Sometimes it is useful to take some time to digest an event fully, and come to some considerations about it. A few weeks ago, on April 26th, the Electoral Reform Society Scotland collaborated with a...
Posted 02 Jun 2025
Scotland is entering a new era in public life. The last decade has been dominated by the aftermath and consequences of two major constitutional events: the Scottish independence referendum and Brexit. Now, it is time...
Posted 12 Mar 2025
We are living through an uncertain political era. Many old certainties are shifting geopolitically and the UK has only just emerged from a chaotic Westminster parliament that saw three Prime Ministers in a year. Yet...
Posted 26 Feb 2025
After 25 years of devolution, there is much to discuss and debate. Come to this fringe to explore the impact of the Scottish Parliament, and what the future for democracy in Scotland might look like....
Posted 29 Aug 2024
I was delighted to be asked to moderate the main Plenary Session of the 9th Annual Congress on European Local Government in Poland last week to discuss ‘New Ideas of Decentralisation in a Changing World’....
Posted 12 Mar 2024
The UK has gone through a period of turmoil and volatility which has polarised society and degraded institutions. Millions of people feel alienated from official politics, while trust is at an all-time low. There is...
Posted 31 Jan 2024
When citizens come together to make plans about the place they know best, Scotland’s towns, cities and villages can flourish. But what democratic systems would allow this to happen? And is Dunfermline the right place...
Posted 01 Nov 2023
Innovations in Local Democracy: What is the best route to powerful communities? A vibrant and powerful local democracy creates the basis for building strong communities. From the pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis people have shown...
Posted 10 Oct 2023
If you live in Rutherglen and Hamilton West and are registered to vote, tomorrow is the day you can go vote in the long-awaited by-election. That is if you have, and remember to take, photo...
Posted 04 Oct 2023
Thank you to everyone who made it along to hear author and broadcaster, Lesley Riddoch, present the second of our annual ERS State of Scottish Democracy lecture. We are pleased to publish a video of...
Posted 28 Sep 2023