Please note that this blog is no longer being updated.
Any islander will tell you that there’s something special about living beside the sea. It’s a part of life and, for many of us, a way of life. I believe our island communities know how to make the most of …
One of the huge positives from the hard-fought referendum on Scottish independence was the brilliant contribution Scotland's first-time voters - the 16 and 17-year-olds - made in deciding the future of our nation. Ever since I joined the Liberal party …
The job of Scottish Secretary takes me up and down the country, meeting charities, enterprises and businesses of all sizes. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first draw of the National Lottery yesterday, one thing in particular struck a chord …
The 2014 Commonwealth Games has been a showcase of Glasgow, Scotland and indeed Britain, at their best. Among various governments, authorities and organisations there has been a welcome laying aside of any political differences to work together in common casue and …
Recently, on the eve of the UN’s Day in Support of Victims of Torture, I was in Glasgow to deliver a speech covering current issues on human rights to members Amnesty International and to launch their Stop Torture campaign. It …
On the way to Edinburgh Airport on Monday I passed Ingliston Showground and could see tents being dismantled and trucks convoying towards the motorway. It was the aftermath of another successful Royal Highland Show. Almost 180,000 people passed through the …
For tens of thousands of people, a trip to the Royal Highland Show is an annual pilgrimage. It’s an opportunity to meet up with friends, share farming experience, find out about the latest developments in agricultural equipment, see some of …
Last week I was interviewed for the Week in Holyrood, a current affairs programme on Scottish Politics which goes out to thousands of listeners over 30 community radio stations. The focus of course was on passing the 100 days to …
For most of us, it’s impossible to imagine what it must have felt like to be in the trenches in World War One or to see colleagues killed or maimed in combat. This week I had the privilege of meeting …
