Professor John Robertson OBA
Above how BBC Scotland reported on developmental delays in toddlers during the pandemic.
The Scotsman however, had:
That’s a clear lie and it’s not qualified, and at that only very very slightly until the 7th paragraph when we see ‘associated with’ as opposed to ’caused:
Unless the reporter is thick-as-a-brick, what is the Scotsman’s agenda here? To join the pile-on demonising of Nicola Sturgeon in the Covid inquiry process?
Was it hard to understand the University of Edinburgh news release?
Covid lockdown linked to child development issues – Lockdown and social distancing measures during the Covid-19 pandemic were associated with increased developmental concerns about young children in Scotland, research suggests. The team added that although the study provides evidence of an association between lockdown measures and developmental concerns in young children, it is important to note that the influence of other factors occurring at the same time cannot be ruled out.
https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/covid-lockdown-linked-to-child-development-issues
What other factors? UK Government austerity policies?
Yes, in Scotland, austerity pressures—stemming from UK-wide fiscal constraints, post-pandemic recovery challenges, and the cost-of-living crisis—have indeed intensified during the 2020–2025 period, creating an “austerity-like” squeeze on early childhood services. While the Scottish Government has pursued progressive policies like expanding funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) to 1,140 hours per year for 3- and 4-year-olds (and eligible 2-year-olds), real-terms funding has often failed to keep pace with inflation, workforce costs, and rising demand. This has led to fragility in the sector, exacerbating risks for toddler developmental delays by limiting access to high-quality early intervention and support.
Stagnant or Declining Real-Terms Funding for ELC and Early Years – The Scottish Budget for 2025–26 allocates nearly £1 billion to ELC, including £16 million extra for a £12/hour minimum wage for childcare workers from April 2024. However, overall early years spending has faced sustained pressures from austerity, with the block grant from Westminster growing only ~1% in real terms from 2024–25 to 2025–26.
Sources at: https://x.com/i/grok?conversation=1993636131921961244
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
Catriona Stewart is a pretty good journalist who writes nuanced pieces, so, I guess there is a petty editorial agenda at play
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They often say they didn’t write the header but that’s no excuse as she repeats the inaccuracy throughout
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I live in a pre 1900 tenement block with 60 flats and around 170 residents of all ages. Many years ago the residents created a large common backcourt by demolishing middens, wash houses and walls and landscaping it with seating, drying areas and play space.
During lockdown, residents could socialise but remain physically distant. The children could play together. During the first wave, only two residents caught COVID. Both were doctors and they are sure they were infected in hospital as they did their work.
Being able to socialise was good for the young people of all ages. They got their on line lessons, but also got meeting pals and getting exercise.
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Source is grok? Suddenly wish I hadn’t read this and used braincells
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I wrote the words
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I haven’t read The Scotsman in twenty years or more. The rot started under Andrew Neil’s management and the paper has spiralled downhill ever since, editorially and financially. So I won’t try to read the article, whether accessible or paywalled.
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It once was a “paper of record”, meaning it was exact and accurate in its journalistic content.
Now it’s a British nationalist propaganda gutter rag. It could be described as a comic, except it’s not funny.
A tragedy for Scotland.
gavinochiltree
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