The Canny Scots
This story from the BBC shows the Scots at their canniest.
Scotland Taxes Tobacco And Alcohol
Scotland has added extra taxes to large stores that sell tobacco and alcohol. It seems to have had the effect of getting some Sainsbury supermarkets to not sell tobacco. It’s reported here on the BBC.
Although I applaud any measure to reduce smoking, I’m not totally sure about this one. It will harm the profits of the big supermarket groups and they will react, by perhaps not investing in stores and jobs north of the border.
And of course, smokers will still get their fix, by probably buying tobacco from bootleggers and others.
I would prefer to see all tobacco sales in large supermarkets as that would perhaps make it more difficult for kids to get hold of them. After all, when did you hear of a large chain of stores selling cigarettes or alcohol to those underage.
SNP Changes Defence Policy
The SNP appears to be changing its defence policy. It all goes to illustrate the difficulties they will face on so many issues.
I’m not against nuclear weapons, but with the threat from a large superpower unlikely, I don’t think we need something like Trident. We perhaps need some some of retaliation weapon like submarine-launched nuclear missiles.
Scottish Time
There was a cheeky letter in the Times yesterday saying that if the Scots got independence, would the rest of the UK be able to do what we want to do with the clocks and move to a time zone compatible with most of the EU?
Do The Scots Want The Independence Referendum?
I have a feeling that this referendum is going to be one of the most over-hyped and over-budget pieces of political theatre in these isles since nineteen-hundred and God-knows-what!
I don’t care one way or the other, as Scottish independence will probably make no difference to me personally.
If Scotland leaves the Union, it could be argued that my taxes might go down. But I doubt it, as politicians will use my taxes for other purposes!
It could also be argued that taxes will go up, as we would have less revenue from oil.
If on the other hand, Scotland votes to stay in the Union, we’d constantly have these referenda called every year or so by the Scot Nats, until they get the answer they want.
My biggest worry about this referendum though, is of all the Scots I know, few seem to be in favour of the referendum. So we may see one of the most surprising votes in history.
Politicians should be concentrating on what matters. Like creating jobs!
World Porridge Making Championships
I don’t think I’ll mind missing this, as porridge isn’t my favourite food.
But I suppose it brings the tourists to the Highlands. Especially, as it says this about Carrbridge in Wikipedia.
In 2009 the village took on the BBC claiming that the Corporation constantly got the weather wrong which was putting off tourists. Local businesses claimed that BBC weather reports on television and on their website constantly reported rain despite there being no rain whatsoever. Locals stated that the BBC generalised the weather to “rain in Scotland”. Carrbridge became a minor celebrity with the story appearing on national news networks and the quiz show Have I Got News For You.
It does have a station though. However, it would appear that direct trains from London don’t run, although on Sunday there is a direct service to come home. You have to travel via Glasgow or Edinburgh. Perhaps, it’s a plot to keep the Sassenachs out?
The Silliest Legal Case In The World
The BBC is reporting that the Naked Rambler has been released from prison. He is now walking somewhere around Scotland in the nude.
It must be the silliest legal case because it’s been going on for years now. The article contains this comment.
John Scott QC, chair of the Howard League for Penal Reform in Scotland, says the bill to keep Gough in prison for so long must have reached hundreds of thousands of pounds. It costs about £40,000 a prisoner a year, rising when an inmate is separated from others, and when he is repeatedly discharged and readmitted.
It’s funny, but why was he not arrested in England, but is having so much trouble in Scotland?
Perhaps he could be persuaded to walk somewhere else like North Norway or the Sahara Desert. Now that would be a naked challenge!
Or could the Scots not deport him to England and ban him from going north of the border!
Aberdoom
Not my name for it, but a Scot, who I’ve known for years.
But just look at this.
It must be one of the most remarkable weather pictures, I’ve ever seen.
Murray Celebrates Like A True Sober Scot – Irn-Bru And HobNobs
The Times has reported this is how Andy Murray has celebrated his victory in the US Open.
I suppose deep-fried Mars Bars are difficult to get in New York. But then he doesn’t look like he eats many!
Scotland To Bring In Same-Sex Marriage
I know it has been on the cards for some time, but it would appear that Alex Salmond has taken the plunge today in outlining his legislation for the coming year.
If Cameron doesn’t do what he wants to and legalise same-sex marriage in the UK, it would look like Gretna Green marriages will be making a comeback.
The Anonymous Widower 