Commentary from Alex Stevenson at politics.co.uk

One politician stands out from the crowd in the final days of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi: the man who freed him.

Scottish justice minister Kenny MacAskill did not distinguish himself because of the shining oratory he displayed during his turgid 40-minute statement yesterday.

Nor did he leave his name in the history books for his painful commitment to "due process" and mind-numbing legalese.

What marked him out was the overriding personal decision to back compassion over justice in his agonising over the fate of the dying Libyan terrorist.

Today the consequences of that action are swirling around not just Scottish politics, but across Britain and the world.

It falls to journalists to assess and analyse the political fallout of these seminal events.

There's a sensitivity required when writing about the consequences of a horrifying terrorist attack in which 270 innocent people lost their lives.

These pressures are magnified hugely for our politicians, who must respond in a way which demonstrates to their electorate their human understanding of these issues.

Most have chosen to respond with a studied, simmering outrage. Critics might call this something of a default position. They would be right.

For nobody's comments have been surprising. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have piled the pressure on Scotland, to little avail. Given the comforting lead from across the Atlantic it's that little bit easier to default to reflex criticism.

David Cameron criticised MacAskill's "nonsensical thinking", calling his decision "very bad". That seems safe enough for Middle England.

The Liberal Democrats' Scottish leader Tavish Scott retreated into process, saying the justice minister had "dithered" and that "major decisions like this must be transparent". He said the verdict was "disappointing".

In London, Labour - given the opportunity to hide behind their government role - have remained tight-lipped over the Megrahi decision. But foreign secretary David Miliband used his reaction to the Libyan's "hero's welcome" in Tripoli to communicate the same tone.

Megrahi's return, he said, was "deeply distressing... for anyone who's got an ounce of humanity in them".

These responses are all predictable. They are functional. They get the job done.

They also leave MacAskill's words shining out. In making what must be the biggest decision of his political career his tone was one of humanity, not anger.

"Our beliefs dictate that justice be served but mercy be shown," he said yesterday.

"Compassion and mercy are about upholding the beliefs that we seek to live by, remaining true to our values as a people no matter the severity of the provocation or the atrocity perpetrated."

These are fine words that mark MacAskill out from the crowd. Today is about recriminations and disappointment. That was not the picture being painted by the unassuming MacAskill yesterday.

Yet underpinning all this is a fundamental truth which perhaps gives added currency to the frustration on show today.

There is something compelling about the Scottish government defying Washington and London all at once.

This was not a decision supposed to be motivated by the SNP's independence agenda, but it has given Scots an enormous feeling of what it must be like to make a real difference on the world stage.

In a narrative based on an agonising moral decision, the SNP has succeeded in demonstrating the benefits of its own freedom.

Nationalists north of the border could view this as MacAskill's biggest victory. By freeing Megrahi, he may have helped Scotland move closer to freeing itself.

Interview with the Scottish Justice Minister

I'm just back from seeing Martin taylor and his "Spirit of Django" concert.............
lovely, lovely experience, here's a wee taste

 

The shape of my life has changed completely in the past 18 months. One of the great joys in living alone is I can have music, my music, whatever I want whenever I want it. My tastes are wide and varied, I'm no expert on anything but there are bits from all over the place that I love. So I've just been watching for what's coming along, and picking off things that appeal to me.

I found Hugh Cornwall doing a solo gig in a little town hall about 3 miles from where I live. Never really thought of myself as a huge Stranglers fan, but was amazed at how many of those songs get under your skin and travel with you through the years. I may not have known them all as Stranglers tunes, but both myself and my friend who is 10 years younger could sing along to most of them. So it's not about remembering what was around when you ‘re a teenager...it's just out there....Oh for Stranglers fans, his new album is on free download here

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv-entertainment/music/2009/01/23/free-hugh-cornwall-album-download-115875-21063700/

Then I went looking for Eddi Reader tickets (more in a minute) and in the process noticed Art Garfunkel was playing in Glasgow the next night. It was about 10pm, too late to start ringing friends and persuading them they wanted to attend. So I just booked a ticket for me. One of the funny things about having been married for almost 30 years is the way I need to take a deep breath every time I come to do something alone. I'm simply out of the habit. However it seemed daft to sit at home on a Friday night, when Art Garfunkel was needing an audience. It wasn't sold out, I had seen no publicity (hmmm I've noticed this problem with Glasgow Royal Concert Hall before).
Anyway, off I went into town straight from work, did some late shopping, had dinner in a restaurant I used to frequent for lunch with colleagues years ago and off to the concert. It was amazing, fabulous sound from the band. The ghost of Paul Simon was never far away, but Art was very generous and warm in the acknowledgement he paid him throughout the evening. Just lovely. Here's a wee taste

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33aoxUeAw0E

Next was Eddi Reader.

 http://www.myspace.com/eddireader

 What can I say, this woman's talent knocks me sideways. I first saw her live a number of years ago at a "Burns and a' that" outdoor event at Culzean Castle.  The stage was set up in the grounds, the sun shone-people had been picnicking on the grass beforehand (trust me, for May in Scotland this is unusual) , The RSNO were playing with various artists on the programme. Karen Matheson sang-perfectly as she always does.....and then Eddi came on. From the second she opened her mouth she had the audience with her. Such a presence, and of course the sun was setting, we were in the gardens, the castle walls were floodlit in pink, it was beautiful. The night's finale was the orchestra doung the 1812, complete with fireworks. This wasn't a band playing a song, it was a team of expert craftsmen and women creating a living tapestry, a work of art.  Anyway, enough of the reminiscences.....Eddi's Glasgow Concert in November launching her lovely new album " Love is the way" was the treat I knew it would be. The title track is a DeclanORourke song. He's an Irish musician that is reputed to have met Eddi in a Dublin bar and sang her his song Galileo.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8yEnu9_SGc

He was her support act on her previous tour and they each did their versions of this song. This time the support act was Lucy Wainwright, one of the dynasty who had apparently been teaching till the year before. Hmm sometimes it's wise not to give up the day job..............

January is Celtic Connections time in Glasgow. This year was a bit special, being Burns' 250^th birthday and also designated as Scotland's Year of Homecoming, a sort of government / tourist initiative reaching out to expat Scots around the world. One of main events was the "Auld Lang Syne" Concert, with Eddi Reader,

Michael Marra, http://www.myspace.com/michaelmarra

Karen Matheson, http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=11373737

Capercaillie, karen's band  http://www.myspace.com/capercaillieuk

 Dougie MacLean, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z-IZ2FDGBY

Karine Polwart, http://www.myspace.com/karinepolwart

James Grant. Here's his tribute to John Martyn  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQ4F2cKeJU

 Emily Smith. http://www.myspace.com/emilysmithband

There are clips here but I'm not sure they can be viewed outside the UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/music/celticconnections/2009/auld_lang_syne/

What a treat that weekend was, the next night we had front row seats at Dougie MacLean's gig. He just gets better as he ages.  One of my favourite memories was when he had the Taybank Hotel in Dunkeld. He would come in, pick up a guitar or fiddle and just make music with whoever was there. The night I remember, there was a party in the hotel on the corner of the street in town for a wedding and they had a classical violinist in their group who was persuaded to join in the fun. Oh and the landlady from the local B&B sang like an angel.

Bob Dylan was last night. I've had the tickets for months.  My sister in law came with me, it was her birthday last week. Last year I took her to the Hugh Cornwall gig, so I guess that's how this train of thought got started. We were talking about that a few weeks ago and she was saying how much she enjoyed it. I said "Oh I can do better" and produced the Dylan tickets. I thought I was going to have call the paramedics, couldn't have asked for a better reaction! So last night I got to see Bob Dylan. He was small and far away, no big screens, but I could see him, and anyway the voice is still unmistakeable. It wasn't quite what I expected, I'm not familiar with his new stuff, but I did love the sound and he played a few classics but to new arrangements, in the new style and that was ...wonderful, fabulous combination of old and dear tunes being refreshed.  I saw earlier there's some youtube links for one of the concerts, in Sweden about a month ago. More or less the same set

Don't think twice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wanGans8m5Q

Blowin in the wind..........he ended with this, I love it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo9mt1vrG6A&feature=related

Like a rolling stone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFQkaz5HYso

All along the watchtower
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjr5l5_ztOE&feature=related

So I guess I'm just feeling chilled, and grateful for all the music that has travelled with me, from the first Status Quo gig (come on, we're all allowed to have been young once), to Bob Marley in the Summer of 81, unforgettable as it truly was, we never knew then that we'd never have another opportunity, he died a few months later. Those memories are so precious. There were 6 of us that night and I can see a friend dancing through Glasgow afterwards wearing a traffic cone on his head as if it were yesterday. I guess I need a Bob link too, this one is for Mary W, if you're reading Mary, I know you love this too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yXRGdZdonM

Last weekend I made a journey. I've often heard about Findhorn over a period of years, but had never visited. After reading Grace and Grit it's been on my list of things to do one day. However I was wary. My last experience of community living was my little Guru following episode in the 70s that I really don't talk about much. I think that made me wary for life.

Also a couple of years ago I spent a weekend at the Samye Ling Centre, a Tibetan Buddhist retreat centre and felt an off putting feeling of being "recruited", to the extent I left a day early, knowing there was nothing there for me.

I'm a bit wary of making pronouncements on Findhorn, my over riding impression is that the time I spent there wasn't long enough to reach any conclusions, but of course people know of this place and are asking how I felt about the time there.

First the drive up was beautiful. It's only 200 miles but takes about 4 hours because of the roads. The scenery is stunning, lush green valley beyond Stirling, rolling farmland as you go towards Perth, and then the delights of Highland Perthshire, probably one of my favourite places. I love it, it makes me feel expanded and earthbound at the same time. Then on into the Highlands, the Cairngorms forming a backdrop to this wild unspoiled land. Awesome. Finally off the main road, there is still about 40 miles of smaller road, leading through a couple of small towns before reaching Findhorn. It's remote and set right on the sea.

This is a place where visitors are expected, I had a sense people were sensitive to the lost look of newcomers. People would approach and offer assistance and directions, One lady who had just arrived herself a day earlier walked with me to show me the way to where I was going.

My host was Lynn, who does bed and breakfast. I've posted some pics and hers is 012. It was lovely......now I'm not sure what I expected, but certainly I think I anticipated something a bit rough around the edges. Not the case, I would be proud to have a home this nice. Also very informal, with myself and other guests being invited to use the kitchen for tea making etc as we wished.

I was there for an Allan Combs event, the opportunity for some Integral company as well as the chance to visit Findhorn seemed too good to miss. Friday evening he gave a talk to accompany a slide show of art throughout the ages. The commentary was illustrating how different stages of consciousness were reflected in the work of each period. Fascinating stuff which required no great expertise to be enjoyed.

Saturday was a day workshop on Integral Living at Findhorn. I was a bit surprised that all the other participants lived there, given the event had been advertised, but no matter. It was a great opportunity to spend time with people talking about what mattered to them. Allan led the session very informally, in  a very conversational way but we covered a lot during the day.

I had the opportunity to have lunch with co workers in the community centre, part of the working heart of the community. People all take turns helping with practical things like clearing and washing dishes. What was lovely (and it surprises me to say this) was the way people gathered before the meal. There was nothing religious about it, just an opportunity to be present, to think about where the food had come from and be grateful for the effort that went into preparing it. Surprised, because I'd have thought my reaction would have been one of wanting to withdraw. It wasn't.

Actually the workshop sessions started the same way, with everyone taking time just to be present and focus on the purpose of being there. I have the impression this is something that is part of most activities and it occurs to me could be easily incorporated in almost any lifestyle. I found myself wondering how much more is achieved by rushing from task to task, doing this while my mind is still on that......not much I would guess.

I'd like to go back and spend some more time there. It was open and welcoming, but not in any over the top uncomfortable way. People acknowledged it's not a community without difficulties or problems and seemed to be realistic in how those could be addressed. It feels purposeful and positive. It would be presumptuous of me to say more, maybe I will after the next visit, which will be longer.

Came, went, left a footprint

Liz

Mary W has tagged me, so I have to find 7 wierd things about me.

Hmmmmmmmmm

Need to get my thinking cap on, I am having as much trouble with this as I would with "list 7 things about yourself you think are amazing"

No doubt something will come to mind, I'm going to sit on this for a couiple of days.

Thanks Mary (I think)

Today Alex Salmond was elected First Minister of Scotland. It is the first time in the party's 73 year history that they have been in Government and quite possibly one of the best sights I have ever seen.

Since the mid 1980s I have been involved as a member in numerous campaigns in elections and by elections all over Scotland. I have frozen my arse off outside too many town halls to remember, often only to be disappouinted in the result, but we'd be there to support the candidate, win or lose.

I have been an office bearer at Branch and Constituency level over a number of years, though have not been really active at all for the past 2 or 3 years, concentrating on other things. I have attended numerous annual conferences, drafted and debated motions and had the Party Conference experience of 4 days with no sleep on several occasions!

So when the count came in and the SNP were ahead by one seat, I was thrilled. Pleased for Alex Salmond who has worked for so long for this. For John Swinney, former party leader, another who has spent his whole adult life working for Independence, he's now Finance Minister. For Nicola Sturgeon who finally took Glasgow Govan from the Labour MSP who refused time and again to give up his better paying other job to serve his constituency. Oh the list goes on, we're a small country, the list of MSPs reads like old acquaintances.

Most of all proud of all the hundreds of members who turned out time after time to work all year round to build the result we finally got, and sadness too, for those who didn't live to see it. Thoughts of Margaret Ewing, such a talent lost early to breast cancer. She did get to serve in both Parliaments, to local members who didn't get to see this, Morag and David in particular.  

I spent the weekend following the election in rural Perthshire, staying in Scotland's oldest hotel. Burns wrote a poem on the wall there, they covered it in glass and have kept it. Burns and Salmond, both nationalists and Internationalists, united by a huge love for a wee country.

No it's not Independence, but it is coming, just watch this space!

Liz

Musings on the May 3^rd debacle

On May 3^rd this year we had elections. The Scottish Executive decided we would have a BIG election-instead of just the Scottish parliament election, we would have the ballot for Local Councils on the same day. As a further complication, Local Government was to be elected using proportional Representation, with a Single Transeferable Vote (STV).

This meant 3 ballots, using 3 systems, running at the same time. The Scottish parliament has a PR type system that means Constituency MSPs are elected by the First Past The Post system. These are supplemented by Regional Lists, where candidates selected and ranked by the various parties are allocated additional members on the basis of share of the vote. This allows some representation for smaller parties who have insufficient vote share in a single constituency.

Both Constituency and Regfional List candidates were presented in 2 lists on the same ballot paper. One vote was to be made from each list, marked with an X.

The second paper was the STV Local Council one, to be marked 1,2,3 in oeder of preference. Turnout at the last elections here was under 50%, it is in one sense understandable holding all the ballots on the same day would maximise the turnout and address the "election fatigue" caused by having Westminster, Scottish parliament and Local Council elections all held at different times. In addition, there has been lots of publicity about postal voting, also hopefully to increase turnout.

Before the first results were even in, an enquiry had been announced into the number of people whose postal ballot papers had not arrived on time. Then an announcement that fog had delayed the helicopter bringing votes from the island of Barra for the Western Isles count, so that would be delayed till Friday. Then the boat bringing votes from Arran got stuck in the Clyde Estuary, with another boat being sent out to rescue ballot papers and crew. There are allegations papers were soaked/damaged/lost before reaching the mainland. Oh and in Edinburgh, a man with a golf club attacked the boxes in a polling station and damaged several......officials at the count could be seen sticking ballot papers back together with cellotape.

The new machines for electronic counting broke........in several places counting staff were sent home for the night while these were repaired. Where they did work they were slow. If the machine could not read a paper, the Returning Officer or an aide made a judgement about whether the paper was acceptable. Papers rejected by the machines were flashed up on TV screens for an opinion. This didn't seem problematic, with party agents hovering around also able to see the papers in question, all except in Airdrie and Shotts where the returning officer decided he wasn't a sharing kind of guy and excluded everyone else. That raised some more questions.

The biggest scandal of the night was by the time it was over, there were 140,000 spoiled papers. This is more than the entire vote cast in 3 constituencies. In a number of instances the number of spoiled papers was greater than the winning candidate's majority. There has been no great cry of foul from any one party, it seems unlikely the spoiled papers were discarded in any partisan way, but there has to be huge concern about the sheer volume of uncounted votes and some uncertainty about those close run results. It does seem the whole administration of the process needs to be closely examined, how could a system so comples 140,000 people couldn't understand it ever have been put in place?

Results were not clear till 6pm on Friday, 20 hours after the polls closed. However, they wre well worth waiting for, more on that later.

Liz

I have shamelessly stolen Mike's picture, it really does deserve the widest possible audience. I am sure everyone has a story on this theme.

I work in Social Services. Last week I had occasion to call a telephone company, they had disconnected the outgoing calls of someone whose bill was a bit overdue, but in doing so had cut off her emergency 24 hour alarm system. This sort of thing happens from time to time, usually it's no big deal and companies are fairly co-operative, not wishing to put someone vulnerable at risk. I only ended up dealing with it as the worker normally involved was on holiday.

The conversation went along the following lines

"I have no information this person is vulnerable"

"I am telling you now, so now you have the information"

"I have no record of an emergency alarm at this address"

"In that case I am advising you of that too"

"In any case you have to follow procedure"

"That's fine, tell me the procedure and I'll follow it"

"Speak to your local Social Services manager, they will know the procedure"

"I AM the local social services manager. I am asking you to advise me of the procedure so I can deal with this"

"If you were the local social services manager you would know the procedure"

"Could you really be any less helpful?"

"Indeed I could" And with that he hung up the phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I rang back, got a different person and it was sorted, literally in seconds, with no argument.

Liz