…the blog and website of Andy Wightman
These were the final words uttered by Richard Lochhead in his speech to the SNP conference in Perth today. Looks like the SNP and the Liberal Democrats are now in agreement. I look forward to seeing the results but am
Continue readingToday’s Herald [broke link May 2024] carries the first extract from my new book, The Poor Had No Lawyers and relates the tale of the Hill of Alyth common. For those interested in further background to my argument, I have
Continue readingI know two of the men pictured above and have nothing but respect for them as legal scholars. They have even been invited to the launch of my new book, The Poor had No Lawyers. But I do question the
Continue readingAt the risk of becoming an anorak, I though I would share some correspondence I have been having with the British Property Federation via Twitter on the topic of Tax Increment Financing (see previous posts today). This correspondence has taken
Continue readingWhen John Swinney approved the tax increment finance scheme for Leith docks last week (see previous post), I wonder if he was aware that among the business rate payers who would be picking up the tab for paying back the
Continue readingInteresting interview on Newsnight Scotland tonight with CEO of Scottish Futures Trust on tax increment financing. This is a funding mechanism for infrastructure projects whereby a public authority borrows money to pay for infrastructure (bridges, roads etc.) in anticipation of
Continue readingI liked this by Drumlanrig in Scotland on Sunday on 29 August 2010. THE DAY JACK WENT TO TEE WITH THE DUKE Jack McConnell’s imminent retirement reminds Drumlanrig of an epic golf match that was played by the former Labour
Continue readingPhoto by tom jervis Interesting couple of stories in the Shetland Marine News this week. First of all, Michael Moore, Secretary of State for Scotland, visits Lerwick and announces that the Port Authority can buy the seabed that the harbour
Continue readingI follow The Firm – the online legal journal.This week they published a brilliant piece by Steven Raeburn [link broken May 2024] on the Lockerbie trial and its aftermath. Well worth a read.
Continue readingIn my forthcoming book, The Poor had no Lawyers, I tell the story of the unlawful alienation of the Hill of Alyth commonty. I will shortly be preparing a full legal analysis of the case. In short, land was sold
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