 30% of the vote nationwide but only just under half that in Scotland. That campaign also gave birth to the phenomenon of 'milkshaking' right wing politicians and activists. Nigel Farage covered in milkshake Tommy Robinson was doused in dairy twice in two days while running as an independent candidate, while Farage was hit with a £5.25 Five Guys banana and salted caramel number while on the trail in Newcastle. At his campaign stop in Edinburgh a few days later a nearby McDonald's had a sign in the window advising: "We will not be selling milkshakes or ice creams tonight. This is due to a police request given recent events.' Rival chain Burger King wrote on Twitter: "Dear people of Scotland. We're selling milkshakes all weekend. Have fun. Love BK #justsaying" before clarifying "we'd never endorse violence - or wasting our delicious milkshakes!". The switch from the noble British tradition of egging politicians was probably due to it being a lot easier to explain why you're walking around with a milkshake than a dozen eggs, with the yolky protest dating back to at least 1830s given it was described in George Eliot's Middlemarch. Figures from across the political spectrum including Nick Griffin, George Galloway, Ed Miliband, and Farage himself have been given an egging, though only John Prescott responded with a right hook. It's fair to say, then, that up until now Farage hasn't really understood Scotland and Scotland hasn't understood Farage. That could all change in a few days. The Reform leader is sure to come to North Lanarkshire with a big security team in tow - there are, after all, several ice cream shops in Hamilton.
The Herald Scotland
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
SNP has betrayed voters - no wonder Reform is on the march in Scotland
As the referendum campaign entered its final weeks I travelled extensively throughout Scotland and began to sense a dynamic in our towns and villages that seemed to have been overlooked by Yes strategists. As the opinion polls crept up from a starting point of around 27% in favour of Yes and moved into the high 30s and mid-40s, the inconvenience was easily buried. Read more The truth that dare not speak its name in ardent Yes society was this: that a large percentage of Scots were quite happy to belong to the Union and harboured deep feelings of affection about England and the English. What's more: they considered themselves to be as fiercely proud of their Scottishness as the most fervent nationalist. This simply didn't compute at Yes HQ. What if people just liked the Union for its own sake and for what it seemed to represent to them: peace, stability, permanence, yet still permitting badinage and nationalistic tomfoolery around the big sporting occasions? It was unlikely, given the intensity of the emotional excursions and alarums around September, 2014, that these people would be out and proud about this. Alex Salmond seemed to recognise this too (though somewhat late in the day) when he delivered a speech in Cromarty about the social, cultural and political unions that would always bind Scotland and England in a fraternal embrace. Certainly, support for Scottish independence has more or less held up since 2014. It could hardly have failed to: not when you consider the Boris Johnson years and extreme Brexit and Jacob Rees Mogg and the obscene get-rich-quick Covid schemes that operated for friends and families of Tory grandees. And then, even when it seemed that the SNP would inevitably lose Holyrood to Labour in 2026, along came a windfall named Sir Keir Starmer, a man so shallow and insincere that he makes John Swinney look principled. Two questions remain for those who still think independence is a possibility in the next ten years or so: how many of those quiet Scottish No voters have become even more attached to the Union. And to what extent have their numbers been augmented by Scottish nationalists sickened by the way their party has been hollowed out by an ugly and vicious cartel of special interest groups hell-bent on cancelling women arguing for their sex-based rights? SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney (Image: free) Even a cursory glance at social media reveals that many could scarce forbear to shout 'three cheers for the Union' when first the UK Tories activated the Section 35 provision to thwart self-ID and then again when the UK Supreme Court ruled in favour of biological reality for the purposes of the 2010 Equality Act. We may get an answer to these questions if Reform UK, lacking even a Scottish figurehead, occupies either of the top two places at next week's Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by election. The disgusting race-baiting that's featured in Reform's attacks on Anas Sarwar should alert those tempted to vote for this deeply unpleasant party. It's reasonable to ask why decent people might consider voting for them. An even more pressing question arises, though. What does it say about Scotland's counterfeit Left that large sections of the working-class seem intent on doing just that? John Swinney already seems to have read the runes. In one of several rambling, incoherent interviews, the First Minister – under probing by BBC Scotland's excellent Martin Geissler – tried to explain what a 'compelling and demonstrable demonstration of support for independence' looks like. Mr Swinney said it would be something like the numbers in the run-up to the 1997 election in Scotland, when there was 'demonstrable, clear consensus of opinion that Scotland should have its own parliament within the United Kingdom'. In other words, 74%. I've long suspected that the SNP in the Sturgeon/Yousaf/Swinney era has been duping its support base. This confirmed it. A few days later, Michael Gove could scarcely wipe the smirk from his face when he said that he agreed with Mr Swinney that another referendum might happen if there was 'an overwhelming desire on the part of the Scottish people for one'. Effectively, he was saying: 'my job here is done'. And neither he, nor his Unionist chums even had to lift a finger to make it happen. All of the heavy lifting has been done by the SNP who surrendered independence to their malevolent little identity parade. Such has been the chaos engulfing Scottish and UK politics in the last 12 months that it's been claimed that Nigel Farage may yet be the man to keep the dream of independence alive. Another suspect narrative attaches to this: that if he were to lead Reform UK into Downing Street then surely all reasonable, liberal and thoughtful Scots would have no other option than to vote for independence to disassociate us from this riot of a party. Read more This though would be to ignore the ugly, class-baiting tendencies of the SNP in recent years in which they routinely attack working class communities for not speaking properly, for drinking too much; for eating unhealthy food, for being unfit parents; for exhibiting irresponsible attitudes to refuse collection; for their callousness in the face of Scotland's drugs death crisis. 'Find something else to moan about,' Mr Swinney spat at a Labour MSP who had attempted to question him about child homelessness, a response for which he was later forced to apologise. Elements of the deeply unpleasant nature of Reform's attacks on Anas Sarwar are present in the tide of malevolence that the SNP and Greens have directed towards decent Scottish women who have refused to be cancelled. It may be that having seen the sewer that runs beneath the SNP, the darkness at the heart of Reform doesn't scare voters so much now. The SNP have brought us to this bad, bad place in Scottish politics, no-one else. Kevin McKenna is a Herald writer and columnist. He is Scottish Feature Writer of the Year. He's fiercely proud of never having been approached by any political party or lobbying firm to do their bidding.
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Top university pledges to make curriculum more Scottish to help combat snobbery
The university has tried a range of methods to try to reduce 'snobbery' CLASS-LESS Top university pledges to make curriculum more Scottish to help combat snobbery A TOP university has pledged to "Scottish-ify" its curriculum as part of its latest effort to tackle snobbery and prejudice against Scots students. The University of Edinburgh has faced ongoing criticism following claims that Scottish students are subjected to taunts and snobbery regarding their backgrounds. 3 The University of Edinburgh has come under fire over snobbery against Scots students Credit: PA 3 The university is looking into teaching Scottishness on the curriculum Credit: Getty 3 There have been claims Scottish students have been mocked for their accents Credit: Getty The student-led Scottish Social Mobility Society has previously claimed that working-class students from Scotland are frequently patronised and ridiculed, leaving them feeling demeaned and reluctant to participate in tutorials. The society has also reported that some students are mocked for their accents, their attendance at state schools, and are shunned because of their social status. In response, university leaders have stated that Scottish identity must be "embedded" into the teaching syllabus to challenge stigma and bias surrounding accents. Professor Colm Harmon, who oversees student welfare, said that both staff and students would benefit from learning more about Caledonian culture and history. He told The Sunday Times: 'We are doing really, really good work … on decolonising the curriculum. 'We haven't given the same amount of thought to Scottish-ifying the curriculum. 'Maybe that's something we should do. "It ties back to us being proud of the contribution this university, this city, and this nation have given to the world and shouting about it more loudly, but also embedding it in the experience.' Currently, first- and second-year students at Edinburgh are offered additional credits if they complete optional courses in topics such as sustainable development, healthy eating for people and the planet, understanding gender in the contemporary world, and social responsibility. Professor Harmon continued: 'Should we think about having an additional course that expressly embraces Scottishness and Scottish culture? Kehlani dropped from Cornell University's Slope Day concert after her 'anti-Israel comments' sparked campus outrage I think that's a really exciting idea, and we should consider doing that.' The economics professor, originally from Dublin, also noted that there was a sense of 'diluted Scottishness' on campus. He added: 'Being in Edinburgh should be a deep cultural immersion in hearing lots of accents, including Scottish ones. 'If they are the meekest or quietest voices at the University of Edinburgh, then something has gone wrong.' In response to the allegations, the university has previously hosted a conference aimed at tackling 'accent snobbery.' Additionally, university leaders had issued guidance on addressing "socioeconomic microaggressions," highlighting how certain behaviours may make others feel "unwelcome" based on their financial background. The guidance offered straightforward advice to wealthier students. It read: 'Don't be a snob! 'When you meet new people, be curious about their interests and aspirations rather than their backgrounds. 'Don't assume that everyone's life or family is like yours.' 'Try to undo some of the unhelpful mythology about the relationship of wealth to intelligence or hard work.' The claims have even prompted the student union to try and recruit a widening participation officer to make working class students more welcome.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Construction worker turned kiltmaker to light up New York City catwalks
A former Ayrshire construction worker who designed the first tartan to journey into the cosmos is preparing to illuminate the catwalks of New York City. Graeme Bone, from Auchinleck, has designed and produced five outfits for the Dressed To Kilt fashion show, a highlight of New York's Tartan Week celebrations next month. Commissioned by Dressed To Kilt organiser Dr Geoffrey Scott Carroll, the designs will grace the runway on stars including Ayrshire singer and 2011 Britain's Got Talent winner, Jai McDowall. Mr Bone said the show could be a 'pivotal' point in a career that has already established him as one of Scotland's foremost tailors of Highland wear. 'Geoffrey had seen my work through online presence and from past articles and said he thought it was fantastic and really cool,' he said. 'That blew me away. It is an astounding chance for me and hopefully it could be a pivotal point in my career. 'The feeling of pride is literally inexplicable and I'm looking forward to representing myself, my brand and The King's Foundation at Tartan Week.' The 39-year-old worked in construction for 11 years before retraining in fashion, initially via a college course and later through courses run by the King's Foundation at Dumfries House. The kiltmaker now receives private commissions from international clients and is known to the King, and in 2022 he designed a tartan that became the first to go into space. However for McDowall the forthcoming show will be a celebration of the pair's home county of Ayrshire. 'I love Scotland and this is a way to connect with my Scottishness,' he said. 'With Graeme's outfits, me with my Tarbolton roots, and the Ayrshire choir Songs For All all taking part, it will be a proper celebration of Ayrshire as well. 'It will be a proud moment when we all step out to strut our stuff.' Mr Bone also reflected on the support he received as he embarked on his career change, giving particular credit to the King, whom he has kept updated as his career has blossomed. 'I find him to be an amazing man – he's so genuinely interested in giving opportunities to people who would otherwise have no access to them,' Mr Bone said. 'I'm so glad I've had the chance to be able to think bigger than myself. Being told by His Majesty that he's proud of me makes me feel like I've come further than my younger self could have ever thought possible. 'Growing up in Auchinleck, Dumfries House was just down the road. We used to fish on the river and pinch apples to make cider from the ancient orchard. 'It felt pretty surreal, years on, to be sat behind a sewing machine chatting to HRH Prince of Wales.' The fashion designer added that studying at Dumfries House equipped him with practical skills, but its 'real value has been in the doors it's opened up for me'. He went on: 'I had the chance to meet so many inspirational people from the fashion industry, which boosted my confidence and helped me focus on what my end goal could be.' Dressed To Kilt was co-founded in 2003 by Dr Carroll and the late Sir Sean Connery, and takes place in The Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York on April 5.
BBC News
04-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Exeter City boss Caldwell given two-match ban
Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has been given a two-match touchline ban and fined £2,750 after being sent off at Lincoln Grecians boss admitted a charge of improper conduct, which occured after Exeter had a 92nd-minute goal disallowed in the 0-0 draw at Sincil Bank. It is Caldwell's second suspension of the year after he was given a similar ban and fine for a red card at Wycombe Wanderers in his dismissal at Lincoln, Caldwell said he did not use bad language or run towards the fourth felt any perceived aggression towards the official could have been mistaken for his Scottish accent. "It comes across very aggressive, but I didn't swear, I didn't run, in my opinion I wasn't aggressive," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon last week. "My accent and my Scottishness is aggressive, but yeah, I got sent off for that."
