Category Archives: General

No Libel Without Reprisal

Posted on February 16, 2019 by

First, a heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to the fund so far to beat an apology out of the politicians and Daily Record for publishing or mouthing outrageous pulp fiction. You have my gratitude. Your support strengthens my resolve … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 3 Comments

Popular Essays – 2018

Posted on December 16, 2018 by

Gie’s a brek, pal Grouse Beater is taking a winter break. With the possible exception of reviewing the Australian born historian John Guy’s filmed version of ‘Mary Queen of Scots‘ the only reason for this site not to relax over … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Scottish Independence Referendum | 19 Comments

Too Clever By Half

Posted on November 5, 2018 by

ON BEING TOO BLOODY CLEVER BY HALF Or writing screeds on why something is not what it’s not – a satire on rushing to judgement and throwing the first stone The furore that has arisen from the unveiling of Francis Bacon’s … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 8 Comments

Cars News: Leccy Rules

Posted on April 12, 2018 by

A squint at the machinations of the car industry and why we’re all suckers for it. UK sales of new cars continue to fall markedly. There are lost of reasons for this, though I’d like to think we are getting … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Transportation | 5 Comments

Bolton’s War

Posted on March 24, 2018 by

Another demagogue “It is perfectly legitimate for the United States to respond to the current ‘necessity’ posed by North Korea’s nuclear weapons by striking first,” wrote John Bolton carelessly and with one eye on his reputation, a notorious right-wing hawk who … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 7 Comments

Car News: Bloody Cyclists

Posted on January 26, 2018 by

A weekly guide to all that’s rotten about car ownership, plus some good bits The end of the combustion engine? I think we are in a second golden age of the automobile. But this time around we might not be … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Transportation | 39 Comments

Popular Essays – 2017

Posted on December 12, 2017 by

Edinburgh’s George Street festive illuminations are attractive from a distance, a bit of a disappointment close up, like the promises made by Scotland’s opponents. A year of marking time To my mind the funniest political episode this year was the stramash over Alex … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Scottish Politics | 4 Comments