The Jaggy Thistle is the Scottish election Substack
Join us for the general election campaign north of the Border
First, an apology.
Those Jaggy Thistle readers who aren’t much into politics might be weary at the prospect of wall-to-wall election coverage for the next six weeks.
I can assure them there will be some great cultural journalism on The Jaggy Thistle in the days and weeks ahead.
I’ve a piece brewing about the Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson on the 150th anniversary of his birth. I also have words and documentary photography from a trip I took earlier this month to the island of Ortigia, in Sicily.
But yes, there will be a lot of politics from me in the run-up to July 4, when Britain goes to the polls for the general election.
Between now and then, The Jaggy Thistle is the Scottish election Substack.
Here you’ll find essential coverage of the Scottish side of the contest, the result of which could determine whether Sir Keir Starmer has a workable majority in power.
How the election plays out north of the Border will also provide valuable clues as to the future governance of Scotland itself. Is the clock ticking on the SNP’s time in power? Has Scottish Labour learned the lessons of its long years in the wilderness? Is the independence issue dead or just dormant?
These and other questions will be addressed in a series of posts, discussions and commentaries by me on The Jaggy Thistle in the coming weeks. And despite the high stakes we will try to have a laugh along the way.
I bring some experience to the table, as one of Scotland’s most seasoned political commentators. I’ve been covering the Scottish political beat professionally for more than 30 years as a political editor, an editor, and for the past nine years as a weekly columnist on The Times.
I’ve been there, done it, outgrown the T-shirt.
(Me in Uniqlo the other day: “Does this come in XXL?”)
I’d rather not count how many elections I’ve covered as a journalist. I have, however, developed some coping mechanisms for surviving a campaign, which I am happy to share.
This is aimed primarily at activists, journalists, party officials and the most serious Scot Pol geeks.
First, and most important: remember to eat properly. Otherwise you will find yourself heading to the beach this summer two stone heavier and with late onset diabetes.
Do not be like Stuart McDonald, who hopes to re-elected SNP MP for Glasgow South. He tweeted this morning:
Second, take regular time outs. Democracy will survive if you spend a day up a hill or taking the kids to the beach rather than traipsing along to a five-minute huddle with Douglas Ross at Fraserburgh fish market at 7am. Go for a walk. Watch a favourite film. Tell your mother you love her.
Third, have some fun. Hacks, you should seek out the political operatives you know are a good laugh and spend time with them rather the duller ones that might be marginally better copy. Life’s too short to spend precious time with dullards. Make sure you come out of this campaign with some great war stories, as well as some great stories.
I have specific advice for surviving election day itself, or more specifically election night, but that can wait until nearer the time.
More details of Jaggy Thistle election coverage as the campaign develops, but it will include briefings on the leaders of the three biggest Scottish parties, instant verdicts on leadership debates, analysis of manifestos and general snark and tomfoolery.
I am open to (legal) suggestions. If there’s anything you think I should be doing to cover this election, please let me know in the comments beneath this post.
Like I always say, The Jaggy Thistle is a community and a conversation.
Much of my day-to-day commentary will be on Notes as I try to spend less time on Twitter. Notes is Substack’s version of social media. If you haven’t really spent much time on Notes, do give it a spin. It had a slow start but is picking up as more and more interesting people start to chip in.
I’m really looking forward to the weeks ahead. I hope you will come along for the ride.
Remember: The Jaggy Thistle is the Scottish election Substack.
A word about access. Some of the coverage will be free, but some will be behind a paywall. So if you want full access, please consider becoming a paid subscriber and supporting my work.
It costs about as much as a cup of coffee a month.
You’ll be supporting independent Scottish journalism. And you’ll be helping me keep some of my writing free for everyone.
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What would you like to see from the Jaggy Thistle election coverage? Let me know in the comments.
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“A chield’s amang you takin notes, And faith he’ll prent it.” Robert Burns
Do remember to have a look at how women are faring as candidates, potential office holders and…well you know the drill 😉