“Trumpism will prove rather harder to exorcise from US society. And the Democrats showed little interest in doing so.”
Opinion
“If this rattles the confidence of the public in Scotland then I can hardly blame them, and I can’t see what the option is other than (finally) honesty, full disclosure and reform.”
Robin McAlpine: Nicola Sturgeon, this is a matter of the integrity of Scotland as a nation
“If university authorities and other landlords are so complacent as to think that they can get away with it, we can only conclude it is because the Scottish Government has given them no reason to think otherwise.”
Sean Bell: The rent crisis facing students shows that society owes them more
“Food – good food – is not a luxury, and there is nothing you can do, no one you can be, that justifies being deprived of it. The matter must be put beyond question.”
Sean Bell: Food is everything
“Based on past experience, it is unlikely that those who bear some measure of responsibility for the siege of Washington will be forced to answer for it. Who or what exactly has the power to compel them into accountability?”
Sean Bell: It can’t happen here…
“The disappearance of the gradualists is also their final triumph. Aided by a frenzied media and political opposition, they have come to symbolise independence without the need to manifest any concrete support for the cause, or demonstrate any viable strategy.”
David Jamieson: The twilight and triumph of the SNP gradualists
As a year that none of us will forget approaches its end, we asked a variety of figures from around Scotland what their hopes were for 2021.
Hopes for the future: Looking ahead to 2021
“The year ahead will not be easy. It will be harder if we forget that feeling we felt in April when we overwhelmingly cared for each other, and that I sincerely hope you will feel again this festive season. But we can achieve so much more if we take that feeling with us.”
Robin McAlpine: Solidarity isn’t just for Christmas – it’s a cold, hard strategy for a better world
“Action over the next 10 years will be key and if a step change in government commitments occurs, renewables will continue to get cheaper and progress should accelerate.”
Gordon Morgan: Climate change is at last being addressed – but more action is needed
“Wouldn’t it be something truly wonderful if a piece of land with houses that were only fit for demolition was turned into a thriving community showcasing all the attributes needed to provide hope for future generations who want to make Scotland their home?”