In a 360 word report, BBC Scotland finds no space to tell you that Network Rail is responsible to the UK Government only, for ‘national security reasons’ like ports and airports. Network Rail is an “arm’s length” public body of the Department for Transport with no shareholders, which reinvests its income in the railways. Network Rail’s main customers are the private train operating companies (TOCs), [such as Scotrail] responsible for passenger transport, and freight operating companies (FOCs), who provide train services on the infrastructure that the company owns and maintains.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_Rail The deaths are NOT due to any action or inaction by ScotRail or the Scottish Government. Why … Continue reading Stonehaven deaths are the responsibility only of the UK Government-run Network Rail and cost-cutting but you’d never know

From Redfield and Winton for 2-4 September: SNP – 39% Con – 16% Lab – 30 SNP lead 9% https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_next_Scottish_Parliament_election The SNP figure is up from 33% and 36% in the previous two R&W polls in early July and early August and the lead over Labour has increased from 3% and 4%. Labour is down from 32% in the previous poll and static compared to the July poll’s 30%. Con support is down from 19% and 21%. Conclusions: Labour is going nowhere and unlikely to make much progress by 2026 as Yousaf recovers and grows in reputation with range of … Continue reading SNP pulling away from Labour on Holyrood opinion polling

The Herald’s Martin Williams self-described ‘leading journalist on the issue‘ of ferry reliability even has his own newsletter dedicated to fuelling the fake ferry fiasco but when you click on the links you get under the heading SCOTLAND’s FERRIES, one story on bicycles, one on 20 minute neighbourhoods and a fight in Falkirk, one story on trains and two on air travel. Impressive start, eh? Anyhow, it’s all about the ‘breakdowns of its ageing fleet.’ There’s a problem or two here. They’re not ageing nor are they breaking down much compared to other comparable fleets. Ageing first: In terms of … Continue reading The myth of Scotland’s aging ferries and ‘Scotland’s leading you up the creek journalist on the issue’

Percentage of children in poverty, 2021/22, by country: UK – 29% Wales – 28% England – 31% Scotland – 24% Northern Ireland – 22% https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/blog/where-is-child-poverty-increasing-in-the-uk/ The Scottish Child Payment – a benefit unique to Scotland that sees every child under 16 given £25 a week in support – is making a “real difference” to food bank use in the country, a leading charity has said. The Trussell Trust, which provides emergency food parcels across the UK, said its data suggested that the payment was having a positive impact on children’s poverty rates. In England, the number of children forced to … Continue reading Anas, right now in Wales far more children are in poverty and homeless on Labour’s watch than in Scotland on the SNP’s watch

My cover letter: I wish to apply for the post of Senior Journalist (8049) Rationale: BBC Scotland News is in steep decline and requires someone with a bit of brainpower, basic honesty, and some ethical standards to save it. I look forward to meeting you. Professor John W Robertson, PhD, MEd, Dip Ed, PCCE Teaching, PGC Media Education, father of 4, dog and cat owner. Will keep readers up to date. Continue reading Senior Reporter at BBC Scotland – have just applied

The Scotsman manages to get this today: Yousaf’s vow on poverty a ‘timid step’ say charities You have to wonder who their charities are given this: The Trussell Trust Scotland: “We’re delighted to hear @HumzaYousaf urge the UK Govt to deliver an Essentials Guarantee. Our social security system should always provide enough money for people to afford #OurEssentials #PfG. By endorsing the introduction of an Essentials Guarantee, the Scottish Government has shown the ambition for ending the need for food banks that we want to see replicated in Westminster”  Living Rent: “After 7 years Scot gov has finally committed to … Continue reading Poverty – First Minister’s Programme for Government has been welcomed by key stakeholders other than the one in the Scotsman

Nowhere at all among the 40 plus reports featured on the BBC Scotland website and absent from the newspaper front pages: Angela Constance, the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for justice and home affairs said, thanked those involved in negotiations for working to achieve the deal “Our police officers perform an essential role keeping Scotland’s communities safe and this fair pay deal recognises the hard work and valuable contribution they make daily as well as this Government’s commitment to investing in policing,” she said. “Police Scotland is a vital service, which is why, despite difficult financial circumstances due to UK Government … Continue reading Only STV report Police Scotland officers accept 7% deal

In the Guardian today: Former Proud Boys leader sentenced to 22 years over US Capitol attack Sentencing of Enrique Tarrio caps one of the most significant prosecutions in the investigation into the January 6 attack The former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison on Tuesday for his part in the failed plot to keep Donald Trump in power after the 2020 election. More than 1,100 people have been charged in relation to the Capitol attack. More than 600 have been sentenced, more than half receiving prison terms. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/05/enrique-tarrio-proud-boys-sentenced-jan-6-attack There’s much to be concerned about regarding the … Continue reading ‘Now you don’t talk so loud, now you don’t seem so proud’

From BBC Tyne & Wear four days ago but nowhere on the BBC Scotland site: Skeletons found near Durham Cathedral were those of 17th Century Scottish prisoners of war, tests have revealed. Between 17 and 29 sets of remains were found in a mass grave in 2013 during work on a university library. The bodies appeared to have been tipped into ground, all jumbled together and without signs of ceremony. Following detailed study, experts from the university have dated them to 1650, and believe them to be soldiers captured during the Battle of Dunbar. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-34116842 Reading this, I was reminded … Continue reading ‘Bodies appeared to have been tipped into ground, all jumbled together and without signs of ceremony’