Columnists

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Lord Provost David Cameron is more like a panto dame these days, writes Moreen Simpson.

Opinion

Moreen Simpson: Panto season over? Nae chance! Just look at the bizarre going on in cooncil chambers

January 10, 2025

The truth exposed by this story is not that politicians need to address the amount spent on feeding prisoners but that they must focus on the parlous state of Scotland's NHS, writes Euan McColm.

Opinion

Euan McColm: Anger over prisoners eating better than Inverness patients should be aimed at Scottish Government – not ‘pampered criminals’

January 10, 2025

Glen Sannox toilets may not be capable of dealing with up to 1,000 passengers.

Opinion

Iain Maciver: CalMac ferry toilet shortage is just the latest example of how government treats Western Isles

January 9, 2025

As fantastic as it is to see communities getting out and doing the work themselves – our local grit box has been remarkably busy over the past week – I always feel they shouldn’t have to, writes Colin Farquhar.

Opinion

Colin Farquhar: Another year of skiting on the snow and ice – why is Aberdeen barely being gritted?

January 8, 2025

Ireland managed to make a multi-million pound industry out of the silver screen – plus a Game Of Thrones tourism industry. So why not here, writes Scott Begbie.

Opinion

Scott Begbie: Let’s build an industry for the silver screen here in Aberdeen

January 7, 2025

People queued for hours to see the Royals on Christmas day,

Opinion

Scott Begbie: Why do people worship royal toffs instead of those who really deserve the praise?

December 31, 2024

Most NHS staff are wonderful when by some miracle we finally meet them, but they seem locked in a shambolic system in desperate need of serious reform, writes David Knight,

Opinion

David Knight: Making it to the front of NHS waiting list would be a Christmas miracle for me, but I know others have it much worse

December 22, 2024

It’s barely six months since the country woke up to what we thought would be a new, honourable era of politics and a government which would stand up for the “working” man and woman. Well, Sir Keir, your six-month report must read: “Dismal failure and bitter disappointment.

Opinion

Moreen Simpson: Starmer must hae it in for us oldies with this betrayal of Waspi women his latest snub

December 20, 2024

Farming

Brian Henderson: What shocked me most on my supermarket trip?

December 20, 2024

These business owners feel they are being forced to take action against the local authority who should be acting in their best interest, all because they haven’t been listened to, writes Rebecca Buchan.

Opinion

Rebecca Buchan: Power-mad council’s bus gate shambles means it could be Last Christmas for some of our traders

December 18, 2024

Public transport needs to be sorted out before we can even think about banning cars, writes Scott Begbie.

Opinion

Scott Begbie: Stop trying to penalize Aberdeen car drivers and focus on fixing our public transport

December 17, 2024

I’m sure the relatives will find some solace in this meeting even with such apparent low expectations, and thank Swinney for his interest, writes David Knight.

Opinion

David Knight: Murdered Nairn banker’s family deserve more than just a chat with Swinney – the First Minister needs to act

December 15, 2024

We can't have a viable NHS without paying for it, writes Euan McColm.

Opinion

Euan McColm: We need politicians to be honest about the state of the NHS to avoid more critical incidents at ARI

December 13, 2024

Colin Farquhar, was head of cinema operations at the Belmont Filmhouse and loved the festive season.

Opinion

Colin Farquhar: Muppet Christmas Carol makes me well up every time – my Christmas wish is to watch it again in the Belmont Cinema

December 11, 2024

Now it’s been revealed that a group of senior clinicians alerted Grampian NHS bosses to the “intolerable” risk level three months ago.

Opinion

Moreen Simpson: Pensioners like me are feart to leave the hoose thanks to Aberdeen hospital crisis

December 8, 2024

The dismal news about further delays came as no surprise to many who suspected the SNP Government would use any tactic at its disposal to avoid delivering the project.

Opinion

David Knight: SNP promises on A96 are like Black Friday sales – they don’t always match reality

December 8, 2024

I wrote briefly about the two posties my friend and I were allocated during Christmas shifts at the Cattofield sorting office about 50 years ago. Both in their 60s, they were delighted to enjoy the company of two 20-year-olds to liven up the daily drudgery. Image: Helen Hepburn.

Opinion

Moreen Simpson: Gregg Wallace has always turned my stomach – now deal with the gross Bake Off innuendo

December 6, 2024

There are three different pantos in the city that you can in take this year, at HMT, Tivoli and the Arts Centre. How embedded performing arts have become in the city since Frank Matcham built one of his many theatres here in 1906.

Opinion

Colin Farquhar: Aberdeen’s panto is more than just a Christmas laugh – it’s part of your heritage too

December 4, 2024

Columnists

Scott Begbie: Forget the internet, we should all be shopping local this Christmas

December 3, 2024

The police and other authorities batter everyone with their “stay at home” message at such times; sensible, but not a realistic option for many, writes David Knight.

Columnists

David Knight: Storm Bert caused me trouble over bridged waters

December 1, 2024

Why on earth wasn't it until June this year that the inspectors discovered so little progress had been made, the school and its ill-fated pupils continuing to languish, asks Moreen Simpson.

Columnists

Moreen Simpson: Why did it take so long to recognise the failings going on at Harlaw Academy?

November 29, 2024

We loved Douglas Henshall as the put-upon Detective Inspector Perez but he's now retired

Opinion

Iain Maciver: Shetland’s big screen sideline is becoming huge draw for the island

November 28, 2024

The road to getting the new joint has been long and bumpy. Two years on a waiting list, which really has been four years of attempted diagnoses, which stretch back to perhaps seven if you include what now seems obvious early signs and indicators.

Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

Colin Farquhar: Mum’s agonising wait on NHS wait list has shown me something needs to change so lives can be lived

November 27, 2024

Opinion

Scott Begbie: Don’t let low-life cold-calling scammers spoil your Christmas like they almost did to me

November 26, 2024

It seems inevitable that Flynn's potential flight of fancy to Edinburgh will be a turbulent journey, writes David Knight.

Opinion

David Knight: Flynn might be leader-in-waiting, but the Audrey Nicoll debacle will follow him around

November 24, 2024

He thought I was going to say I'd met somebody else. Seems he was so relieved that I wasn't, he blurted oot: "Well, I suppose we better get married.?" Image: Helen Hepburn.

Opinion

Moreen Simpson: This time o year reminds me fan my first ‘fiance’ made my Silent Night turn to silent fury

November 22, 2024

About one million cruise passengers arrive in Scotland each year. We could be like Greece and charge them to set foot on an island, writes Iain Maciver.

Opinion

Iain Maciver: Make sure islanders benefit from the oodles of cash set to be raked in on tourist tax

November 21, 2024

The new owners, AviAlliance, is a private airport investor and operator, and already has a number of airports across the world in its portfolio including Athens International Airport, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and San Juan Airport in Puerto Rico.

Opinion

Rebecca Buchan: Could Aberdeen International Airport’s buyout hold the key to the north-east’s success?

November 20, 2024

As far as I am concerned, who I am today, the things I am passionate about, the beliefs I hold dear were forged in my local library when I was growing up in Edinburgh, writes Scott Begbie.

Opinion

Scott Begbie: Cutting 13 libraries from across Aberdeenshire is cultural vandalism

November 19, 2024

Farming

Jane Craigie: Farmers must tell their stories to highlight rural plight

November 18, 2024

Gray's actions exposed a somewhat - er -grey area all of his own, writes David Knight.

Opinion

David Knight: Horrific social impact of NHS waiting lists demands proper attention and it’s not getting it from Neil Gray

November 17, 2024

Please could you find cash, Mr Gray, to boost our pathetic hospital bed numbers?

Opinion

Moreen Simpson: Health Secretary’s Dons trips are a sickener while our broke NHS is in crisis

November 16, 2024

Flynn is, without question, one of the SNP?s most capable politicians, writes Euan McColm.

Columnists

Euan McColm: I’ll be astonished if Stephen Flynn’s ambitions stop short of becoming the SNP’s next leader

November 15, 2024

It might seem to be at a distance, but what goes on in US politics of course has reverberations further afield, including here. writes Colin Farquhar.

Opinion

Colin Farquhar: Trump’s north-east links may make him ‘a Big Menie’ – but I’m fascinated by what his win means

November 13, 2024

The case for the prosecution presents the army of Abermoaners who belittle everyone or any proposal that is doing some good in the Granite City writes Scott Begbie.

Opinion

Scott Begbie: Don’t ban teens from social media – start with the Abermoaners running our city down!

November 12, 2024

A once busy Union Street is now closed to traffic as the High Street suffers from the lack of accessibility.

Opinion

David Knight: Want Aberdeen to thrive like Inverurie then make it accessible and get rid of bus gates

November 10, 2024

Nooo, I didnae launch masellie into the ether to search for an online Romeo. As the Markies ads put it, I wisnae after just ony gent. He had to be special. Image: Helen Hepburn.

Opinion

Moreen Simpson: Fa needs a husband fan yiv got a handyman like Jim

November 8, 2024

So it looks very much like my distant cousin Donald John has made an amazing comeback and is heading back to the White House and as president of the United States, writes Iain Maciver,

Opinion

Iain Maciver: We shouldn’t worry about my distant cousin becoming US president – we have enough to worry about in Scotland

November 7, 2024

Inverurie is a pretty different picture there to that of Peterhead these days - and it made me wonder why, writes Rebecca Buchan.

Opinion

Rebecca Buchan: Railway could make Peterhead town centre just as busy as Inverurie’s

November 6, 2024

Columnists

Scott Begbie: What’s the point in city wardens if it’s only police who can take action over street drinkers and drug takers in Aberdeen city centre?

November 5, 2024

The curious thing is that Highland Council is blocking a project which could solve Caley Thistle's financial crisis and keep it in business, writes David Knight.

Opinion

David Knight: Caley Thistle has been let down by council scuppering money-making plans

November 3, 2024

Labour's first budget did nothing to lend support to pensioners, writes Moreen Simpson.

Columnists

Moreen Simpson: Oldies left oot in the cauld as Labour forgets all aboot us in budget

November 1, 2024

Farming

Brian Henderson: Budget has sent shockwaves through farming industry

November 1, 2024

Accompanying the First Minister's words was a carefully staged photograph in which, a Saltire by his shoulder, he signed the letter which had been circulated by the trade union Unite, writes Euan McColm.

Opinion

Euan McColm: Swinney needs to stop playing the victim over winter fuel cut – reinstate it instead of shifting blame

October 31, 2024

These favoured faceless flops know nothing about the islands they are supposed to service, writes Iain Maciver.

Opinion

Iain Maciver: Faceless flops who know nothing about the islands shouldn’t be in charge of our transport

October 31, 2024

Places like Ferryhill Community Centre deserve to be protected, writes Colin Farquhar.

Opinion

Colin Farquhar: Ferryhill Community Centre is a lifeline in area I love – we must fight to keep it

October 30, 2024

While our leaders continue to disappoint us lets celebrate the good that is in Aberdeen.

Opinion

Scott Begbie: People make Aberdeen – amid despair at our feckless leaders, let’s celebrate city’s real unsung heroes

October 29, 2024

It was hard to accept Salmond's gone - a one-of-a-kind political warrior who ran rings around his opponents at his peak, writes David Knight.

Opinion

David Knight: My shock and sadness at seeing Alex Salmond’s coffin pass by as memories of dealing with wily politician flooded back

October 27, 2024

Norman Esslemont has offered to help fund a legal challenge against Aberdeen City Council's bus gates.

Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

Moreen Simpson: Hooray for Aberdeen hero putting hand in pocket to take on local council in bus gates fiasco

October 25, 2024

Here's the real news. The Wee Frees I have spoken to recently, in an unofficial unattributable capacity, don't give a toss.

Opinion

Iain Maciver: Wee Frees don’t give a toss about Stornoway Tesco opening on Sunday – hypocrites should give it a rest!

October 24, 2024

Columnists

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All Columnists Posts

Moreen Simpson: Panto season over? Nae chance! Just look at the bizarre going on in cooncil chambers

Euan McColm: Anger over prisoners eating better than Inverness patients should be aimed at Scottish Government – not ‘pampered criminals’

Iain Maciver: CalMac ferry toilet shortage is just the latest example of how government treats Western Isles

Colin Farquhar: Another year of skiting on the snow and ice – why is Aberdeen barely being gritted?

Scott Begbie: Let’s build an industry for the silver screen here in Aberdeen

Scott Begbie: Why do people worship royal toffs instead of those who really deserve the praise?

David Knight: Making it to the front of NHS waiting list would be a Christmas miracle for me, but I know others have it much worse

Moreen Simpson: Starmer must hae it in for us oldies with this betrayal of Waspi women his latest snub

Brian Henderson: What shocked me most on my supermarket trip?

Rebecca Buchan: Power-mad council’s bus gate shambles means it could be Last Christmas for some of our traders

Scott Begbie: Stop trying to penalize Aberdeen car drivers and focus on fixing our public transport

David Knight: Murdered Nairn banker’s family deserve more than just a chat with Swinney – the First Minister needs to act

Euan McColm: We need politicians to be honest about the state of the NHS to avoid more critical incidents at ARI

Colin Farquhar: Muppet Christmas Carol makes me well up every time – my Christmas wish is to watch it again in the Belmont Cinema

Moreen Simpson: Pensioners like me are feart to leave the hoose thanks to Aberdeen hospital crisis

David Knight: SNP promises on A96 are like Black Friday sales – they don’t always match reality

Moreen Simpson: Gregg Wallace has always turned my stomach – now deal with the gross Bake Off innuendo

Colin Farquhar: Aberdeen’s panto is more than just a Christmas laugh – it’s part of your heritage too

Scott Begbie: Forget the internet, we should all be shopping local this Christmas

David Knight: Storm Bert caused me trouble over bridged waters

Moreen Simpson: Why did it take so long to recognise the failings going on at Harlaw Academy?

Iain Maciver: Shetland’s big screen sideline is becoming huge draw for the island

Colin Farquhar: Mum’s agonising wait on NHS wait list has shown me something needs to change so lives can be lived

Scott Begbie: Don’t let low-life cold-calling scammers spoil your Christmas like they almost did to me

David Knight: Flynn might be leader-in-waiting, but the Audrey Nicoll debacle will follow him around

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