The good people at Scottish CND have established a tradition of successful Burns events, gathering renowned poets based in Scotland for a programme of peace-themed poetry. As the organisers say, 'these events have been heartening antidotes to the often oppressive, militaristic discourse that is all too common in the national political conversation'. This year, the Scottish CND Burns Afternoon Event will take place online - it's on Sunday 25 of January between 3pm-5pm, and is free to attend....

Thursday January 15th saw Maggie Chapman MSP move a motion in parliament on 'A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Fit for the Future'. Members of the fire brigades union (FBU) were in the gallery to hear an informed debate on a motion that enjoyed cross party support . From all the parties there was rhetorical support for the fire service and those that work in it. But words do not equate to resources. FBU Scotland had been left unhappy with the budget settlement agreed earlier in the week. ...

Professor Mathieson of the University of Edinburgh has opened up the debate about the funding of undergraduate courses in Scotland.    Mathieson asserts that in Scotland the cost of supporting degree level study is too great and that there should be increased Scottish Government funding, student tuition fees or some sort of graduate tax.  He feels that this issue needs to become a public and political priority ahead of May's Scottish Parliament elections .   It will be interesting to see what...