…the blog and website of Andy Wightman
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 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
Continue readingGood news today that Richard Lochhead has met with Secretary of State Michael Moore and they have agreed to work together to bring more accountability to how the Crown Estate Commission (CEC) manange the crown estate in Scotland. This could
Continue readingAn interesting statement from Alex Salmond this afternoon in the Scottish Government’s statement on its legislative programme. The relevant part of his statement is as follows (as published on the Scottish government website). And we are blessed not just with
Continue readingCLICK HERE for PRE-PUBLICATION OFFER [outdated link March 2024] Signed hardback copies dispatched post free to the UK together with a free one-month subscription to www.whoownsscotland.org.uk for all orders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 readingWell, 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
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