Fireworks fizz rather than bang as Salmond makes long awaited appearance at Holyrood
In the end, there were fireworks, though they fizzed and crackled rather than exploding.
If there is a lingering sense that Alex Salmond’s appearance before the Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government’s handling of harassment complaints seldom got out of second gear, it is perhaps because he had already aired his most extraordinary claims in advance.
In person, the former first minister eschewed the incendiary rhetoric of his written submissions, instead pursuing a methodicalassessment of what he believes to be a plot against him.
It was not without incident, if that is not an understatement whendescribinghiscallsforthe SNP’S chief executive, the permanent secretary to the Scottish Government, and the Lord Advocatetoconsidertheirpositions.
Forthemostpart,however,mr Salmond cut a subdued figure, atleastinrelationtotheforceful persona that characterised his time in public office. This was attributable in no small part to a chest infection that saw him repeatedly cough throughout proceedings, and led to proceedings being suspended at one point.
But it would be remiss not to suppose that such an approach was deliberate on the part of a man once regarded as one of Scotland’s canniest political strategists.there were flickers of animation during his evidence, not least when he railed against the idea the Scottish Government’s inquiry was “botched”, insisting: “The policy wasn’t botched. The policy was unlawful, unfair and tainted by apparent bias. Botched doesn’t cover it.”throughout the proceedings, Mr Salmond repeatedly expressed frustration at the parameters of the evidence he was allowed to set outat one point, Mr Salmond, Alex Cole-hamilton and Linda Fabiani,thecommitteeconvenor, became involved in a spirited exchange over the inquiry’s parameters, sparked by the Scottish Lib Dem MSP asking Mr Salmond if he was “sorry” for some of his “appalling” behaviour,andquestioninghim about his temper and so-called “hairdryer treatment”.
Mr Salmond expressed no remorse and offered no apology. At one point, he advised Mr Cole-hamilton that pursuing personal issues was a “dangerous road to go down”.
A bursary scheme aimed at encouraging people to train as secondary school teachers in certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) subjects is to be extended.
Up to 150 bursaries of £20,000 will be available as an incentive for people who change career to teach a subject with the greatest demand for teachers.
The specific Stem subjects eligible for the bursary are physics, chemistry, maths, computer science, technical education and home economics.
Skills Development Scotland will award the money to successful trainee teachers who will be studying for a postgraduate diploma in education (PGDE) in the next academic year.
Applications for the scheme will open on April 5.
Education Secretary John Swinney said: "The success of the scheme demonstrates that teaching is recognised as an attractive profession and I am pleased that we will once again be providing bursaries of £20,000 to career changers to support teacher training in certain Stem subjects where demand is at its greatest.
"Those that decide to apply for the bursaries will step into a rewarding and exciting new career.
"We need fresh talent that can share their passion and wealth of expertise with young people.
"Stem is an integral part of our future economic and social development, and education, training and lifelong learning have a critical role to play in enthusing and encouraging everyone to build a strong base of Stem skills and knowledge."
Paul Mcguiness, from Skills Development Scotland, said: "As we adapt to a new economic environment, there's increased focus on the support available to help people switch careers and adapt their skills and experience.
"The Stem bursary represents a huge encouragement to those considering teaching Stem subjects - helping to attract talented individuals with the knowledge, skills and talents to support the learning of our young people."
Damian Lewis is the bookie's favourite to play the Duke of Sussex in future instalments of The Crown after the royal gave the seal of approval to his potential casting.
Harry discussed the Netflix hit while joining TV host James Corden for a doubledecker bus tour of Los Angeles in a segment for The Late Late Show.
Asked by Corden who he
would like to see play him, Harry mistakenly referred to the red-headed Homeland actor as "Daniel Lewis", before
Corden corrected him and told him Lewis would be a "great shout".
Bookmaker Coral now has Lewis, 50, at 2-1 to play Harry in any future series of The Crown.
Coral spokesman John Hill said: "Prince Harry has given his approval for Damian Lewis to play him in the Crown and we can see that happening.
After a glowing reference from the Prince, Damian Lewis is now the clear favourite for the role."