Another side of Lesley Riddoch

Hello to tweeps or twitter or FB followers

After some recent media, I seem to have a large number of followers in the social media world. One of my interests is the role of the Nordic model in shaping our future. I started a real world group called 'Nordic Horizons'

Nordic Horizons is a policy group that aims to find out what makes the most successful small countries in the world work so well. We have round table debates on specific policy areas in the Scottish Parliament usually kicked off by someone from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland or Iceland with direct experience. We've already talked about early years, outdoor kindergarten, women's quotas, small municipal government, the High North and drilling for oil in the Arctic and the "Nordic Model" itself. We hope to confirm a sizzling wee programme for the rest of this year by our next meeting on Feb 7th - McKommunes -- people-sized government for Scotland. Nordic Horizons is a cross party and no party group and the aim is to learn from Nordic success, not blindly copy every aspect of Nordic life. We think Scotland needs more working examples of how small nations can work better - whether devolved or independent - and we hope Scotland can bring something to the party too (and not just a large Macallans).

Check out our Facebook group and join in - all event details are also posted here. and you would be very welcome on 7th if you are in Edinburgh- you need to book a place - but  - be quick - there are just 20 places left!

Referendum Groundhog Day

Picture the scene. Your nation has been involved in a lengthy discussion about the pros and cons of the biggest infrastructure project undertaken for a century -- a new proposed high speed rail link. Almost every angle has been agonised over and a decision looms. When suddenly, from a capital city 400 miles away comes a last minute intervention. What if the rail link wrecks the landscape? Has anyone thought of that?

The roar of OLD NEWS would be heard as far away as Shetland. But exactly such a “lost-in-time” contribution has just been made by the UK government regarding the Scottish referendum. Have we thought that it should be held sooner than later “for our own good?” Er, yes. A lot.

Previously...historians in a comedy club...November 30th

Photos courtesy of Colin Hattersley

This was the history posse in the Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh.

The event promised;

The Devine Judgement

Historically, we tend to view the drain of people from Scotland’s shores in the light of loss. But is this necessarily the case? Could Scotland’s diaspora be an advantage to our small nation?

Join Professor Tom Devine, Professor Richard Finlay, Dr Andrew MacKillop, Dr Catriona MM Macdonald, Frank Cogliano and chair Lesley Riddoch to tussle with the legacy of Scotland’s diaspora – advantage or disadvantage?

Result. It was funny, enlightening and great history!

Scots, Empire, Alyth and History

Despite being poorly and running around with "Previously....Scotland's History Festival " ; it was great to catch up with John MacKenzie; author, historian and raconteur. John is one of those academics who combines insight with enthusiasm. We sat down and had a wide ranging conversation. From views of the Empire through to independence; it was fascinating to pull apart the issues. 

It was not the usual 'Lesley Riddoch Podcast' but the opportunity was too good to miss; an academic at close quarters ! Good craic ensued.

The latest instalment of 'Nordic Horizons'

From Nordoc Horizons Oct 2011

The meeting in the Scottish Parliament was a great success and Mary Hilson spoke to a packed Committee Room 1. A huge range of issues were raised in a lively discussion where the concept of a 'Nordic Model' or 'Nordic Models' was given a good airing. 

Lesley Riddoch spoke to Mary after the event and recorded Mary's impressions of the debate.

 

Listen to the Mary Hilson Interview

 

On Thin Ice

A different podcast from Rotterdam

Lesley visited Rotterdam with her tape recorder, her camera and her husband. Instead of the usual Lesley Riddoch Podcast, this is something a little different. Hope you enjoy it.

This week's podcast is tempting fate...it's about Libya

This week, we are recording late Sunday afternoon and the Middle East seems to be quiet-ish. But events are never far away from our thoughts...as indeed are second homes, Lord Jack, Norway, Facebook and the World Service...but you will need to listen to it all to get the connections !

Hello from the most northern town in the world

Lesley is off on her travels and called in today from Hammerfest. Between visiting Arctic huts and writing columns, this week's podcast deals with Wendy Alexander's decision not to stand, some of the nonsense around AV, Hammerfest itself and forests, estates and islands being given away.

A new project in Edinburgh aims to encourage more people to cycle to work

It'll get stolen." "I've got a lock and chain." "That means nothing. My son had his bike stolen here three days after he bought it. It was locked too. Yours won't last a week if you leave it there." Maddeningly for that neighbour, five months after I first ventured into the overgrown jungle that is our tenement back green, my bike is still intact. But so, too, is her unshakeable belief that bikes are unsafe and unsuitable for city life. She's not alone.

Some 45 per cent of Edinburgh residents live within five miles of their workplace. What stops them using bikes to get to work and school? It's not generally a matter of climate-change denying, fear of hills, theft, or even rain. According to a Bike Station/Sustrans survey, some of the biggest turn-offs are traffic fear, lack of confidence, ROBS (rubbish old bike syndrome), parking problems in flats and tenements, negative neighbours, route uncertainty, helmet hair and workplace parking.