Orkney News
October 2020: “Developing a Written Constitution for Scotland”.
The National
We have had a series of monthly articles in The National to focus on our Model Constitution, to encourage debate and to draw the links with public policy:
November 2020: “How to play your part in shaping our independent Scotland”, which introduced Constitution for Scotland and how the people can draft our constitution.
December 2020: ”A Scottish constitution is a matter for all of us, here’s how to have your say”, which focussed on your rights as a citizen, sovereignty of the people and the territory of Scotland.
January 2021: “Why Scotland’s new constitution cannot wait until after independence”, which focussed on the Head of State, the organisation of the Parliament and how the electorate would be represented.
February 2021: “Scottish independence: How a new constitution can protect Scots democracy”, which focussed on the law-making process, recall of an MP and public petitions.
March 2021: “How an independent Scotland could have a real democracy”, which focussed on the Structure of Government and Public Finance.
April 2021: ”Now is the time to write the rule book for an independent Scotland” , which focussed on the judiciary and amending the Constitution.
May 2021: ”How will an Indy Scotland hold its politicians accountable?” , which focussed on audit and accountability.
June 2021: “Our post-independence democracy should let all play their part”, which focussed on local government and referendums.
July 2021: “Are those in power adhering to the principles of their party?” may be downloaded here.
August 2021: “How can we ensure fairer land ownership after independence?”, which focussed on Natural Resources, Climate and Environment, Land Registration and Wildlife Protection.
September 2021: “Just look at a map to see the potential of an Indy Scotland”, which focussed on Defence, Policing, Emergency Powers and banning Nuclear and Biological Weapons.
October 2021: “Who says Scotland isn’t getting ready to run its own country?”, which focussed on public participation and citizens assemblies.
November 2021: “How a written constitution would rebalance democracy in Scotland” which touched on social justice, opportunities and democracy.
December 2021: “The to-do list for an independent Scotland is long – so let’s get started” which introduced the idea of a Preamble to the Constitution.
January 2022: “If you care about the future of Scotland, join our conversation” which introduced democratic representation and economic wellbeing.
February 2022: “Will an independent Scotland continue with Westminster’s ‘indirect democracy?”’ which focussed on local authorities and community councils.
March 2022: “We have made new additions to our work on a Scots constitution”, which detailed some of the recent changes to our draft.
April 2022: “Scotland needs effective local government – as Abba line highlights” which presented some ideas as we approach local government elections.
May 2022: “Constitution: Here’s where we should aim to be more like Norway” which featured land tenure, subsidiarity and the size of councils.
June 2022: “How our constitution could make politicians more accountable” which focussed on accountability in public life.
July 2022: “Self Determination is Scotland’s right in international law” giving a focus on our status as a nation and the Claim of Right.
August 2022: “There’s no need for a national debt, now or with Scottish independence” reminded us to use the constitution to prepare for a better country.
October 2022: “We need to be ready if the next General Election is to be a de facto referendum” which nudged us towards developing a plan now.
November 2022: “How we can start to give answers to Scottish independence don’t knows” showed that the focus needs to be on the politics and not the laws.
January 2023: “Written constitution could help human rights under attack in the UK” explained how rights can be protected, with social justice paramount.
April 2023: “An independent Scotland needs a written constitution – here’s why”, identified ten themes, being reasons why we need a written constitution.
May 2023: “Should Scotland have a hereditary or an elected head of state?”, asked the question before Charles was offered the Honours of Scotland.
June 2023 “AI: How can we keep control in an independent Scotland?”, offered an interesting potential use for Artificial Intelligence.
November 2023: “Scottish constitution should include the right to free healthcare”, argued that investment in healthcare is good for the economy as well as our health
The Herald: Neil Mackay’s “Big Read” on 29 November 2020; “It’s now time to have the conversation about creating a Scottish constitution”.
iScot December 2020 edition
Saor Alba issue number 34 in October 2020
Scots Independent November 2020 edition
The Nation Talks: Chair Robert Ingram was interviewed on John Drummond’s TNT show on 10 March 2021 which you can view on YouTube here.