I must admit I missed this at the time, but it seems that some of the so-called “patriots with legitimate concerns about immigration” were so incensed by RNLI crews rescuing refugees that they sent abusive messages to the RNIB. You know, the charity which helps visually impaired people. I think that should tell you a lot about these folk.
Remote
Rab Bruce’s Spider
@RabBrucesSpider1@mastodon.scot
mastodon 4.7.2Supporter of Scotland becoming a normal, self-governing country. Occasional blogger & writer of articles for iScot magazine on tech aids for visually impaired. Blind user of social media.
If at first you don’t secede, try, try again.
Blogs at: rabbrucesspider.blogspot.com
762 Followers
499 Following
50 Posts
Joined November 04, 2022
Scotland has enjoyed some dry and, for us, hot weather, with temps in the mid to high twenties. But the media habit of constantly referring to a UK heatwave when we’ve had wind and intermittent rain for the past week or so has irritated me. As usual, the UK doesn’t seem to extend to Scotland. So this morning, when the Guardian ran a piece asking how readers are being affected by the heatwave, I submitted a response saying “Hardly at all”.
#Media #Weather
Reform Ltd demonstrating their racist credentials yet again. They can’t stand it when people speak any language except English.
#Politics #Language
Reform UK Plans To Jail Candidates For Using Irish, Gaelic Or Cornish On Election Leaflets https://bylinetimes.com/2026/07/13/reform-uk-plans-to-jail-candidates-for-using-irish-gaelic-or-cornish-on-election-leaflets/
I assume this is just another tech glitch from Meta but maybe they know something we don’t. I woke up this morning to my Meta AI app informing me that I am no longer in the UK.
Unfortunately, there’s no real cause to celebrate since it seems to think I am now in the USA.
#Scotland #Technology #NowIsNotTheTime
Andy Burnham has, predictably, refused permission for a 2nd IndyRef. That Scotland needs permission to decide its own future reveals the core of the problem.
But now that we know, I expect we’ll hear from John Swinney what his secret plan is.
Any day now.
#Politics #Scotland #IndependenceIsNormal
What? A ship which is not fit for purpose & has been out of service for years?
Surely Swinney must resign.
Oh, hang on. It’s not a Scottish ferry, so the media aren’t interested. Funny that.
#Politics #Media
‘Destroyer Disaster’ as Royal Navy destroyer still not in service after 23 years, takes three times as long as as Scotland’s ‘Fiasco Ferries’ https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/08/08/destroyer-disaster-as-royal-navy-destroyer-still-not-in-service-after-23-years-takes-three-times-as-long-as-as-scotlands-fiasco-ferries/
The English media seem obsessed with wanting people in Scotland & Wales to support the England football team. It strikes me as rather pathetic and needy. Don’t they understand sporting rivalry? Would aSpurs fan be rooting for Arsenal to win the FA Cup? Or a Man Utd fan back Manchester City in the Champions’ League?
Anyway, I’m off to put on my Argentina top for tonight’s game.
#Football #Sport #MastodonFC
@JackTheCat@mastodon.scot Oh, it’s always been anti-Scottish independence, but then most UK media is. But their Anglocentric use of UK is just lazy journalism. I couldn’t resist telling them.
Whether you call it the BBC Effect or the Farage Effect, the fact is that most Scots seriously overestimate the number of refugees living here, & how much financial help those refugees are given.
#Politics #Refugees
Four in five Scots overestimate UK refugee numbers, survey finds https://news.stv.tv/scotland/four-in-five-scots-overestimate-uk-refugee-numbers-survey-finds
Posted in case you missed the BBC’s not so extensive coverage of this good news about Scottish students gaining university places. Most of the media seem to have ignored it. Funny that. It’s almost as if they have some sort of anti-Scottish agenda.
#Scotland #Media #Education
Bias by the omission of really good news for Scotland – Record university places for Scots students and acceptances for most deprived young people at new high which also understates the true numbers https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/08/05/bias-by-the-omission-of-really-good-news-for-scotland-record-university-places-for-scots-students-and-acceptances-for-most-deprived-young-people-at-new-high-which-also-understates-the-true-numbers/
Do we have the broad shoulders of the Union to thank for the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow? According to this piece, it seems not despite the loud Unionist claims. Compared to how much funding they gave to Birmingham for previous Games, Glasgow has received a pittance.
#Politics #Sport #CommonwealthGames
UK Government is now dishonestly claiming a ‘central’ and ‘instrumental’ role in bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow. https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/07/28/uk-government-is-now-dishonestly-claiming-a-central-and-instrumental-role-in-bringing-the-commonwealth-games-to-glasgow/
Meet the new UK Health Secretary.
Same as the old UK Health Secretary.
These people want to destroy the NHS in England, which will have a knock-on effect on Scotland’s funding.
#Politics #NHS
New Health Secretary took thousands from private health-linked donors https://www.thenational.scot/news/26298685.yvette-cooper-took-thousands-private-health-linked-donors/?ref=rss
Robin McAlpine telling some hard truths in this article. I hope he’s wrong but I fear he’s right.
#Politics #Scotland
The time for fairytales in Scottish independence movement is over http://robinmcalpine.org/the-time-for-fairytales-in-scottish-independence-movement-is-over/
@JackTheCat@mastodon.scot Oops! Had to edit that as it didn’t quite reflect what I meant. Anyway, I doubt the Guardian will pay any attention as UK and England are synonymous for most English journalists.
BBC blame Scottish Govt because the UK military do not have the resources they were asked to provide.
Local resident blames Scottish Govt for not calling in UK military sooner when the blaze was the size of a small car.
And Scot Govt accused of politicising the event.
Do not trust the BBC.
#Media #BBCBias #Scotland #WildFire
Minister defends decision to reject UK military help to fight wildfire https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgq5v574dgno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
Another bloody immigrant taking over £250k of public money. It’s a disgrace, isn’t it?
Oh, wait. It’s not an immigrant. It’s a Reform Ltd Councillor.
#Politics #Grifters
Reform Councillor Who Slammed Angela Rayner on Tax Owed HMRC Over £250,000 Through Failed Firms https://bylinetimes.com/2026/06/09/reform-councillor-who-slammed-angela-rayner-on-tax-owed-hmrc-over-250000-through-failed-firms/
Politics
Will Burnham’s victory kill the Scottish independence movement?
No, and this article explains why.
It seems some in the UK media in Scotland still don’t grasp this.
#Politics #Scotland
‘Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated’ and ‘Burnham putting Scotland back in its box’ https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/06/20/reports-of-my-death-have-been-greatly-exaggerated-and-burnham-putting-scotland-back-in-its-box/
When you see a headline about a Labour Peer blaming the SNP for something, you just know it’s George Foulkes.
This time, the scandal he’s upset about is that someone went to hospital with suspected Ebola symptoms. The hospital quarantined part of a ward, then quickly ran test which proved negative. Apparently, this prompt and efficient action means Swinney must resign.
#Politics #Zoomer
Labour peer ridiculed for tweet blaming SNP for Ebola scare at Glasgow hospital https://www.thenational.scot/news/26243718.labour-peer-ridiculed-tweet-ebola-scare-glasgow-hospital/?ref=rss
Reform Ltd have received £7 million in donations from 2 crypto-billionaires.
I wonder whether their supporters ever stop to consider why a supposed man of the people is being paid so much by very wealthy individuals?
#Politics
This feels like a copy & paste job by STV. No mention at all that Scotland has a separate system and does not use the harsh assessments that PIP claimants must endure. The article is factually correct but seems designed to create an overall poor impression of disability benefits which do not necessarily apply in #Scotland
#Disability
Disability benefits not fit for purpose and need bold reform, says Pip review https://news.stv.tv/world/disability-benefits-not-fit-for-purpose-and-need-bold-reform-says-pip-review
Sometimes I despair. I’ve just read a piece by a Director of the Tufton Street IEA arguing that the reason the UK’s economic performance lags behind that of the USA is that there is too much Bank regulation. No mention of Brexit, and while he made some valid points, the purpose of the regulations is to prevent Banks crashing. That prospect doesn’t seem to concern him at all.
@WeegieFifer@mastodon.scot
Hiya. Love the podcasts. Have you ever been in touch with Ken MCdonald of iScot Magazine? Great guy who is working hard to promote all things Scottish, and who kindly publishes my articles on tech for the visually impaired. I think he’d make a great guest.
Politics
You’ll never guess which US ally is the real problem. @aljazeera@flipboard.com
There’s an odd framing in this article which seems to be complaining how unfair it is that the Scottish Government offers more support for poorer families than other UK nations do. Still, I bet the BBC will be all over this.
#Politics #SocialSecurity #Devolution
Some families £15,000 better off than others due to different benefit rules across UK nations https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/benefits-income-welfare-dwp-scotland-england-report-b2988808.html
New blog post on the media calls for an enquiry into SNP finances. As usual, the outrage is hypocritical.
#Politics #Media
It's Outrageous https://rabbrucesspider.blogspot.com/2026/06/its-outrageous.html
According to this article, the media is complicit in pushing the false narrative that disability benefits are spiralling out of control. They aren’t, but politicians want people to believe they are so that they have an excuse to target vulnerable people who are unable to fight back.
#Politics #Media #Disability
ITN fails to explain why Channel 5’s Jeremy Vine does not push back on false claims of ‘spiralling welfare’ http://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/itn-fails-to-explain-why-channel-5s-jeremy-vine-does-not-push-back-on-false-claims-of-spiralling-welfare/
Well said, Ross Greer. We need more politicians to come out this strongly.
Note, too, how BBC’s Martin Geissler tried to portray the violent thuggery as only a small part of legitimate protests.
#Politics #FarageRiots
BBC slammed by Ross Greer live on air over framing of racist disorder in Belfast https://www.thenational.scot/news/26181298.bbc-slammed-ross-greer-framing-racist-disorder-belfast/?ref=rss
@JackTheCat@mastodon.scot Good. The so-called plan is far too vague and hopeful. As pointed out, if there was any threat to WM control over Scotland, Labour, Lib Dems, Tories & Reform would all unite to block it. We need something far more decisive and certain, although whether the SNP will ever deliver that seems unlikely.
Great nnnews for visually impaired Android users. Soundscape is a wonderful app. And it’s free to use.
#Accessibility #Blind #Technology #Disability @doubletap@tweesecake.social
Is the BBC a mouthpiece for Reform Ltd?
If not, they’re certainly trying hard to claim that position.
Do not trust the BBC.
#Politics #Media #BBCBias
BBC Newsnight criticised for 'surreal' interruption of Zack Polanski story https://www.thenational.scot/news/26418517.bbc-newsnight-slated-surreal-interruption-zack-polanski-story/?ref=rss
“It’s a simple, straightforward, political choice”.
And Keir Starmer has U-turned on it. If it’s so simple to stop our energy bills increasing, why hasn’t he done it?
#Politics #Energy #CostOfLiving
Awkward Keir Starmer clip resurfaces as energy price cap rockets https://www.thenational.scot/news/26141879.awkward-keir-starmer-clip-re-emerges-energy-price-cap-rockets/?ref=rss
This article gives a fascinating insight into how #Trump, who has reportedly grifted billions of dollars for himself & his family out of being President, is still trying to fleece his loyal supporters.
#Politics #USA
Help! Donald Trump keeps begging me for money! https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/chris-lord-i-could-not-be-a-film-journalist-without-the-internet/
Make America Healthy Again?
RFK’s anti-vaccination message is working so well that this is the worst year for measles in over 30 years.
#Health
There are already more US measles cases this year than in all of 2025 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/utah-south-carolina-atlanta-texas-arizona-b3021101.html
There’s only 1 word to describe this. #Corruption
Donald Trump granted 'forever' immunity from ongoing tax audits https://www.thenational.scot/news/26122673.donald-trump-granted-immunity-ongoing-tax-audits/?ref=rss
Replying to
@ianturton@mapstodon.space Ah, my screen reader didn’t pick that up. Still, I’d have thought an allegedly Scottish media outlet should have made the difference more evident to readers.
This is disgraceful. Rupert Lowe confirms his disdain of Scotland while also implying that he thinks the UK’s gun laws are too restrictive. To casually dismiss the murder of so many children is abhorrent. But what else can you expect from a man who thinks Nigel Farage is too left wing?
#Politics
P calls Dunblane massacre ‘one murder’ on Joe Rogan podcast https://news.stv.tv/politics/mp-calls-dunblane-massacre-one-murder-on-joe-rogan-podcast
Replying to
@nusher@mastodon.scot Absolutely. I’m still not sure what Foulkes wanted them to do. Keep the ward open and risk spreading a deadly virus? The hospital did the right thing, and acted swiftly.
9 years late and still not fit for purpose.
Aye, but what about ferries?
#Politics #Defence
Troubled £6bn Ajax armoured vehicle may never be fit for combat, MPs warned https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ajax-uk-military-army-mod-b2991108.html
Nigel Farage has a huge fan base … in Ecuador.
#Politics
Why are there so many Ecuadorian Farage fans on X? https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/rats-in-a-sack-why-are-there-so-many-ecuadorian-farage-fans-on-x/
Replying to
@otfrom@functional.cafe Indeed. Especially when it makes Westminster look mean and miserly.
Prof Robertson explains why Sky’s maternity survey is so misleading.
#NHS #Maternity #Health
Sky TV’s maternity survey is not just massive it’s massively useless and staggeringly wrong in suggesting NHS Scotland has problems – here’s why https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/05/29/sky-tvs-maternity-survey-is-not-just-massive-its-massively-useless-and-staggeringly-wrong-in-suggesting-nhs-scotland-has-problems-heres-why/
Replying to
@Wen@mastodon.scot Fair point. TBH, I couldn’t face reading the whole article. A quick summary was all I could stomach. Blair’s interventions are becoming tiresome.
A new blog post in which I talk about some headlines which have made me shake my head. Sharing the despair for the sake of my mental wellbeing.
#Politics #Media #Misinformation
Hitting the Headlines https://rabbrucesspider.blogspot.com/2026/05/hitting-headlines.html
Does the UK really need to elect Farage to discover what happens when a populist takes charge? This is an interesting look at where similar politicians have failed.
#Politics
Trump, Farage, Milei – this is why populists fail https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/andy-pemberton-trump-farage-milei-this-is-why-populists-fail/
Has OFCOM been treating GB News differently to other broadcasters? Yes, and it looks like it was deliberate because the man at the top thought GB News was saying what the majority think.
#Media #Politics
What’s the problem with GB News, asks ex-chair of Ofcom https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/rats-in-a-sack-whats-the-problem-with-gb-news-asks-ex-chair-of-ofcom/
New blog post with some thoughts on the idea of capping food prices. Has it been tried elsewhere, and does it work?
#Politics #CostOfLiving
Food For Thought https://rabbrucesspider.blogspot.com/2026/05/food-for-thought.html