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Campbell out
A second Scottish Government minister has announced plans to step down at next year’s election. Communities and Local Government Secretary Aileen Campbell said she will not be standing for her Clydesdale seat at Holyrood in 2021, citing her desire to spend more time with her family. It follows the exit announcement of Scottish Brexit Secretary Michael Russell, who revealed at the beginning of the month he will also quit Holyrood at next year’s election.
“There is indeed something happening in the Scottish Government that we are not being told about. It’s almost like the SNP are having a meltdown.”
Martin Stevenson, heraldscotland.com
“Three of the MSPS standing down are at or beyond retirement age
(one is 75) and another two are women with young children. At the 2019 general election more than 10 per cent of the MPS stood down – including one in six women MPS.” Dr Douglas Mackenzie,
heraldscotland.com
“Just when another referendum is promised, one which might lead Scotland to independence, something they have all being working towards? Something is happening to have so many stand down at this time.”
Gordon Robson, heraldscotland.com
Ship shape
The shipyard at the centre of a disastrous ferry contract had “insufficient manpower” and ran out of money because it started building the vessels before their design was finished, the state-owned firm behind Calmac has insisted. Caledonian Maritime Assets said Ferguson Marine “deviated from normal shipbuilding practice by commencing fabrication before their design was settled”. In written evidence to a Holyrood inquiry, it added: “In our analysis, it was this decision that caused Ferguson to run out of money and progress upon the vessels to reach a standstill.”
“It’s hard to know who to believe but we do need a full public enquiry with everyone involved, including Nicola Sturgeon and Derek
Mackay testifying under oath. That would also ensure access to government documents relating to timing and decisions. The people of Scotland deserve to know the truth.”
Michael Kent, heraldscotland.com
“If this incompetence wasn’t costing us over £200 million so far, it would be hilarious.”
Peter Maitland, heraldscotland.com
“More questions than answers here.”
John Paterson, heraldscotland.com
Virus stops play
Scrapping sports events and shutting museums and art galleries across the UK due to coronavirus would be “premature”, Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, has said. His comments came despite the fact several Six Nations matches, including England’s clash with Italy and Ireland’s match against France, and other global sporting events are set to be postponed or played behind closed doors as a result of the outbreak.
“Why not just shut down any mass gatherings for a month. Save a more momentous ordeal later on, surely Italy is a fine example. Especially when the health service won’t be able to cope.”
Trisha Lie, Facebook
“Eminently sensible in these circumstances. All travel creates opportunities for this virus to spread. It is particularly dangerous to those with underlying health issues especially diabetes, COPD, and other illnesses and treatments that lower immunity.”
Keith Oram, heraldscotland.com
“Too often, we disregard mental wellbeing in our rush to protect physical wellbeing. We need to consider both and depriving folk of mental or cultural stimulation may not be the best move at this time”
Jim Liddell, heraldscotland.com