Author: johnrobertson834
Retired Professor of Media Politics
Not-for-profit independent political analysis
As Telegraph readers splurt into in their cornflakes this morning
Fantastic news as Telegraph accurately predicts its readers with second homes in Scotland WILL face uncapped tax rises of up to 500%
In the Telegraph yesterday, the above and: They were not wrong. Back in September last year, they had: Scotland plots uncapped council tax rises for second home owners – Green Party’s ‘pile on the costs’ proposal will be ‘gold standard’ for tackling homelessness. Councils in Scotland are poised to be granted powers to penalise second home owners with uncapped council tax premiums. ‘Plots’ not ‘plans?’ On the Second Homes Tax, I know, based on the evidence that matters, access to a decent home for local people on moderate incomes, it is a good thing and the more it has effect the … Continue reading Fantastic news as Telegraph accurately predicts its readers with second homes in Scotland WILL face uncapped tax rises of up to 500%
Reposted as we head for the line
Why Labour and others are wrong in seeking to merge CalMac and CMAL, why Norway does not compare and how the current system protects the islanders from the harsh economies they would face
The initial decision to separate ownership/procurement (CMAL) from operations (CalMac) in 2006, by Jack McConnell and Douglas Alexander, was based on the notion that it can create better incentives for efficiency and performance while allowing the public sector to retain strategic control over fares, service standards, routes, quality, and subsidies, to protect islanders. Contrary to the media frenzy driven largely by an inarticulate, evidence-free, media-constructed popular culture and/or explicit opposition party opportunism, it has worked to protect islanders. While some have insisted on comparison only with Norway, $2 trillion in the bank and full independence, while Scotland, one hand tied … Continue reading Why Labour and others are wrong in seeking to merge CalMac and CMAL, why Norway does not compare and how the current system protects the islanders from the harsh economies they would face
Massive fall in numbers waiting in A&E in Scotland in February including 24% drop in 12 hour waits
From Accident and emergency Accredited official statistics, published today, for Type 1 emergency departments, in February 2026: These are dramatic falls in one month. Continue reading Massive fall in numbers waiting in A&E in Scotland in February including 24% drop in 12 hour waits
Scotland’s world-first opioid overdose reversal programme kits being issued in ever greater numbers to fight the effects of the plague of English drug gangs with cheaper more powerful forms backed by extreme violence and to reduce the load in hospitals
From National naloxone programme Scotland – Quarterly monitoring bulletin Quarterly Monitoring Bulletin July to September (Q2) 2025/26, published today, the above, and: This release by Public Health Scotland (PHS) presents information on the number of take-home naloxone kits issued by the National Naloxone Programme (NNP) in Scotland (1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025). Figures are presented separately for kits issued from community-based services (mainly specialist drug treatment and non-drug treatment services), kits issued in prisons at the point of liberation, kits dispensed via community prescription, and kits issued by Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). Accidental overdose is a common cause … Continue reading Scotland’s world-first opioid overdose reversal programme kits being issued in ever greater numbers to fight the effects of the plague of English drug gangs with cheaper more powerful forms backed by extreme violence and to reduce the load in hospitals
NHS Scotland carries out 20 000 more operations in the last 12 months with nearly 98% completed as planned
From Public Health Scotland‘s Cancelled planned operations Month ending 28 February 2026, published today, the above, and: There were 25,520 operations planned to take place across NHS Scotland. This is 6.7% higher (+1,595) than the number planned in February 2025 (23,925). Over the course of the last 12 months, from March 2025 to February 2026 (304,044), there was a 6.7% increase (+19,154) compared to the previous 12 months (284,890). This reflects the post-Covid pandemic trend of generally increasing planned operations, although numbers are yet to reach those typical of the pre-pandemic period. Of all planned operations during February 2026 in … Continue reading NHS Scotland carries out 20 000 more operations in the last 12 months with nearly 98% completed as planned
The list of scandals connected to this Labour party is growing
By Liz S BBC Scotland Disclosure team catch-up three years after we disclosed Anas Sarwar backing a care home cash cow milking the tax-payer. Indeed , but did they disclose in their disclosure programme that he, Sarwar, once backed them in the past ? If not , why not ? The list of scandals connected to this Labour party is growing , yet as scandals they are not given the same treatment and attention by the BBC as they , the BBC, give to any #SNPBAD stories, be they true or false as #SNPBAD stories. Remember also this: Labour in Scotland “using … Continue reading The list of scandals connected to this Labour party is growing
In February 2026, more than 3 000 Scots were treated on time in Type 1 A&E units, who would not have been in NHS England
From Public Health Scotland’s Accident and Emergency: Accredited Official Statistics, published today, NHS Scotland’s Type 1 emergency departments (full, consultant led) treated 62.4% of those attending in February 2026, within the target time of 4 hours. https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/healthcare-system/urgent-and-unscheduled-care/accident-and-emergency/overview/ In the same period, NHS England’s, Type 1 emergency departments treated only 59.4% https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/February-2026-AE-by-provider-lopYX.xls Now some will say a difference of only 3% is insignificant but that’s 3% of Scotland’s 105 000, 3 150 people treated on time in Scotland who would not have been in England, or god forbid, Labour Wales. Try tell them they’re insignificant. It’s also around 30 000 people … Continue reading In February 2026, more than 3 000 Scots were treated on time in Type 1 A&E units, who would not have been in NHS England
Talking-up Scotland 