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It is high time that irresponsible campervan users are taxed off the NC500

To some, they are the best way to travel as you basically just pack all your stuff in the back and head off into the day, only stopping when you’ve...

02.06.2025 8

Alan Simpson

Trump is right for once, it is time to drill, baby drill in the North Sea Maybe the recent prolonged warm spell has addled my brain, but recently I found myself rather worryingly, agreeing with something that Donald Trump said.

Maybe the recent prolonged warm spell has addled my brain, but last week I found myself rather worryingly, agreeing with something that Donald Trump...

26.05.2025 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: The new £144m electric rail line without enough trains SOMETIMES I sit and ponder some of the biggest questions that exist, such as is there life after death and how deep is the sea.Actually I made that bit up as the questions that I usually find myself thinking about are how long does it take to build a CalMac ferry and will the A9 ever get dualled?Recently. I’ve been pondering another big question, namely what can you buy for £144 million?A couple of decent midfielders for an English Premier League team would be one and I suppose you could conceivably get quite a large swathe of Perthshire too and still have a bit of change leftover.However, it transpires that what you cannot guarantee with that sort of money is a better rail service.This week will see the re-opening of the line between Glasgow and East Kilbride reopen after being shut for since January. The electrification of the line is part of the Scottish Government’s plans to decarbonise Scotland’s rail passenger services by 2035. Since January, the route has been transformed with full electrification of the route, new stations at Hairmyres and East KilbrideThe work has also improved access at Giffnock, with a new accessible footbridge and a new station entrance at Clarkston.The existing track has also been lowered near Busby, Clarkston and Giffnock stations so that overhead line equipment can be accommodated under some bridges.As a result of work on the track there have been no trains on the line since January 25.So this week, commuters, and there are a considerable number along the route, could realistically expect to see an increased service.One of the promises made at the start of the work was that a double track would allow services to be increased from two every hour to four.In the evenings, after 7pm, the service is reduced to just one an hour which is unacceptable for a line that serves one of Scotland’s largest towns with a population of around 75,000.It also passes through the densely populated suburbs of Glasgow on the way so the service was not really fit for purpose given the numbers of potential passengers.So, I’m sure there would be an air of anticipation from regulars who have been forced to get the bus since January when the new timetables were issued. Unfortunately they would have been in for a nasty surprise as the timetable appears to be exactly the same as it was before the line was closed.Which does rather beg the question - what was the point?After spending £144milllion on an upgrade then passengers have a right to feel a little short-changed by having to suffer the same poor service, in the same old trains than before.At least you would hope the trains will have all been hoovered in the interim.Last week it was revealed that cost has risen to almost £144 million.The new figure was presented in a letter to Richard Leonard, convener of Holyrood’s public audit committee by Alyson Stafford, director general of the Scottish Exchequer, the civil servant responsible for the Scottish Budget including tax, spending and measuring performance.The original estimate for the work said it would cost between £100m and £120m. The figure was later revised to £139.8m.Ms Stafford: “The Original Business Case (OBC) outlined that total project cost was estimated to be £100m to £120m and that it was estimated to be operational in December 2024. “The Full Business Case (FBC) outlined that total project cost was estimated to be £139.8m and that it was estimated to be operational in December 2025....The Anticipated Final Cost is now £143.7 million which is an increase to that at FBC and as previously reported.”She went onto say the additional cost was mostly due to Transport Scotland having to contribute towards the delivery of a car park at a new relocated station in Hairmyres in East Kilbride.The re-opening of the line will be welcome to the tens of thousands of people who have faced gridlock on the roads at various spells during the work. A series of road improvements took place simultaneously while the track was electrified.The result was apparently total chaos which has a serious side as ambulances were struggling to access Hairmyres hospital at one point because of the traffic.But the fact that there is no change to the timetable will be scant consolation to the passengers.Electric trains are not due to be operational until December while the works are completely finished. Hopefully then a new timetable will be introduced and the whole point of the works will become clear.However, no new electric trains have been ordered by Scotrail so, presumably, the service will be run by rolling stock that is currently being used on other parts of the network.This will inevitably see capacity being reduced elsewhere so that services can run on the East Kilbride line.Scotrail has already admitted it cannot guarantee that all services will be electric when the new timetable is introduced in December, which kind of begs the question what is the point? Why spend millions electrifying railway lines and then not buying new trains?But this, perhaps, sums up the current sticking plaster approach to Scotland’s transport system that has been allowed to happen in recent years.Transport Scotland, of course, has form for this in the ferry network with new vessels being ordered for ports that cannot accommodate them and are not yet upgraded.Elsewhere, ferries are taken off routes to fill holes elsewhere which leaves disruption pretty much everywhere in the islands.Now, two major Glasgow commuter lines will have been electrified in recent years - to East Kilbride and also to Barrhead - but no rolling stock appears to have been ordered to run on them.Scotrail has the oldest fleet in the UK and last took delivery of 70 electric trains in 2018 when the network was in private hands, operated by Abellio.Plans were announced to purchase new suburban trains in 2022 followed by replacements for rural lines and high speed trains.Unfortunately, these have not yet materialised which shows the expensive folly that nationalisation could well become.Private firms were obliged to introduce new fleets as part of their franchise agreements but this doesn’t seem to be the case in public hands.As has been shown with the ferry network, Transport Scotland and ministers have form for complacency when it comes to providing a fleet that’s fit for purpose.Sadly, the rail network seems to be going that way too.

SOMETIMES I sit and ponder some of the biggest questions that exist, such as is there life after death and how deep is the sea. Actually I made that...

19.05.2025 2

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Giving CalMac contract is right - now give them better ships IT is probably fair to say that ferry operator has had to navigate some choppy waters of late trying to meet timetable obligations with some really duff kit handed to them by the incompetence of others.

IT is probably fair to say that ferry operator has had to navigate some choppy waters of late trying to meet timetable obligations with some really...

12.05.2025 10

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Build more houses for rural Scots, not tax second home owners HOLYROOD’s small but noisy band of Green MSP’s have been creating rather a lot of hot air of late, which cannot possible be good for the planet.

Holyrood's small but noisy band of Green MSP’s have been creating rather a lot of hot air of late, which cannot possible be good for the planet. ...

28.04.2025 3

Alan Simpson

We're going to need a smaller boat: The large ferry dilemma for CalMac GIVEN the current state of the ferry network, it is little wonder that islanders are getting a wee bit hacked off and who can blame them.

Given the current state of the ferry network, it is little wonder that islanders are getting a wee bit hacked off and who can blame them. Anything...

21.04.2025 9

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Scotland's tourism sector needs to be heard before it's too late DURING the recent spell of dry weather, social media has been illuminated with scenes from across Scotland looking at its finest.

During the recent spell of dry weather, social media has been illuminated with scenes from across Scotland looking at its finest. The clear, blue...

14.04.2025 5

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Forcing landowners to sell to locals is not the best solution THE moment that hastened the demise of Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe was when he decreed that all white-owned farms should be violently seized and handed to black members of the population.

THE moment that hastened the demise of Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe was when he decreed that all white-owned farms should be violently seized and...

07.04.2025 8

Alan Simpson

We thought the good times would last forever. We were wrong. What next for Aberdeen? THE first time I visited New Orleans, I was struck by the fact that many of the car registration plates had the phrase “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler” on them.

THE first time I visited New Orleans, I was struck by the fact that many of the car registration plates had the phrase “Laissez Les Bons Temps...

25.03.2025 5

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: NatureScot may be threatening a rare mussel it should be protecting It would be a tragic irony if a population was wiped out because the body supposed to protect them didn’t do it’s job properly.

IF you ask anyone whether or not they agree with clean, green energy being generated by onshore windfarms, the vast majority would overwhelmingly...

17.03.2025 10

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: The rail electrification scheme causing gridlock on Scotland's roads ANYONE who has had the misfortune to drive into East Kilbride, Eaglesham and other parts of the Glasgow south hinterland of late will have noticed something slightly odd.

ANYONE who has had the misfortune to drive into East Kilbride, Eaglesham and other parts of the Glasgow south hinterland of late will have noticed...

10.03.2025 9

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Endemic complacency at heart of latest CalMac ferry crisis IT is generally accepted that renting a home in the long-term does not make much financial sense.

IT is generally accepted that renting a home in the long-term does not make much financial sense. Years of expensive monthly payments and there is...

04.03.2025 10

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Any port in a storm as ministers look to buy Ardrossan TO run a successful ferry service, four key elements are required - a big ship, a port at both ends and a crew to steer the boat and serve the passengers.

TO run a successful ferry service, four key elements are required - a big ship, a port at both ends and a crew to steer the boat and serve the...

24.02.2025 5

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: The growing resentment caused by motorhomes on the NC500 FOR many it is a road paved with gold, while for others is the ultimate highway to Hell.

FOR many it is a road paved with gold, while for others is the ultimate highway to Hell. It is fair to say that the NC500 coastal road divides...

17.02.2025 30

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Rejecting nuclear in favour of more onshore wind is sheer folly IT is often said, although by whom it isn’t clear, that the best way to create electricity is simply plugging the National Grid into parliament chambers and using all the hot air.

IT is often said, although by whom it isn’t clear, that the best way to create electricity is simply plugging the National Grid into parliament...

09.02.2025 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: The smartphone generation parenting by YouTube tutorial PARENTING isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, which is sadly something you don’t realise until you have children of your own.

PARENTING isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, which is sadly something you don’t realise until you have children of your own. The endless round of...

03.02.2025 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Electrification of Scots rail network is just another empty promise LAST week was a momentous one for those of us who live along the busy commuter railway line between Glasgow and East Kilbride.

LAST week was a momentous one for those of us who live along the busy commuter railway line between Glasgow and East Kilbride. Due to Friday's red...

27.01.2025 6

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Transport Scotland defies physics with A9 dualling latest ACCORDING the dictionary definition, accelerate means to begin to move more quickly, to move faster or to gain speed.

ACCORDING the dictionary definition, accelerate means to begin to move more quickly, to move faster or to gain speed. It’s a fairly simple...

21.01.2025 10

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Skills shortage crisis should shame ministers into action IT was not that long ago that it seemed you could walk just a few yards in Scotland and you would bump into a skilled worker. Pupils would literally walk out of school on a Friday and be working in places such as shipyards on the Monday, where they would start an apprenticeship scheme.

IT was not that long ago that it seemed you could walk just a few yards in Scotland and you would bump into a skilled worker. Pupils would literally...

12.01.2025 4

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Watch out - ministers are about to send fridge police into your home IT is that time of year when most of us eat too much, drink about the same and buy so much food you could sink a battleship with it.

IT is that time of year when most of us eat too much, drink about the same and buy so much food you could sink a battleship with it. Most of us are...

29.12.2024 2

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: CalMac is not perfect but privatisation won’t make service better ANYONE who has ever had the good fortune to consume a mac and cheese on a CalMac ferry can attest to how good they are, even in a Force 9 mid-Minch.

ANYONE who has ever had the good fortune to consume a mac and cheese on a CalMac ferry can attest to how good they are, even in a Force 9...

23.12.2024 4

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Archaeological dig contract for A9 is another insult to Highlands £2m archaeological dig contract on A9 is another insult to Highlands

THE dualling of the A9 trunk road, or the lack of it, appears to have been a topic of some discussion since time began. Before even that some would...

15.12.2024 30

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Scotrail can show Starmer that nationalisation isn't always best I recently listened to an archive clip on the radio that consisted primarily of people whingeing about the railways.

I recently listened to an archive clip on the radio that consisted primarily of people whingeing about the railways. Amongst the biggest complaints...

08.12.2024 8

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Is the human cost of Net Zero drive really worth it? VAUXHALL motors was set up by Scots marine engineer Alexander Wilson in 1857 and went on to become one of the biggest car manufacturers in the UK.

VAUXHALL motors was set up by Scots marine engineer Alexander Wilson in 1857 and went on to become one of the biggest car manufacturers in the UK....

01.12.2024 5

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: One Day plaque row shows problem with conservation over evolution TO say that Edinburgh is a beautiful city would probably be viewed as an understatement.

TO say that Edinburgh is a beautiful city would probably be viewed as an understatement. With the elegant Georgian terraces along orderly streets...

24.11.2024 4

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: How is CalMac supposed to run a ferry service without any ships THERE are estimated to be more than 790 islands in Scotland, with 93 of them inhabited.

THERE are estimated to be more than 790 islands in Scotland, with 93 of them inhabited. Why the number is estimated is anyone’s guess as it should...

16.11.2024 5

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: The Sabbath isn't for everyone so Stornoway Tesco should open SEVERAL years ago, I had the good fortune to spend a Sabbath on the island of Harris during an extended trip to the Outer Hebrides.

SEVERAL years ago, I had the good fortune to spend a Sabbath on the island of Harris during an extended trip to the Outer Hebrides. Very pleasant...

09.11.2024 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: We're going to steal a bigger boat - a solution for ferry fiasco MUCH has been said about Scotland’s ongoing ferry fiasco which has left the network with a large number of passengers but hardly any ships.

MUCH has been said about Scotland’s ongoing ferry fiasco which has left the network with a large number of passengers but hardly any ships. It...

02.11.2024 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Ross Greer's mansion tax plan is the politics of envy WAY back in the day, in 1604 to be precise, judge Sir Edward Coke ruled that an Englishman’s castle is indeed his home.

WAY back in the day, in 1604 to be precise, judge Sir Edward Coke ruled that an Englishman’s castle is indeed his home. Coke’s full quote was “that...

26.10.2024 10

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Tourist tax should benefit visitors and not just plug budget gaps

GEORGE Harrison was universally known as the quiet Beatle, although he could throw a good strop with the best of them. His song-writing talents...

12.10.2024 2

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: ScotRail fares pilot scheme farce is peak incompetence

According to the acclaimed American writer Mark Twain, there are three types of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics. It is a phrase which...

05.10.2024 4

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Everybody loves going green - until it lands in their fridge DRIVING north up the A90 towards Aberdeen it is impossible to avoid the sight of posters urging against the building of large pylons across the area.

DRIVING north up the A90 towards Aberdeen it is impossible to avoid the sight of posters urging against the building of large pylons across the...

28.09.2024 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Tesco Clubcard scheme is like inviting Jason Leitch to do your shopping IMAGINE, if you will, being forced to do your weekly supermarket shop accompanied by Jason Leitch and other Scottish government health officials.

IMAGINE, if you will, being forced to do your weekly supermarket shop accompanied by Jason Leitch and other Scottish government health officials....

21.09.2024 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Will Kate Forbes sort out the blight on the Highlands of A82? FORT William is a place with a setting that is almost unparalleled anywhere on the planet.

FORT William is a place with a setting that is almost unparalleled anywhere on the planet. Dominated by Ben Nevis, and sitting on the banks of Loch...

14.09.2024 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Ignore the haters - travelling the NC500 is simply glorious I RECENTLY had the good fortune to partake in a Highland road trip that took in part of the NC500.

I RECENTLY had the good fortune to partake in a Highland road trip that took in part of the NC500. We didn’t do it all and it was more like the...

07.09.2024 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Andy Murray deserves a fitting legacy - just not one with luxury houses IT is fair to say that Andy Murray had millions of people off their seats over the past two decades or so as we all suffered along with him during his rise to the peak of the tennis world.

IT is fair to say that Andy Murray had millions of people off their seats over the past two decades or so as we all suffered along with him during...

31.08.2024 3

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Raw-dogging social media craze is just plane stupid Anyone who has ever travelled on a long-haul flight know they are probably the most boring things ever invented even with the myriad of in-flight entertainment packages on offer

ANYONE who has ever travelled on a long-haul flight know they are probably the most boring things ever invented even with the myriad of in-flight...

17.08.2024 10

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Extra cash is always found when the FM's bin needs emptied IT’s that time of year when clowns, jugglers, comedians, stiltwalkers and an assortment of all sorts of halfwits take to the streets for a bit of harmless fun.

IT’s that time of year when clowns, jugglers, comedians, stilt walkers and an assortment of all sorts of halfwits take to the streets for a bit of...

10.08.2024 7

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Greens four day week is a great idea - if your job is pointless IMAGINE a scenario in the future where everyone gets paid a full-time wage to do absolutely no work at all.

IMAGINE a scenario in the future where everyone gets paid a full-time wage to do absolutely no work at all. It sounds great, but would probably get...

03.08.2024 1

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Kate Forbes has hit the ground running on CalMac and A9 IT is fair to say that Scotland’s ferry network has been a bit of a mixed bag in recent years, with the service as reliable as a calm day on the Minch.

IT is fair to say that Scotland’s ferry network has been a bit of a mixed bag in recent years, with the service as reliable as a calm day on the...

27.07.2024 2

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: It's time for the Fat Controller to take over shambolic Scotrail THERE’’S an advert doing the rounds at the moment for ScotRail which claims that your ticket goes much further than you think.

THERE’’S an advert doing the rounds at the moment for ScotRail which claims that your ticket goes much further than you think. How much further it...

20.07.2024 3

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It is high time that irresponsible campervan users are taxed off the NC500

Alan Simpson

Trump is right for once, it is time to drill, baby drill in the North Sea Maybe the recent prolonged warm spell has addled my brain, but recently I found myself rather worryingly, agreeing with something that Donald Trump said.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Giving CalMac contract is right - now give them better ships IT is probably fair to say that ferry operator has had to navigate some choppy waters of late trying to meet timetable obligations with some really duff kit handed to them by the incompetence of others.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Build more houses for rural Scots, not tax second home owners HOLYROOD’s small but noisy band of Green MSP’s have been creating rather a lot of hot air of late, which cannot possible be good for the planet.

Alan Simpson

We're going to need a smaller boat: The large ferry dilemma for CalMac GIVEN the current state of the ferry network, it is little wonder that islanders are getting a wee bit hacked off and who can blame them.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Scotland's tourism sector needs to be heard before it's too late DURING the recent spell of dry weather, social media has been illuminated with scenes from across Scotland looking at its finest.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Forcing landowners to sell to locals is not the best solution THE moment that hastened the demise of Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe was when he decreed that all white-owned farms should be violently seized and handed to black members of the population.

Alan Simpson

We thought the good times would last forever. We were wrong. What next for Aberdeen? THE first time I visited New Orleans, I was struck by the fact that many of the car registration plates had the phrase “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler” on them.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: NatureScot may be threatening a rare mussel it should be protecting It would be a tragic irony if a population was wiped out because the body supposed to protect them didn’t do it’s job properly.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: The rail electrification scheme causing gridlock on Scotland's roads ANYONE who has had the misfortune to drive into East Kilbride, Eaglesham and other parts of the Glasgow south hinterland of late will have noticed something slightly odd.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Endemic complacency at heart of latest CalMac ferry crisis IT is generally accepted that renting a home in the long-term does not make much financial sense.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Any port in a storm as ministers look to buy Ardrossan TO run a successful ferry service, four key elements are required - a big ship, a port at both ends and a crew to steer the boat and serve the passengers.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: The growing resentment caused by motorhomes on the NC500 FOR many it is a road paved with gold, while for others is the ultimate highway to Hell.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Rejecting nuclear in favour of more onshore wind is sheer folly IT is often said, although by whom it isn’t clear, that the best way to create electricity is simply plugging the National Grid into parliament chambers and using all the hot air.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: The smartphone generation parenting by YouTube tutorial PARENTING isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, which is sadly something you don’t realise until you have children of your own.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Electrification of Scots rail network is just another empty promise LAST week was a momentous one for those of us who live along the busy commuter railway line between Glasgow and East Kilbride.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Transport Scotland defies physics with A9 dualling latest ACCORDING the dictionary definition, accelerate means to begin to move more quickly, to move faster or to gain speed.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Watch out - ministers are about to send fridge police into your home IT is that time of year when most of us eat too much, drink about the same and buy so much food you could sink a battleship with it.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: CalMac is not perfect but privatisation won’t make service better ANYONE who has ever had the good fortune to consume a mac and cheese on a CalMac ferry can attest to how good they are, even in a Force 9 mid-Minch.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Archaeological dig contract for A9 is another insult to Highlands £2m archaeological dig contract on A9 is another insult to Highlands

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Scotrail can show Starmer that nationalisation isn't always best I recently listened to an archive clip on the radio that consisted primarily of people whingeing about the railways.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Is the human cost of Net Zero drive really worth it? VAUXHALL motors was set up by Scots marine engineer Alexander Wilson in 1857 and went on to become one of the biggest car manufacturers in the UK.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: One Day plaque row shows problem with conservation over evolution TO say that Edinburgh is a beautiful city would probably be viewed as an understatement.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: How is CalMac supposed to run a ferry service without any ships THERE are estimated to be more than 790 islands in Scotland, with 93 of them inhabited.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: The Sabbath isn't for everyone so Stornoway Tesco should open SEVERAL years ago, I had the good fortune to spend a Sabbath on the island of Harris during an extended trip to the Outer Hebrides.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: We're going to steal a bigger boat - a solution for ferry fiasco MUCH has been said about Scotland’s ongoing ferry fiasco which has left the network with a large number of passengers but hardly any ships.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Ross Greer's mansion tax plan is the politics of envy WAY back in the day, in 1604 to be precise, judge Sir Edward Coke ruled that an Englishman’s castle is indeed his home.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Tourist tax should benefit visitors and not just plug budget gaps

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: ScotRail fares pilot scheme farce is peak incompetence

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: ​ Everybody loves going green - until it lands in their fridge DRIVING north up the A90 towards Aberdeen it is impossible to avoid the sight of posters urging against the building of large pylons across the area.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Tesco Clubcard scheme is like inviting Jason Leitch to do your shopping IMAGINE, if you will, being forced to do your weekly supermarket shop accompanied by Jason Leitch and other Scottish government health officials.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Will Kate Forbes sort out the blight on the Highlands of A82? FORT William is a place with a setting that is almost unparalleled anywhere on the planet.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Ignore the haters - travelling the NC500 is simply glorious I RECENTLY had the good fortune to partake in a Highland road trip that took in part of the NC500.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Andy Murray deserves a fitting legacy - just not one with luxury houses IT is fair to say that Andy Murray had millions of people off their seats over the past two decades or so as we all suffered along with him during his rise to the peak of the tennis world.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Raw-dogging social media craze is just plane stupid Anyone who has ever travelled on a long-haul flight know they are probably the most boring things ever invented even with the myriad of in-flight entertainment packages on offer

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Extra cash is always found when the FM's bin needs emptied IT’s that time of year when clowns, jugglers, comedians, stiltwalkers and an assortment of all sorts of halfwits take to the streets for a bit of harmless fun.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Greens four day week is a great idea - if your job is pointless IMAGINE a scenario in the future where everyone gets paid a full-time wage to do absolutely no work at all.

Alan Simpson

Alan Simpson: Kate Forbes has hit the ground running on CalMac and A9 IT is fair to say that Scotland’s ferry network has been a bit of a mixed bag in recent years, with the service as reliable as a calm day on the Minch.

Alan Simpson: Everybody loves going green - until it lands in their fridge DRIVING north up the A90 towards Aberdeen it is impossible to avoid the sight of posters urging against the building of large pylons across the area.