As you may already have heard, I’m planning a new pro-independence project. I’m writing a book covering some of the most important topics in the independence debate, and when the book is ready the plan is to crowdfund to raise the money to get it printed so that it can be distributed to Yes groups and local campaigners, who can then give it away for free to the public. Since my blog’s crowdfunder was so wildly successful, I will be able to devote the time and energy to this project and to treat it as a major part of my job. Please note that I am not currently crowdfunding to get the new book printed. Details of that will only be announced once the book is ready to go. I am aiming to have the new book ready for publication early next year.
This book isn’t intended to duplicate anyone else’s work. Initiatives like The Wee Blue Book or Commonweal’s How to Start a New Country have been proven to be successful. My new book will complement these works, not compete with them. Books may be old fashioned technology, but they are still capable of reaching parts of the population that the internet doesn’t reach. In particular books can reach that hard to reach older demographic who are proving most resistant to the independence message in a way that social media cannot.
One reason for doing a new book is that different writing styles and different kinds of presentation appeal to different people. The more information we get out there, the greater the variety of style and presentation, the better chance we have of covering all the bases and engaging the interest and attention of a larger number of people.
This new book will consist of a series of chapters, each of which will be at least 1000 to 2000 words long, or occasionally more. That gives plenty of scope for giving a decent introduction to a topic concerning Scottish independence for people who may not have previously considered it. And of course the book will be written in the Wee Ginger Dug’s inimitable style. There will be jokes. There will be references to obscure sci-fi, drag queens, and nasal hair. You have been warned.
As well as the book, I’ll also be working on a series of short videos together with The National’s video team. Each video will deal with a chapter in the book and will be made available online for people to share and download. So that will be another way of sharing the information that the book contains.
For the next few months I’ll be concentrating on writing the chapters for the book. I’ve already written several. At the moment, I have approximately 20,000 words collated and ready for editing. There will be at least double that word count by the time I’m finished. Once I’ve got the bones of the book together, I will send each chapter off to a recognised expert in the particular topic it deals with for revision and correction. There may be mistakes that I have made, there may be relevant information that I have forgotten to include, there may be things that I could explain more clearly. It’s important that the information and arguments in the book are as watertight as possible.
What I’d like from readers of this blog just now is ideas for topics to cover. Some very valuable suggestions have already been made. There will be chapters on the NHS, the GERS figures, pensions, anti-English sentiment, the Spanish veto myth, and more besides. I’ve already published some draft chapters on the blog, including one on currency options, another on Scotland’s resources, the border issue, and EU membership. Please note that the versions of these pieces published on the blog will not necessarily be the same as the final version that ends up in the book. Meanwhile all suggestions for other chapters are most welcome.
Although it’s early days yet, it would also be great if someone who has experience in designing and layout for books would be willing to volunteer their services. If so, please do get in touch. It’s important that this look looks attractive, that it will look exactly like a book that you would purchase in a bookshop. A nice looking book is a book that people will be more likely to share. Speaking as the man who has been called Scotland’s best dressed cybernat, I know that presentation makes a difference. Information presented in an attractive and appealing way will make more of an impact and will be better received than the exact same information presented in an unattractive or unappealing manner.
The book will plug into tried and tested distribution networks which have already been developed by independence campaigners. The goal will be to get a significant number of copies out to every independence group in the country. Those copies can then be given away at street stalls or when canvassing door to door. People will take leaflets, but they rarely hang on to them. However people do hang on to books and are far less likely to throw them away. People pass on books that they find interesting or enjoyable to friends and family. The challenge for me is to make this book not just informative, but also an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Originally I had thought about getting this book out when we have a firm date for an independence vote, however I have since changed my mind. The plan now is to have the text of the book ready for the end of this year, and to publish it shortly afterwards. The number of books printed will depend on how much the dedicated fundraiser raises. All the money raised in that fundraiser will go towards printing the book. No one involved with it will be making any profit from it.
The reason for the change of mind is that raising awareness of independence in Scotland is essentially an educational exercise. This is especially true because we live in a Scotland where the vast majority of the traditional media is (to put it kindly) reluctant to give an airing to pro-independence arguments. So the sooner that we can get pro-independence texts out there, the sooner we can start changing minds and engaging in those important discussions and conversations that will lead to bringing about a pro-independence majority.
Another reason is because when we do know when the date is for an independence vote, there will be a rush of activity and initiatives. I think it’s important that we stagger the publication of our efforts, in order to maximise the impact of each. Publishing this book early can help to prepare fertile ground for other pro-independence initiatives nearer to the time of the vote. We don’t know exactly when we’re likely to have another vote on independence, and when we do have that vote it is possible that it will be held at short notice. Or at least on much shorter notice than we had with the 18 month long official campaign leading up to the referendum of 2014. Publishing early gives longer for the message in the book to percolate through. It can take months of rumination for a person to change their minds on an important subject.
None of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement that regular readers have given this blog over the years. You are the people I’m doing this for. Scotland is perhaps closer now to independence than it has been at any time over the past 300 years, but we can’t take it for granted. We all have work to do, and this wee project is a bit of my small part of it.
Help this blog with a donation. There are a number of ways to donate. You can use the PayPal button on this page. you don’t need a Paypal account to use the donate button. If you don’t have a Paypal account, just select “donate with card” after clicking the button.
Alternatively you can make a PayPal payment directly to weegingerbook@yahoo.com, or you can click the following link to GoFundMe where credit and debit card donations are accepted.
https://www.gofundme.com/wee-ginger-crowdfunder-2019
If you would prefer to donate by cheque or some other method, please email me at weegingerbook@yahoo.com for details.
Wee Ginger Dug 
If you ever need a proofreader, I volunteer my expertise.
Well you already proof read all the blog posts Duncan. You have a lot of practice.
Sorry. It’s one of the things I do – proofread PhD theses for example. Usually I charge commercial rates. Seriously. It’s a thing. Really it is. Quite important before going to print that there are no errors in a text. I also translate from Dutch
Wish The National employed you!
So do I!!
The omnipresence of the BBC in Scotland is a major hurdle to overcome, possibly interviews with past presenters or highlighting irregularities in reporting as Professor Robertson ably demonstatres
Happy to be considered for sharing any proofreading duties with Duncan or anyone else. I, too, proofread for a living in my three languages (Welsh, English and French) as well as translating between them. I have mostly desisted from making such comments on the blog for fear of being considered pedantic.
As to themes, I’m sure WGD and the good people of Scotland are better placed to comment on that – as they have done (and will continue to do so). Perhaps as a side matter, reference to Scotland’s future relationship with my home country and others post-independence would be an idea. (Some people are already floating the idea of a ‘Celtic bloc’). Further, I know that many of us look to Scotland as an exemplar and ‘bigger, more mature, older brother’ when it comes to political matters. (Perhaps in the same way that Gaelic speakers look at the advances and comparative stability that Welsh has.)
Keep up the good work in any case – and good luck with the latest publication.
A chapter on the way language has been used to distort the debate on Scottish self determination eg separatism, nationalist, cybernat, union ( both precious and EU)
Great news – hope I’m lucky enough to get a copy. Listening to an old speech by Alasdair Bisset he said he thought our Independence would have a positive effect on England and that rings true with me ….maybe not worth a whole chapter but perhaps some elaboration ( if indeed you agree)
[…] Wee Ginger Dug The Wee Ginger Book, getting ready for the indy campaign As you may already have heard, I’m planning a new pro-independence project. I’m […]
Its really good to hear that you are planning to do this. I’m sure that whatever you write will be a valuable addition to the Wee Blue Book. Some topics that I would suggest for inclusion (either in the book or in the blog) are: (i) what makes other small countries succcessful – such as Norway, Denmark, Ireland and Finland in terms of what they are able to do that we are not able to do because of lack of independence (and how we can work more closely with these countries); (ii) spelling out the actual process of re-joining the EU – dispelling myhts about being at the back of the queue, etc (c) your take on the process from winning the referendum to actually becoming an independent country – while ‘How to start a new country’ by Commonweal is a useful contribution, it outlines a rather long lead-in process run by experts, which I am not sure is the best/only way to go; (d) the economic potential of an independent Scotland – for example what might happen in the renewables industry, cultural industries, rural communities with control over their own land, etc. (e) how to get rid of nuclear weapons. These are just some suggestions – I am sure that whatever you decide to write about will be great.
Fantastic news. You can count on me for a donation when the time comes.
Thank you for doing this. I’m sure it’ll be fantastic.
One opposition argument I don’t hear addressed in detail (and which is the main thing stopping some of my otherwise soft no friends turning yes) is that we need the British military (navy and air force are the usual branches mentioned) to keep us safe. In an increasingly volatile world of confusing allegiances, Scottish independence could lead to us being an easy target in a geopolitically valuable location.
While my instinctive response to this is always “we’re more at risk as long as we’re hitching a ride with Britain”, I’m way out of my depth against people with military or merchant navy experience.
Any chance of covering it?
The Navy question was rather hobbled, when a Russian vessel anchored in the Moray Firth (I think) and it took 24 hours to get a frigate up from Portsmouth. If they’d actually meant any harm, it could have been done and them long gone by then!
We will be in the EU and NATO. Also so many people seem to think that the UK armed forces all belong to England. Not so. Scottish revenues have built the ships/arms etc as much as England/Wales/N Ireland. Independence means the U.K. does not exist. Military assets will be shared out.
Finally, not seen Norway or Denmark being invaded. People just look for excuses not to vote yes.
Perhaps your military friends might consider who is being defended, and against what?
UQ military prestige these days it is exemplified by a planeless, leaky aircraft carrier at vast public expense carrying a flag to foreign parts, with bail out buckets supplied at every port at $1 each.
The greatest threat to Scotland is on this very island, perfectly exampled by Elizabeth.
And from elsewhere an astute observation – As Denmark’s Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen pointed out “ There are two kinds of European nations. There are small nations and there are countries that have not yet realized they are small nations.”
Have you factored in your timing might be overtaken by events?
Looking forward to reading this! One of the major sticking points in 2014 was the currency issue. You recently wrote a great block around this subject which really, in my opinion, took the sting out of the thing. Perhaps addressing this in a similar vein to that blog?
Great idea. Many of us have given our best shot to convincing older friends but without success. At that point we have to agree to differ before the “here she goes again” stage which helps no one and strains the relationship. Your book could lead to the conversions we need. Best wishes with the project.
Point your older friends to Pensioners for Independence. We’re 60’s and over, most towns in Scotland have a local group. Maybe a chapter about that demographic in the book?
Chapter on a written constitution would be good, perhaps not the entire detail of one, but certainly the importance of having one. Happy to contribute to this Paul and I could distribute 1500 copies in Whifflet area.
Have a look at http://www.scottishconstitution.com
Are you considering a chapter looking at how other successful newly independent countries in Europe have coped with the process? Such parallels would strengthen the argument for independence.
Margaret McLay
A really good example of a small country making a success of its independence is Estonia. When the Russians pulled out in 1992-3 they left Estonia with no functioning currency (they had used the rouble which was worthless), no functioning democracy (all policies dictated by Moscow), no legal system (Soviet Law had applied), no Constitution (Soviet Law again) and they asset-stripped everything worth taking. Estonia, unlike Scotland, also had few natural resources other than forestry, tourism and a determination to make a success of independence.
However, within 12 years they’d invented a legal system, their own currency, a new Constitution, a democratic parliament, successfully applied to join the EU and the Euro, NATO and have established themselves as one of the world’s most important centres of excellence in IT, while at the same time running a balanced national budget. Not bad for a bankrupt shell of a state 12 years earlier. Scotland wouldn’t have to overcome anything like the difficulties that Estonia faced, but the Estonian example shows it can be done and in a remarkably short time if the political will is there and the people are supportive.
I would like to commend this topic. It provides a great “back-end” exemplar and antidote to an issue which is rarely addressed directly – confronted head-on, even – the longstanding tendency of too many Scots to refuse to accept responsibility for public affairs, to prefer to shrug it all off to someone else somewhere else, then indulge themselves in whinges and moans about how badly-used they are, and how awful things are. Classic institutionalised behaviour. We need to overcome the fear of making mistakes for which we will have to take all responsibility, and make our own way in the world, stumbles and all.
It’s a subject of which actually on a personal level we are all very familiar, and it’s called “Growing up”.
Women over 55 is the most resistant to independence. Some things they may be particularly interested in are – social care (as part of NHS chapter or self standing?), social security, food security – might fit into the chapter looking at US trade deals and how they would lower food standards. Basically how the social contract will be stronger than in a BoJO /Faragist UK
They tend to be very risk aversive so the chapter how well other similar countries fare with fewer resources do is comparison to Scotland in the union could hammer that point home. Perhaps it should also include a bit about other countries that have become independent from UK rule also doing better.
Where do you get the statistic in your first sentence from?
it’s from the recent indy polls which split into different categories. Older women more likely to vote no. Not all of them obviously! It’s also in line with actual voting in 2014
A June 2019 panelbase poll shows 58% no for women over 55 (64% excluding undecided) and that’s with Boris Johnson as PM. Obviously when you split into groups the numbers become smaller in each group but full poll was weighted.
Click to access ST-Tables-for-publication-200619.pdf
There is a wiki page with recent polling too.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_on_Scottish_independence
OK, thanks
Re NHS look at http://www.thoughtcontrolsvotland.com and search on NHS. Lots is stats.
On pensions the DWP clearly states on their website that pensions will be paid.
What a load of nonsense. Statistics made up on the spot.
The other day, minding my own business with my heid in a spit on an open archaeological dig on a promontory in Fife, a chap, free-range exercising his dog refused, when asked, to put his dog on a lead by 3 other passers by – they were fearful of the barking, jumping-at-them dog, which wound the dog up even more. This chap, then lashed out at the 3 men, shouting at them to “get back to their own country”…yup, we were aghast.
Had I been on my own and not wearing a high viz vest representative of the group I was working with I would have intervened, however, to my regret, I did not, not that a middle aged woman would have had any calming effect on his bigotry as he stormed off ranting and raving at his dog and all around.
My point is (and Alfie, if you’re reading this correct me if I’m wrong), we all effectively have similar DNA traceable to Africa from many moons ago. The only thing is it tends to go over most folks heads, or it’s too deadly dull to read and absorb into the brain in this fast paced disposable world.
The proof could be easily readable if written in your hand Paul, I am sure.
But I suppose the racist eejit on the promontory would have no intentions of considering any of this.
And you’ve most likely suggested a bit on this for your book anyway and I’m just going over old ground, so apologies if I’m duplicating. Suppose I just needed to get what happened out there in the ethers and that it happens in Scotland too.
Great news. Look forward to donating to the fundraiser.
Suggestions.
1. The Cuthberts for giving the economics stuff the once over.
2. A chapter on Scotland’s resources versus England’s. I did some work on that at the end of indyref1. The method I used was to contrast production per person per day since that was something very easy to visualize and the most meaningful to most people. A picture of two tables laden with the daily food production per person per day would have high impact. To give one example of many – in Scotland a quarter pounder Birdseye beef burger per person per day, in England it is only a quarter of a burger.
3. A small chapter on the international obligations of the UK in regard to self determination of Scotland. e.g. Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, a legally binding treaty to which the UK is still a signatory.
No doubt a priority for Boris will be a new Bill of Rights which will withdraw the UK from the ECHR and ICCPR and try to make unilateral Scottish secession illegal, like the Spanish/Canadian constitutions claim to do (but as yet unrecognised by the UN)
4. A chapter on media anti-indy bias, key stats from John Robertson/Wings etc..
Great news Paul, really looking forward to this book and I am sure it will help persuade even more folk to see the advantages of taking the road to independence.
Your articles have gone down a storm with quite a few of my previously No voting friends, and are no small part of their decisions to now pledge to a Yes in the coming referendum.
Maybe a chapter on the creation of the Scottish cringe, and how Englands subtle nuances of negative attitude and behaviour toward Scotland over the years has instilled the inferiority complex that blights so many to our ability and potential.
The constant drip drip of sneer and degrading comment, which in singular isolation seems so petty, has combined to cover every aspect of our lives, that to some is an almost insurmountable barrier to our own very normal independence.
Yes. Very often the mocking of Scots people is “just banter” and we’re expected to laugh and appreciate the joke…….poor sports if we don’t. Over the centuries many folk in the south have been conditioned along those lines. I have to say, though, that my best friend from student days is English and many a time she has been annoyed and embarrassed by her countrymen/women – especially if they attempt a Scottish accent!
Great news about your Wee Ginger Book, Paul.
Paul, could you please include a chapter on Pensions? Nothing too heavy, but enough to reassure oor auld folk that their State pensions are safe.
Here’s some provocative topic ideas:
1. Why is the BBC and most all the papers so against Indy? Surely it must be a bad idea if even the Guardian and Express agree!
2. If we Scots have so many sympathetic friends in Europe, how come they don’t speak up for us? Their leaders are forever saying they hope Britain doesn’t leave. Even with the parade of ever worsening Tories they’ll have to deal with! Would the EU and France and Germany really back us for Indy against their old pals?
3. What about that hard border come no deal Brexit? Won’t we all be out of work due to the disruption of being thrown out of the “UK single market” that’s so much bigger for our trade, as it stands, than the EU’s?
4. Everyone knows the oil’s all but run out. But what then?
5. The last thing we need is more upheaval. Better the devil, surely, that you know. Who else is going to pump so generously into our basket case of an economy?
Living in Edinburgh, I encounter these and more quite frequently! The people asking these are the ones to turn. Sure, it’s fun to talk amongst ourselves but it’s the myths that need work to move minds.
Top among them is who is pushing them in the first place. Naws trust the Beeb.
Now, a real undecided wouldn’t put question 1 like that. They don’t see the BBC’s thumb on the scale of impartiality. Their view is more accurately stated along the lines: “It’s always you nationalists who are talking about independence! If it was really a credible option, it would dominate the news and there’d be wall to wall documentaries and debates about it. But it’s a fantasy! The only thing that can spare us is a People’s Vote. It’ll surely be along any day now…”
And, among leafier parts of the burgh (albeit more inside rizzlas than along the streets), number 4 gets a supplementary: “Besides, climate change. Climate emergency! Keep that damn stuff underground. Think of the polar bears, man.”
Reblogged this on Ramblings of a 50+ Female.
A chapter on how UK establishment’s imperial nostalgia shapes media news in Scotland – repeated reference to and photos of Britain’s armed forces intercepting/scrambling/warning UK enemies off even though planes/vessels etc are in international airspace/waters. Continuous repetition of such to reinforce idea that massive amounts of weapons, cf nuclear submarines etc are needed to protect the UK, and therefore Scotland too. Presence of Territorial Army in poor working class areas, schoolboys in Army uniforms (nothing remotely like this exists in Europe)
Possible title: Scotland: In or Out of NATO/US Warfaring/Military Might.
I’m very pleased to read about your proposed book, and think it’s an excellent idea. I wish you great success with it.
There are two things I would like you to stress in the book (although I’m sure you’ll have them covered). One is that in our present circumstances and following the 2014 referendum result, Scotland is essentially powerless to do anything about anything. For generations, we’ve been subject to the governments that England votes for, and we will be for the foreseeable future unless we gain independence. For as long as we’re part of the UK, our votes will count for nothing and we will be ignored and disregarded. The other is that Scotland is little-known to the world at large. If we’re recognised at all, we are regarded as an insignificant region of England. Everybody knows of Ireland: there are Irish pubs from New York to Moscow, and St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated the world over. With independence, we could have the same cultural status and recognition as other nations of our size.
To be fair, Burns’ night is celebrated the world over too.
As is St Andrews Day. In Uruguay and Argentina there are (were) thriving St Andrews Societies.
I beg to differ Michael.
I live in Canada, I have travelled in 100 countries …30 US states, and EVERYWHERE my accent is recognised and I am made to feel welcome. It seems everyone has a Scots granny, auntie or Uncle Bob.
Whas like us?
Former professional translator & editor offers his services.
Paul,
If you need someone to typeset it, you know where I am.
Cheers
I know you’ll want it to be mostly your own work but Colin Dunn (zarkwan on twitter) has got some brilliant, easy to understand graphics that might fit in well. I’m sure he said he doesn’t mind folk using them but you could check if interested. Your graphics are brilliant but some of his are actually graphs and there are folk that are happier with visuals than words.
https://indyposterboy.scot/
Some subjects to consider:
1) An economic plan based on a balanced budget. Identify revenue streams, rates of taxation, and expenditure. Thrift, self reliance, and the avoidance of debt are big in my book.
2) Position on international organisations. What are the pros/cons of remaining in, or leaving these. In particular I am thinking of NATO, for which we would be subordinate to US foreign policy and defense spending requirements, the EU – where we would be subordinate to foreign policy, trading arrangements, and its judiciary; and the ECJ – where we would be subordinate to any judicial appeals based on human rights (whether legitimate or contrived).
3) Position on military union with England and the nuclear deterrent. What size of military is required for national defense and border protection? The evidence of history (as I recall it) is that Scotland, over the past thousand years, has only ever been invaded by our immediate neighbour. Do we really need a nuclear deterrent? Should Scotland be free from nuclear weapons?
4) Foreign Relations – An objective view of world trade in future years identifies China as the worlds leading economy. To facilitate increased trade between China and the rest of the world, China has been developing an ambitious trading network known as One Belt One Road. Within this trading network the arctic ocean has been identified as a future major shipping route for Chinese goods destined for Europe. This trading route has the full backing of Russia – where the arctic sea lanes will be kept open using its fleet of nuclear-powered ice-breakers. Scotland, I would suggest, is ideally situated to take advantage of this northern sea-route trade as she is ideally situated to off-load the enormous ocean-going container ships that require custom docking facilities. This cargo, using Scottish dock facilities, could be transferred to a Scottish fleet of smaller container ships for transportation to the final destination. The potential for Scotland’s economy would be huge: dock facilities, ship-building, an array of industry and manufacturing to support ship-building, trading desks, shipping agents, banking, ware-housing, etc, etc. Such a plan however would require a complete re-alignment of foreign relations, and in particular an approach that would be antipathetic to Westminster and Washington.
5) Energy policy – where is our future energy going to come from? As a hint – don’t listen to anyone talk about future energy sources unless they have knowledge of how energy-on-demand works; and understand its economics. Scotland has lots of coal. Don’t like coal? Then it has to be imported gas or nuclear.
6) Industrial policy – Where do you see future employment coming from.
7) Health policy – What balance between public and private health care would you propose. It would be prudent for an independent Scotland to live within her means. The absence of the economy-of-scale that the NHS can leverage could lead to some uncomfortable cut-backs and sacrifices.
8) Land reform – I personally think that it is ridiculous that much of Scotland is owned by individuals who are either foreigners or do not reside in the country. A policy that limits future land ownership to Scottish citizens would ensure that the country’s primary asset – it’s land – remained in Scottish hands. To encourage the transfer of land back into Scottish ownership, increased taxation on land owned by foreign nationals, and those who are non-resident could be introduced.
9) Housing – Affordable hosing for young people is a problem. What is the solution.
10) Propaganda and disinformation. The weasels in Westminster have a vested interest in both preventing independence; and undermining its success if it were to take place. What could be done to keep Scottish people on board when their standard of living falls, which is a worst case scenario that has to be planned for – especially during the initial transition period?
Looks like there is no shortage of talent and willing hands, Paul.
I wonder if illustrations, cartoons, and the like, might add a certain je ne sais quoi?
George Cruickshank as ‘Boz’ illustrated Dickens, Sidney Paget’s illustrations of Sherlock Holmes in the Strand brought the tales to life, so to speak, and William Hogarth’s work, The Rake’s Progress etc., captures the bleak London of his time, with wit,and a satirical eye.
I’m thinking of the satirist, the social critic. the cartoonist, who with deft strokes and a few pithy words describe with humour and knock out punch the state of the nation and society.
Think Gary Larson and ‘The Far Side’:- “What cows do when humans aren’t looking, could be re-worked as :- “What the Scots do when Westminster isn’t looking’.
I recall Ronald Giles’ magnificent busy cartoons in the Express, Jim Turnbull in the Herald (when it was a ‘paper) Ewen Bain’s Angus Og and his adventures in the Utter Hebrides, Bud Neil’s Lobey Dosser, Rank Badjin, and Elfie, the only two legged horse in the Wild West.
Laughter and humour and social comment, delivered with the stroke of a pen from geniuses.
Whisper it, but Chris Cairns over on WoS, when he isn’t skiving off on one of his many holidays, is truly magnificent and Hamish almost rivals WGD as the nation’s favourite pet.
I said ‘almost’, calm down. Eat you Winalot.
So where are the budding Malky McCormacks?
An illustration/cartoon per chapter?
Any budding cartoonists out there?
Just a thought.
I’m not really a cartoonist, I’m a sculptor by preference but, for the cause, I have turned my hand to cartooning over the years:
I’d be delighted and honoured to contribute a cartoon or two, as specified by Paul if he wanted.
Brilliant, Charles.
Cheered me up no end.
I forgot to resize them again }:(
Deleted to two biggest from my dropbox.
Sorry Charles. I had to edit out your cartoons. They were far too big for the page.
Entirely my fault, I’ve made that mistake before as well, thing is that other forums like Millarworld auto resize. Apologies.
Nae worries. If you want to resize them you can post them again.
Paul, when you get round to writing about GERS and if you need some info, I’ve done a lot of research and analysis re methodologies and the outcomes from an audit perspective and would be happy to share these with you. You’ve got my email addy.
Indeed, that particular thorn has to be pulled once and for all. Ian Lang’s contribution to dishonest debate of the issues should finally be nailed to the mast for what it is, a canard….
That’ll be a keeper. 🙂
I think it might have been mentioned/covered before, Government after Independence. I have heard snide comments about a One Party State post a Yes vote.
I’ll be voting for Ruth Davidson’s Party, Elizabeth.
Nurse! Nurse! My IV drip is empty. Help me!
Great news, Denny and Dunipace Indepence group will help any way we can.
A chapter on what we DONT have any powers over – and another one on what has been done with the powers that we do have.
I can’t promise to cover absolutely everything that everyone has suggested but there are some great suggestions here, and plenty of food for thought. Thanks to everyone, and keep them coming.
If you want to reach a wider audience, you might want to tone down some of the sci-fi references – I’m a huge sci-fi fan and fan of your blog but your target audience for the book just might not get it
Perhaps one titled ‘As Ithers See Us’
A round-up of public and political perceptions of Scotland, especially an indy Scotland, from the outsiders’ POV. For example, I live in Cyprus – which broke away in 1960 – and on the morning of the 19th in September 2014 my boss, who had been following the campaign (as had many others here), said,
” Are they mad? You had a chance to be free and you threw it away. Why would anyone not want to be independent? Now they will do whatever they want to you.”(sic)
He was right. Cypriot independence was paid for with blood on both sides but all the people of Scotland had to do was tick a box. More to the point, here is a man more than 2000 miles away who could see the picture more clearly than a lot of folk in Scotland could. Maybe comments from citizens of former colonies, especially those whose break with the UK is quite recent, would help some to understand that, in the 21st century, independence is not only desirable but normal. I’m sure that Dug readers around the world could furnish these.
A possible sub-chapter could be ‘Hypocrits’, focussing on influential twats and luvvie ex-pats with no stake in and less knowledge of the indy issue who publicly came out against indy despite the fact that they themselves lived in nations which had ditched British rule. I’m looking at you here, America.
PS That awful day, as I could barely work for tears, I was amazed how many people commiserated with me on the loss. It had bugger-all effect on them but they understood what it meant.
At the last Indy I thought that the likes of Danny Alexander and Gordon Brown etc. were responsible for their own redundancy when they could have been part of an exciting new project. Can the book look at encouraging SNP haters (which by the way I don’t understand) to look at how they can contribute rather than just throwing stones.
Pensions and currency were two of the biggest issues in IndyRef1.
I will definitely be doing a chapter on pensions.
Last post was meant to be bigger. Ma fingers are aw thums. Pensions was the topic I most encountered on doorsteps.
Aw thumbs mibbe, but a salient point. No Insurer could do what our own Government’s sticky fingers have undone of a promise made but not kept from generations before..
It’s a disgrace for which they should be pilloried…
Perhaps you could mention: Scottish Passports, Citizenship, Embassies, and Consulates.
Fishing. Brought up again and again and again by the ‘Ruth Davidson Party’. Specifically an indepth analysis of the wealth & funding, past sold quotas, past scandals etc. of the half dozen multi-millionaire families which dominate the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation pelargic sector.
The pelargic (deep ocean) fishing sector consists mainly of ‘no deal’ Brexiteers, who want to cash-in on a mythical Shangrila, free-for-all-uk-ocean-zone. All the better to suck the seas dry, as their grandfathers almost succeeded in doing, back in the unregulated 60s & 70s).
Specifically to illustrate how these half dozen families maximise profits by employing cheaper crews from outwith the UK, their wages, their living conditions, their health & safety onboard etc. e.g. recently In Ireland, Scots friends, on holiday, saw a large Scots pelargic trawler, in harbour unloading. They went to talk to what they assumed to be the Scots crew, only to be met with, ‘No speak English’ from all the crew. It almost seemed as if the crew (looking Far Eastern), were frightened (well warned) perhaps not to talk to anyone. A potential can of (greedy union) worms waiting to be opened, perchance?
Certainly it must be recorded that when the Ruth Davidson Party crows constantly it is the champion of Scots fishermen, that is not the case. Who champions the unseen, silent crews on these millionaires’ vessels? What is their story?