Alec Ross
@lochansmill.bsky.social
Owner Director of Biocell Agri Ltd. Living in the bonny Rhins of Galloway. Golf, curling, football. Freedom and whisky gang thegither.
Reposted by Alec Ross
Since the Ryder Cup, a number of friends who are not golfers or golf fans like me have asked me why the ugly scenes at Bethpage happened....
When did we stop being nice? theorkneynews.scot/2025/10/04/w...
When did we stop being nice? theorkneynews.scot/2025/10/04/w...
When did we stop being nice?
Many years before the recent Ryder Cup match in New York last week, I was watching the golf tournament on the television. As always in those days, the commentator was the late, great Peter Alliss. …
theorkneynews.scot
October 4, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Since the Ryder Cup, a number of friends who are not golfers or golf fans like me have asked me why the ugly scenes at Bethpage happened....
When did we stop being nice? theorkneynews.scot/2025/10/04/w...
When did we stop being nice? theorkneynews.scot/2025/10/04/w...
Reposted by Alec Ross
“…One possible scenario outlined was […] Reform win at a canter in England, & Farage becomes Prime Minister. What possible legitimacy would such a government have to impose its agenda north? And what would that mean for devolution?”
@lochansmill.bsky.social
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.social
@lochansmill.bsky.social
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.social
Home truths, where is Scotland after 26 years of devolution?
With the Holyrood election approaching fast, Scotland’s political presence and future is examined at the Kirkcudbright Festival
bylines.scot
September 19, 2025 at 7:03 AM
“…One possible scenario outlined was […] Reform win at a canter in England, & Farage becomes Prime Minister. What possible legitimacy would such a government have to impose its agenda north? And what would that mean for devolution?”
@lochansmill.bsky.social
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.social
@lochansmill.bsky.social
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.social
Reposted by Alec Ross
"Scotland needs to show the world what it is, because we won't get a second chance." theorkneynews.scot/2025/09/17/s...
“Scotland needs to show the world what it is, because we won’t get a second chance.”
At the Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival last week, I chaired a discussion on Scotland’s constitutional status and possible direction, twenty-six years since devolution, with the writer and broadcaster…
theorkneynews.scot
September 17, 2025 at 6:03 PM
"Scotland needs to show the world what it is, because we won't get a second chance." theorkneynews.scot/2025/09/17/s...
Reposted by Alec Ross
The publication of Nicola Sturgeon's 'Frankly' has seen the usual division into opposing camps of admirers & detractors. Isn't it time for a more nuanced assessment of her leadership & period as FM? My thoughts on Bella Caledonia. #NicolaSturgeon
bellacaledonia.org.uk/2025/08/15/l...
bellacaledonia.org.uk/2025/08/15/l...
Lonely at the Top: Sturgeon, Leadership and Regrets
A Feature Review of Nicola Sturgeon, Frankly, Macmillan £28 by Gerry Hassan. Frankly is a major political occasion which has got people talking and taking sides – either defending or defenestrating…
bellacaledonia.org.uk
August 15, 2025 at 8:16 PM
The publication of Nicola Sturgeon's 'Frankly' has seen the usual division into opposing camps of admirers & detractors. Isn't it time for a more nuanced assessment of her leadership & period as FM? My thoughts on Bella Caledonia. #NicolaSturgeon
bellacaledonia.org.uk/2025/08/15/l...
bellacaledonia.org.uk/2025/08/15/l...
Reposted by Alec Ross
"I suggested to him that while the former First Minister’s personal thoughts and fears came across as entirely human and genuine, and they are, perhaps it was far too early for her to try to defend a legacy that will take years to determine."
The End of the Affair theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/14/t...
The End of the Affair theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/14/t...
The End of the Affair
Yesterday, I had lunch and a blether with a journalist who is about to complete a review of the Nicola Sturgeon memoir, “Frankly”. I have to say it was refreshing to hear the kind of honest and emp…
theorkneynews.scot
August 14, 2025 at 12:13 PM
"I suggested to him that while the former First Minister’s personal thoughts and fears came across as entirely human and genuine, and they are, perhaps it was far too early for her to try to defend a legacy that will take years to determine."
The End of the Affair theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/14/t...
The End of the Affair theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/14/t...
Reposted by Alec Ross
With First Minister John Swinney about to embark on a tour of Scotland to roll out yet another relaunch of an independence strategy, it feels like an important moment to reflect on Scotland’s constitutional journey.
Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/05/f...
Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/05/f...
Field of Dreams
With First Minister John Swinney about to embark on a tour of Scotland (including my own area of Dumfries and Galloway) to roll out yet another relaunch of an independence strategy, it feels like a…
theorkneynews.scot
August 5, 2025 at 10:25 AM
With First Minister John Swinney about to embark on a tour of Scotland to roll out yet another relaunch of an independence strategy, it feels like an important moment to reflect on Scotland’s constitutional journey.
Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/05/f...
Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/08/05/f...
Reposted by Alec Ross
How will Scotland greet the US President? | Alec Ross
Trump – a known visitor to Scottish shores
How will Scotland greet the US President?
bylines.scot
July 22, 2025 at 6:52 PM
How will Scotland greet the US President? | Alec Ross
Reposted by Alec Ross
Return of a Crass Act theorkneynews.scot/2025/07/21/r...
Return of a Crass Act
When I was eleven years old, Pope John Paul II visited Glasgow. I remember it being a big deal at the time, and massive crowds came to hear him preach, but the thing that sticks in my mind was the …
theorkneynews.scot
July 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Return of a Crass Act theorkneynews.scot/2025/07/21/r...
Reposted by Alec Ross
A niche one maybe, but I’ve been watching the golf from America – goodness me, it’s brilliant – and reflecting on the latest Rory controversy.
In Praise of Rory theorkneynews.scot/2025/06/14/i...
In Praise of Rory theorkneynews.scot/2025/06/14/i...
In Praise of Rory
A niche one maybe, but I’ve been watching the golf from America – goodness me, it’s brilliant – and reflecting on the latest Rory controversy. Here’s the thing. Throwing your clubs arou…
theorkneynews.scot
June 14, 2025 at 7:28 PM
A niche one maybe, but I’ve been watching the golf from America – goodness me, it’s brilliant – and reflecting on the latest Rory controversy.
In Praise of Rory theorkneynews.scot/2025/06/14/i...
In Praise of Rory theorkneynews.scot/2025/06/14/i...
Reposted by Alec Ross
Reform’s success is notable, but Scotland must confront its longstanding democratic deficit, preceding Nigel Farage’s influence | Alec Ross
Scotland’s democratic deficit – moving the needle
Reform’s success is notable, but Scotland must confront its longstanding democratic deficit, preceding Nigel Farage’s influence
bylines.scot
May 12, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Reform’s success is notable, but Scotland must confront its longstanding democratic deficit, preceding Nigel Farage’s influence | Alec Ross
Reposted by Alec Ross
There’s a story told about a speech at the Conservative Party conference in the early 2000s, at a time when the party was at a low ebb. New Labour was still a while away from its Iraq nemesis and had just been returned by a sizeable majority...
Moving the Needle theorkneynews.scot/2025/05/07/m...
Moving the Needle theorkneynews.scot/2025/05/07/m...
Moving the Needle
There’s a story told about a speech at the Conservative Party conference in the early 2000s, at a time when the party was at a low ebb. New Labour was still a while away from its Iraq nemesis and h…
theorkneynews.scot
May 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
There’s a story told about a speech at the Conservative Party conference in the early 2000s, at a time when the party was at a low ebb. New Labour was still a while away from its Iraq nemesis and had just been returned by a sizeable majority...
Moving the Needle theorkneynews.scot/2025/05/07/m...
Moving the Needle theorkneynews.scot/2025/05/07/m...
Reposted by Alec Ross
Who in truth has heard of Alexander Watson Hutton? And yet Argentina recently played an entire top division season with footballs emblazoned with saltires, in homage to the Scotsman who effectively brought the beautiful game to their homeland.
Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/04/26/f...
Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/04/26/f...
Field of Dreams
Who in truth has heard of Alexander Watson Hutton? And yet Argentina – the football mad country of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi – recently played an entire top division season with f…
theorkneynews.scot
April 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Who in truth has heard of Alexander Watson Hutton? And yet Argentina recently played an entire top division season with footballs emblazoned with saltires, in homage to the Scotsman who effectively brought the beautiful game to their homeland.
Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/04/26/f...
Field of Dreams theorkneynews.scot/2025/04/26/f...
Reposted by Alec Ross
That was the question addressed by the writer Gerry Hassan in his Bella Caledonia article earlier this week (After Sturgeon & “Sturgeonism”: facing up to the undemocracy of Scotland).
Stands Scotland where it did? theorkneynews.scot/2025/03/26/s...
Stands Scotland where it did? theorkneynews.scot/2025/03/26/s...
Stands Scotland where it did?
That was the question addressed by the writer Gerry Hassan in his Bella Caledonia article earlier this week (After Sturgeon & “Sturgeonism”: facing up to the undemocracy of Scotland). Tackling …
theorkneynews.scot
March 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
That was the question addressed by the writer Gerry Hassan in his Bella Caledonia article earlier this week (After Sturgeon & “Sturgeonism”: facing up to the undemocracy of Scotland).
Stands Scotland where it did? theorkneynews.scot/2025/03/26/s...
Stands Scotland where it did? theorkneynews.scot/2025/03/26/s...
Reposted by Alec Ross
After the SNP era of Nicola Sturgeon, Sturgeonism & conclusion of Branchform what is the legacy of Sturgeon & Sturgeonism for the SNP, indy & Scotland? And what is the bigger picture & state of democracy in Scotland? My thoughts at @bellacaledonia.bsky.social bellacaledonia.org.uk/2025/03/25/a...
After Sturgeon and ‘Sturgeonism’: Facing Up to the Undemocracy of Scotland
The past week has seen the end of a monumental era of Scottish politics: of Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP and of ‘Sturgeonism’. This has generated a welter of instant commentary as expected but with much o…
bellacaledonia.org.uk
March 25, 2025 at 5:43 PM
After the SNP era of Nicola Sturgeon, Sturgeonism & conclusion of Branchform what is the legacy of Sturgeon & Sturgeonism for the SNP, indy & Scotland? And what is the bigger picture & state of democracy in Scotland? My thoughts at @bellacaledonia.bsky.social bellacaledonia.org.uk/2025/03/25/a...
What a podcast. And what a song.
The soundtrack for this week's @empirepoduk.bsky.social
episode on the Great Hunger and the mass emigration of the Irish which followed:
Thousands are Sailing by The Pogues
youtu.be/swQNNjXztsI?...
episode on the Great Hunger and the mass emigration of the Irish which followed:
Thousands are Sailing by The Pogues
youtu.be/swQNNjXztsI?...
Thousands Are Sailing
YouTube video by The Pogues - Topic
youtu.be
March 17, 2025 at 9:03 AM
What a podcast. And what a song.
Reposted by Alec Ross
FT | EF 0-3 STR
Dean Hawkshaw’s converted penalty is followed up by a Deryn Lang double, as we keep a clean sheet and take all three points in the Methil sunshine.
We return to the Eco Gen Stadium next Saturday, when we welcome Forfar Athletic to town.
#StickingTogether 🫶🏻 | #MONBLU 💙
Dean Hawkshaw’s converted penalty is followed up by a Deryn Lang double, as we keep a clean sheet and take all three points in the Methil sunshine.
We return to the Eco Gen Stadium next Saturday, when we welcome Forfar Athletic to town.
#StickingTogether 🫶🏻 | #MONBLU 💙
March 15, 2025 at 4:55 PM
FT | EF 0-3 STR
Dean Hawkshaw’s converted penalty is followed up by a Deryn Lang double, as we keep a clean sheet and take all three points in the Methil sunshine.
We return to the Eco Gen Stadium next Saturday, when we welcome Forfar Athletic to town.
#StickingTogether 🫶🏻 | #MONBLU 💙
Dean Hawkshaw’s converted penalty is followed up by a Deryn Lang double, as we keep a clean sheet and take all three points in the Methil sunshine.
We return to the Eco Gen Stadium next Saturday, when we welcome Forfar Athletic to town.
#StickingTogether 🫶🏻 | #MONBLU 💙
Reposted by Alec Ross
"Independence is always better than dependence". It absolutely is which is why our neighbours are proudly independent and able to focus 100% on growing their economies and lifting living standards. Time to throw off WM's shackles, Scotland🏴
March 15, 2025 at 5:25 PM
"Independence is always better than dependence". It absolutely is which is why our neighbours are proudly independent and able to focus 100% on growing their economies and lifting living standards. Time to throw off WM's shackles, Scotland🏴
Reposted by Alec Ross
Starmer and Charles #NotMyKing have offered Trump a visit to Scotland ahead of a state visit to the UK. Our country is being whored out.
www.thenational.scot/news/2497036...
www.thenational.scot/news/2497036...
The King invites Donald Trump to Balmoral ahead of 'even better' UK visit
DONALD Trump has been invited to the King's estate in Scotland to discuss the plans for an "even better" state UK visit
www.thenational.scot
February 27, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Starmer and Charles #NotMyKing have offered Trump a visit to Scotland ahead of a state visit to the UK. Our country is being whored out.
www.thenational.scot/news/2497036...
www.thenational.scot/news/2497036...
Huge three points for les bleus.
Magnifique #monblu
Magnifique #monblu
Matty Grant’s wonder goal and a gutsy team performance earn the Blues an important home win 🤩
Commentary by Laurence Nelson and Brian Martin 🎙️
Commentary by Laurence Nelson and Brian Martin 🎙️
Highlights | Stranraer 1-0 Elgin City, 15 February 2025
YouTube video by Stranraer FC
www.youtube.com
February 16, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Huge three points for les bleus.
Magnifique #monblu
Magnifique #monblu
Reposted by Alec Ross
"It's their team as much as it's my team."
Loved Michael Carrick as a player, love his approach to coaching. About unlocking potential and getting players to express themselves. Boro are playing lovely stuff and are on the up. He's doing brilliantly.
www.thetimes.com/article/b9fb...
Loved Michael Carrick as a player, love his approach to coaching. About unlocking potential and getting players to express themselves. Boro are playing lovely stuff and are on the up. He's doing brilliantly.
www.thetimes.com/article/b9fb...
Michael Carrick: Alex Ferguson taught me players can need less coaching
Middlesbrough head coach on developing players, getting his Championship team to be exciting and how British managers can reach the top
www.thetimes.com
November 24, 2024 at 9:22 AM
"It's their team as much as it's my team."
Loved Michael Carrick as a player, love his approach to coaching. About unlocking potential and getting players to express themselves. Boro are playing lovely stuff and are on the up. He's doing brilliantly.
www.thetimes.com/article/b9fb...
Loved Michael Carrick as a player, love his approach to coaching. About unlocking potential and getting players to express themselves. Boro are playing lovely stuff and are on the up. He's doing brilliantly.
www.thetimes.com/article/b9fb...
Reposted by Alec Ross
His support for Israel right from the start, brings him into question.
They are not alone in keeping silent about this.
@carolvorderman.bsky.social
www.thenational.scot/news/2474404...
@carolvorderman.bsky.social
www.thenational.scot/news/2474404...
Keir Starmer shamed for continued silence on Netanyahu's ICC arrest warrant
KEIR Starmer has been shamed for remaining silent on the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu ...
www.thenational.scot
November 24, 2024 at 8:40 AM
His support for Israel right from the start, brings him into question.
This is a fabulous piece of writing.
November 24, 2024 at 5:44 PM
This is a fabulous piece of writing.
I remember a political sketchwriter saying that when it came to commenting on politics it was important to have a long memory. Where was this guy’s solidarity with farming during the last decade?
The politician who has waged war on farming for the past decade & who has advocated a slashing of public support to farmers: Nigel Farage stands at today's #FarmingRally. Where were the framing protests against Farage's hard Brexit?
November 19, 2024 at 7:08 PM
I remember a political sketchwriter saying that when it came to commenting on politics it was important to have a long memory. Where was this guy’s solidarity with farming during the last decade?