From the Guardian today: Whooping cough might sound like a disease of the Victorian era, but according to new data from public health bodies, it is on the rise in the UK [sic]. Looking at 2023 until late November, data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed there were 1,141 suspected cases in England and Wales, compared with 450 for the same period of 2022 and 454 for that period in 2021 – about a 250% increase. Why is whooping cough increasing? Experts say it could be a hangover from restrictions during the Covid pandemic. “Social distancing and lockdown measures … Continue reading Whooping cough vaccination level safe at nearly 97% in Scotland

From Kiro News Radio yesterday: After the last attempt to build five new electric hybrid boats fell through, the state is about the start the bidding process again. The first of five new hybrid ferries was supposed to roll off the line in 2022, but the contract with long-time ferry builder Vigor, previously Todd Shipyard, fell through. Why? The bid to build the boats was double what the state expected. The contract was nixed, and here we are today running a ferry system held together by chewing gum and good intentions.  To say it’s a crisis is an understatement. That’s … Continue reading Washington – ‘a ferry system held together by chewing gum and good intentions.

A letter in the Herald today is spot-on and will, I feel sure, echo many feelings here. It did mine: Continue reading ‘Scotland’s schools are much better than they used to be’

Thanks to Kenny Anderson @Kennyaberdeen for alerting me to this: Finder Energy (ASX: FDR) has announced that modern studies have upgraded the company’s large Whitsun prospect off the UK coast [Peterhead] in the Central North Sea. A detailed subsurface interpretation of newly reprocessed Big Buzz 3D data acquired from within the company’s P2528 Seaward production licence has identified a potential oil resource of up to 150 million barrels [currently $75 per barrel]. https://smallcaps.com.au/finder-energy-potential-150-million-barrel-oil-resource-whitsun-prospect/# Scottish media reporting on this news? You know. FA! Why is the field called ‘Whitsun Prospect?’ I don’t even know what or when Whitsun is Continue reading Massive new $11 billion oil find off Peterhead Scotlandshire in ‘Whitsun prospect’

From the Otago Daily Times today: Grant Robertson has accused the Finance Minister of playing cheap politics over the escalating cost of portside infrastructure needed for KiwiRail’s new Cook Strait mega ferries. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed the potential cost to the taxpayer is now many times what the Government initially signed up to and said the situation was “deeply troubling”. “I am concerned that this blow-out reflects casual incompetence by the outgoing Government in its approach to the scoping, management and delivery of major infrastructure projects. “Our Government will be much more careful stewards of taxpayers’ money,” Willis told the New … Continue reading New Zealand Ferries and Labour Government incompetence – ‘potential cost to the taxpayer is now many times what the Government initially signed up to’

From BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight today: Isle of Wight residents slam Red Funnel ferry crossing cuts. Under new timetables from 3 January, the last Red Jet ferry to the Isle of Wight will depart from Southampton at 22:30 GMT, with the final departure from West Cowes changing to 23:05. Red Funnel blamed the decision on reduced passenger demand. Isle of Wight residents have argued earlier crossings meant those hoping to attend concerts on the mainland would no longer be able to get home. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-67635947 There is no mention of any government nor of any politician in the above … Continue reading Isle of Wight residents slam ferry crossing cuts as government-subsidised company makes £12 million in profits and pays £8 million in dividends

Anonymous The unchallenged assertion that high earners will leave if income tax levels are raised has been shown to be a lie. It is not a factor which unduly influences high earners who have their principal home in Scotland. Because their main home is here they also get the common benefits that every other citizen is entitled to, including free higher education. They also have friends and family here and social links. In addition, often a fair amount of the money they receive is not ‘income’ that is subject to ‘income’ tax. They have financial advisers who specialise in tax … Continue reading The unchallenged assertion that high earners will leave if income tax levels are raised has been shown to be a lie