Mandela and Scotland
The long history of support in Scotland for Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheit movement is explored by Naseem Anwar who looks at Mandela’s legacy and his relevance today.
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Poor, black, woman
Zareen Taj argues that gender, class and race are issues that have come together again and again - and that means women have no option but to become political
Looking Back
Nina Munday grew up in Scotland. Looking back from her new life in Singapore she realises that Scotland promised her a level of beloning she doubts she’d have found elsewhere
A tradition of solidarity
Akhtar Khan places Scotland’s support for Palestinians in a tradition of international solidarity stretching back for generations. He argues that this will not change no matter the outcome of the referendum.
The greatest radical speech
Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech is often interpreted as a predominantly individualistic speech. In fact, argues Graham Campbell, it is the most radical speech of its era.
A tradition of independence
Chimezie Umeh explains that Africans for Independence see the referendum as an extension of African independence struggles
Jacqueline Smith interview
Jacqueline Smith talks about her upcoming debut novel The Witchfinder
Issue 79: Transformation: can Scotland spread its wings
Five writers consider what would have to happen after independence if Scotland was genuinely to transform itself. PLus trade unions and Labour, World War 1 and nationalising energy
Comment
Grangemouth, the shipyard job losses, continuing austerity; in these dark days for Scottish society, we need answers and not just soundbites
Democracy in writing
Jean Urquhart argues that the chance to write a constitution for Scotland is the chance to enshrine participative democracy - as long as the process is not left to the politicians.