Another side of Lesley Riddoch

Is Scotland Nordic ?

Ahead of the event next week, I spoke to Mike Russell who was not going to be at this meeting because he was off to visit Sweden and Finland. So, this brief video gives you an idea of his thoughts as he prepares to examine the Nordic education system.

A date for your diary

 

Another side of Michael Marra

As everyone, knows, I am a big Michael Marra fan and was delighted to find out, the multi talented Mr Marra has an exhibition coming up. Details are on the poster and I will be making my way to Kirriemuir myself.

Oh what a night ...part 2

There is a news article that appeared in the Stornoway Gazette - Click here to read it. It gives you an idea of the flavour of the debate.

Writing Course - Westray - October

Along with Ron Ferguson, I will be part of the creative writing course in Westray from Friday 10  to Monday 13 October - click on the poster and it will enlarge to give you all the contact details you need to book a place ! Hurry the places are limited and filling fast.

Oh what a night !

Benbecula and the Islands Debate...phew what a night ! The debate was a corker and you will be able to hear the edited highlights on this week's Riddoch Questions.
This picture of the Lionacleit audience is courtesy of Eileen Bell at the Stornoway Gazette.

Advance warning - June 24 Benbecula

The Scotsman Debate will take place on June 24 at 7pm at Liniclate School. The panelists will include Mike Russell ( Environment Minister ) , David MacLennan ( Area Manager - SNH ) , Professor Jane Farmer ( UHI ), Angus MacMillan ( Chair South Uist Community Company ) and a student. The topic is "Do Scotland's Islands Have a Viable Economic Future ? ".  Am Paipear  adds  " There are plans for a ceilidh in Dark Island Hotel after the debate."  Sounds like a cracking night - do come along.

The Scotsman Islands Debate - 24 June _-Benbecula

Depopulation, soaring oil prices, schools closing, gaelic and crofting in decline, plus expensive and lengthy ferry journeys. Just as well the Western Isles are the best place to live in Britain, or life would be starting to look grim! If any or all of these issues affects you – come to the Scotsman debate at 7pm on Tuesday 24^th June at Lionacleit School. It's chaired by author and Scotsman columnist Lesley Riddoch and with your questions she'll ask a distinguished panel if Scottish Islands have a future. Panelists will include Mike Russell, the Scottish Government's Environment Minister and David MacLennan, area manager for Scottish Natural heritage in the Western Isles.   They will be joined by Professor Jane Farmer of the University of the Highlands and Islands and Angus MacMillan, the chair of the South Uist Community Company.  The final panelist will be a pupil nominated by Sgoil Lionacleit.

The debate will be broadcast on Friday at 1.15pm on the Riddoch Questions programme on BBC Radio Scotland.

The Scotsman came to Benbecula because of the Uists reputation for turning out, asking questions…. and holding a good ceilidh. Don't disappoint!

For tickets, email scotsmandebates@scotsman.com or write to David Lee, Scotsman Debates, The Scotsman, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS. Please state how many tickets you want (maximum two per applicant)

Scottish Prisons Commission

Prisons Commission Public Debate

The first in a series of public debates involving the Scottish Prisons Commission took place in Dundee last night. Prisons Commission Chair Henry McLeish and I were there. Along with a distinguished audience and a panel of

• Prison Governor Perth, Kate Donegan
• Criminal Justice Manager, Jane Martin    
• Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Wilson Tayside Police    
• Dundee Women’s Aid Manager Margaret Brown

The purpose of this series of meetings is to allow the public and interested parties to discuss and debate the issues which the Prisons Commission is addressing. It was a good meeting and there are several more to come. I will be chairing all of them. The public are welcome and a full list of dates and venues is available here.

Or you can download the schedule here.

A ride on the wild side.

As a special birthday treat for my husband, I took us all off to Highland Adventure Safaris at Aberfeldy. It was amazing to get out and see his little face light up as he drove a Landrover through mud and snow. Seriously, with the expert guidance of Donald, we spotted Arctic Hares, an Osprey and some amazing panoramas. We had a lovely lunch in a snowy bothy at about 2500 feet. A really superb experience and "a real winner" according to the very pleased Mr Smith. Enjoy the photos.