I thought feudalism was dead?
I 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 readingCategory: Land Reform
Tax Increment Financing 2
At 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 readingLeith Docks TIF Scheme
When 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 readingTax Increment Financing 1
Interesting 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 readingA cautionary tale
I 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 readingAlyth Hill Commonty
In 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
Continue readingThe Poor had no Lawyers II
CLICK HERE for PRE-PUBLICATION OFFER [outdated link March 2024] Signed hardback copies dispatched post free to the UK together with a free one-month subscription to www.whoownsscotland.org.uk for all orders placed by 17 September 2010. The Poor Had No Lawyers provides
Continue readingOne of the biggest land grabs in history
Well, today’s the day. Exactly 450 years ago the Scots nobility sat down in Parliament in Edinburgh and passed a series of acts which neutered the power of the Catholic church and ushered in the Reformation. Two years ago I
Continue readingMachrihanish II
Having had time to digest the recent decision to refuse the right to buy to the Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (see post of 13th August) I am astounded at both the decision and the implications. It has become very evident
Continue readingThe Poor had no Lawyers I
I am now in the final stages of editing and proof reading of my next book to be published by Birlinn in October. Titled ‘The Poor had no Lawyers. Who owns Scotland (and how they got it)’, it seeks to
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