Social/Economic/Political Homepage

Dunedin Consort, director John Butt, gave a superb performance of Handel's Messiah, Queens Hall, Edinburgh 17th December 07
James Irvine

The next time the floods come we've got to be better prepared
Valerie Elliott: Consumer Editor, The Times

A Christmas Fantasia marred by appalling acoustics. Chapter House Singers at Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh
James Irvine: Editor: www.land-care.org.uk

Go on, upset your masters. The new chief scientist must not shy away from speaking unwelcome truths
Magnus Linklater: Editor, Scottish Edition, The Times

Not so much Stalin as Mr Bean: Gordon Brown is made to play the fool in stage farce
Ann Treneman: Parliamentary Sketch, The Times

Flight is the only refuge as the big guns turn on Gordon Brown and Two Jobs Des
Ann Treneman: Parliamentary Sketch, The Times

Sorry story tests Gordon Brown to the limit
Ann Treneman: Parliamentary Sketch, The Times

Only cover-up was of the famous cleavage in Westminster
Ann Treneman: Parliamentary Sketch, The Times

Livestock enterprises in Scotland's uplands are facing ever deepening problems: and so is the land on which they are based
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

'Daveheart' victorious after heated battle with his auld enemy. A parliamentary sketch
Ann Treneman: Columnist, The Times

Ah, a bit of rapacious capitalism. How we missed it. The single mindedness of RBS
Magnus Linklater: Editor, Scottish Edition of The Times

Royal Mail strike for 5 days is reminiscent of how the printers ruined much of their UK industry
Editorial

"Eat less meat" advocates Professor Northcott in The TIMES:
"for the sake of the renewal of a local ecological sustainable economy".
Why so?
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Comrie Community Trust celebrates its buy-out of Cultybraggan Camp, but admits it does not know what to do with it
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Concern over Comrie Development Trust Community Buy Out continues
Editorial

So, Comrie Development Trust Ltd is set to take possession of Cultybraggan Army Camp in a couple of days
James Irvine: Ordinary Member of CDT, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Comrie Development Trust had a shaky AGM, but nevertheless voted to buy Cultybraggan Army Camp through Land Reform legislation
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Slow and steady wins many races ... but not them all
Magnus Linklater: Editor, Scottish Edition of The Times

Comments on the Comrie Bulletin: "the case for purchase". But the case is not made.
James Irvine: Comrie Resident

Concern over the management by the Board of Comrie Development Trust regarding the Community Right to Buy Cultybraggan Army Camp
Kirsty McIntosh: Former Comrie Community Councillor and Interim Member of Comrie Development Trust

Cultybraggan Camp Purchase:: comments to Comrie Development Trust Secretary, 14th August 07
Hugh Rose: Comrie Resident

Comrie Community Right to Buy: yet again the Press Release from the CDT Secretary does not truly reflect what happened at a key open meeting
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

So where is the business plan for Community Right to Buy Cultybraggan Camp?
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England and the UK's Chief Medical Advisor, should be summarily sacked
Dr James Irvine: Formerly Consultant Physician, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh

The Ramblers and Perth & Kinross Council face legal costs of £200,000 after failing in their case to get public access to grounds surrounding Kinfauns Castle, Perthshire
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

NBA appoints successor to its retiring chief executive
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Women won't like this, but Sugar was right and fair. Why not ask a job applicant about her childcare plans?
Magnus Linklater: Columnist The Times and Editor of the Scottish Edition

Inappropriate response by The Scottish Farmer regarding the attempt by NBA to resolve the dispute with splinter group SBCA
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Landward, a second excellent programme: Friday 8th June, 7.00pm, BBC2 Scotland
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

NBA's management vindicated by its 2006 accounts: the need for unity at this time of adversity
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybragan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Ugly, complicated, forgettable: it'll be a great success. Magnus Linklater on that logo.
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, The Times and Editor of the Scottish Edition

Nick Nairn hosts new Landward progamme on Scottish BBC TV
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Will the last person in Scotland in 2020 turn out the light? The SNP's energy policy is utterly untenable.
Magnus Linklater: Editor, Scottish Edition of The Times

Scotland's new Parliament: the election of the Presiding Officer
Editorial

Reality kicks in as shortages bite
Eddie Gillanders: Editor, Farm North East

Thoughts on whom to vote for in the Scottish elections, 3rd May 07
Editorial

Perfect Spring weather at Cultybraggan Farm: but poor political and economic outlook.
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultygraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

The Scottish Wages Board shambles continues: and Labour say they want to keep it.
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Gordon Brown's budget is a kick in the teeth for the rural community
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Eight years of Ross Finnie as Scottish Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs: what did he have to say for himself at NFUS agm, Dunblane, February 2007?
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Why the Glencoe massacre holds a timely lesson for Blair
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

The future of tenant farming in Scotland
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

The more we learn about ourselves, the more we find we have in common
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Sad comments from DEFRA's David Miliband at Oxford Farming Conference: and not much better from David Cameron
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie Perthshire

Twisted logic of rural post office closures is an affront to community
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

SAC Outlook Conference 2006: "Making positive choices" 14th Nov 06,
Part 3: "Opportunities for cereals and bioenergy"
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific at Edinburgh and at Cultybraggan Farm, Perthshire

SAC Outlook Conference 2006: "Making positive choices". 14th November, Murrayfield.
Part 1: Keynote address - Peter Russell, Head of Rural Group, SEERAD
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Biofuels workshop: Grangemouth 9th November 2006
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific at Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Closure of local garage indicative of a more widespread decline in rural facilities
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Scottish Agricultural Wages Board aims another shot at the feet of Scottish farming
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

If lawyers want an independent judiciary it's time they fought for one
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Disingenuous comments from Tesco boss on announcement of record
£1bn profit in six months
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Comrie Development Trust starts its bid for Community right to Buy: the latest episode in the sad saga of Cultybraggan Army Camp
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Camp, Comrie, Perthshire

Kelso Ram Sales 2006
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

NBA's Scotland's new Council astonished that handover of bank accounts and other records has not been made
Editorial

Harvest at Cultybraggan finished on 30th August - a record
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

The Tommy Sheridan case reflects badly on all sides - whatever the outcome
Editorial

Food security and the start of World War 3.
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland

My visit to the Royal Highland Show 2006
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Opportunities for the Scottish Beef Council: but let's stop the squabbling
Edwin Gillanders: Editor, Farm North East

Linklater's Scotland: Links between Norway and Scotland
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Concluding remarks
Paper presented at the 4th annual SCA conference
"Who should run the countryside? Rural Scotland 2006"
Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh 25th April 2006
Tony Andrews: Chief Executive, Scottish Countryside Alliance

Releasing rural prosperity - 2
Paper presented at 4th annual SCA conference
"Who should run the countryside? Rural Scotland 2006"
Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh 25th April 2006
Colin Williamson: Chief Executive for Dumfries &Galloway, Scottish Enterprise

Update on Marine Parks: A view from a member of Action Against Marine Parks
Kirsty Macleod: Ardlarach, Letterfinlay, Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire

Iain Mathers elected elected as new interim chairman of the Scottish Beef Council: the old lot sacked
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

"Honesty, reality and accountability"
Paper presented at the SCA annual conference
"Who should run the countryside? Rural Scotland 2006"
Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh 25th April 2006
Gordon Robertson: General Manager, Balnagown Estate

Linklater's Scotland: Maintaining the Forth Bridge
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Who should run the countryside? Rural Scotland 2006
SCA annual conference, Royal Highlaand Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh 25th April 2006
Kate Hoey MP: Chairman, Countryside Alliance

Introductory talk: "Who should run the countryside? Rural Scotland 2006".
SCA annual conference, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh 25th April 2006
Tony Andrews: Chief Executive Scottish Countryside Alliance

The disruptive behaviour of officebearers within the Scottish Beef Council towards the NBA must stop
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

UK Government Rural Payment Agency in seriously damaging chaos
Editorial

The Home Office cannot keep tabs on immigrant criminals, while farmers face severe penalties if they fail to keep tags on cattle and know where they are
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Linklater's Scotland: In an industry that has all the hallmarks of being in its sunset years, is there a business model that could give Scottish textiles a brighter tomorrow?
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Showdown looming as NBA row comes to a head
Eddie Gillanders: Editor, Farm North East

My resignation from the committee of the Scottish Beef Council
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Report of Mallaig meeting 25th March to consider proposed Coastal & Marine National Park
Kirsty Macleod: Ardlarach, Letterfinlay, Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire

Public meeting to consider proposed Coastal & Marine National Park: Mallaig 25th March 2006
James Irvine: Editor, www.land-care.org.uk

Now the Germans won't buy Dutch chickens or eggs if the Dutch use vaccination
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific

Linklater's Scotland: Could we be on the verge of losing another British industry?
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Linklater's Scotland: After years of bad publicity the shooting industry is being positively promoted - but can it really become a big player in shaping agricultural policy or helping wildlife?
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

A letter to our Rural Affairs Minister
A little girl.
with the kind permission of The Scottish Farmer

Linklater's Scotland. We were promised arts for all and a prominent place for culture on the political agenda. So what happened?
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Another conference that ignored the problems: Review of the RSE conference "Creation of Wealth" Nov 2005
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Edinburgh & Perthshire

World beaters? 2005 in review
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Talk up farming, don't talk it down and never mind reality.
Review of SAC Outlook Conference "Taking marketing opportunities" Nov 2005
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific at Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Advice from the National Beef Association
Robert Forster, Chief Executive, NBA

Which David would be better for the Conservatives and for the Country?
Editorial

The parable of the last sheep
Lesley Riddoch: Journalist and Broadcaster
Reproduced from Sunday Herald, 6th Nov 2005

Beef Shorthorn cattle in demand
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Petrol at the village garage approaches £1 per litre
Editorial

Kelso Ram Sales show a significant fall
Editorial

This year's harvest at Cultybraggan
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Historic Scotland obstructs as it sits on its hands for 9 months
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

The welfare of grazing livestock and the designation of Environment Sensitive Area (ESA)
Paul Haskins: Sheep farmer, Camdn Farm, Radcost Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire

Reduction of sheep flock at Cultybraggan
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Tour of Scottish monitor farm at Pitroddie: some fine views, but too little information
James Irvine, Editor, www.land-care.org.uk

Scottish Executive deals another blow to Scottish industry in deference to Europe
Editorial

Making hay at Cultybraggan
James Irvine: Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Linklater's Scotland: Sir Timothy Clifford
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Linklater's Scotland: G8 summit at Gleneagles
Magnus Linklater: Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

The unhealthy relationships between the Scottish Executive, the Soil Association, the Scottish Agricultural College, the lobby group Environment LINK, and the media need to be addressed.
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Director of National Institute of Economic and Social Research says that "the UK would be better off without farming" and that "farmers get paid for doing nothing".
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Linklater's Scotland: Scotland's budding tennis talent.
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Linklater's Scotland: Scotland's fish-farms
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Competitive tendering for CalMac - why not also for quangos?
Kirsty Macleod, Founder of People Too

Linklater's Scotland - Edinburgh pronounced World City of Literature
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Dismay at disharmony within the NBA and between the NBA and the breed societies
Editorial

Peter Cook discusses the economic realities facing suckler herd farmers in Scotland
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Competition Commission Investigation into supermarket practices called for by CLA
Editorial

SEERAD reneges on terms of land management scheme
Editorial

Farm walk at Monzie Farms, Gilmerton, Perthshire
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Linklater's Scotland: the heroism of John Moffat
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Land-Care's response to Maurice Hankey: "Towards a modern rural economy: enterprise or regulation"
James Irvine; Editor: www.land-care.org.uk; Teviot Scientific, Comrie & Edinburgh

Linklater's Scotland: once a nation of adventurous entrepreneurs
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Linklater's Scotland - Pete Irvine, impresario
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

"Towards a modern rural economy: enterprise or regulation." Part 5: Session 4c. SCA conference "Getting the balance right: rural Scotland 2005". 12th April, Edinburgh
Maurice Hankey, Director General, Scottish Rural Property and Business Association

Westminster election special. "So Charles Kennedy says we should trust the Liberal Democrats: but why should we?"
Editorial

"Towards a modern rural economy: enterprise or regulation". Part 5: Session 4b. SCA conference "Getting the balance right: rural Scotland 2005". 12th April, Edinburgh
Ian Mitchell, Author and Founder of People Too

"Towards a modern rural economy: enterprise or regulation". Part 5: Session 4a. SCA conference "Getting the balance right: rural Scotland 2005". 12th April, Edinburgh
Murdo Fraser, MSP

Linklater's Scotland - Kelvingrove
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

"Making conservation work: community wildlife management, derogation or command and control". Part 4; Session 3a, SCA conference "Getting the balance right: rural Scotland 2005" 12th April, Edinburgh
Roy Dennis, ornithologist

Comment on Roger Wheater/Alex Hogg session; SCA conference "Getting the balance right: rural Scotland 2005" 12th April, Edinburgh
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

If the charitable status of private schools is questioned, why not that of the RSPB?
Kirsty Macleod, Founder of People Too

Part 3: Session 2b. "Enhancing our environment: holistic management Vs single species priorities". SCA conference, "Getting the right balance: rural Scotland". 12th April, Edinburgh
Alex Hogg, Chairman Scottish Gamekeepers Association

Part 3: Session 2a. "Enhancing our environment: holistic management Vs single species priorities". SCA conference, "Getting the balance right", 12th April, Edinburgh
Roger Wheater, Chairman National Trust for Scotland

Linklater's Scotland - Supermarkets
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Part 2: Session 1. Keynote speech, Lesley Riddoch. "Getting the balance right for rural Scotland" SCA conference 12th April 2005, Edinburgh
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Part 1: Introduction. "Getting the balance right for rural Scotland" SCA conference 12th April, Edinburgh
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire

Linklater's Scotland - Pitlochry
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

John Hillman, Director's Report, SCRI 2003/2004
Editorial

"Increased flexibility for farmers" announces the Scottish Executive: but far too late for 2005 summer grazings
Editorial

Delays in the processing of Single Payment Scheme affecting farmers in England & Wales
Editorial

Linklater's Scotland
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

"Guidance on the rules for Land Management Contracts available in the next few weeks" says Scottish Executive
Editorial

Linklater's Scotland - Easter in Easterhouse
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Reply from SAC to Land-Care letter concerning SAC presentation of 4 Point Plan to local farmers
Janette Elder, SAC Corporate Information Officer

Linklater's Scotland
Magnus Linklater, Columnist, Scotland on Sunday

Letter to SEPA following SAC presentation on 4 Point Plan to local farmers
James Irvine, Teviot Scientific, Cultybraggan Farm, Comrie, Perthshire