Author Archives: davidsberry

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About davidsberry

Local ex-councillor, tour guide and database designer. Keen on wildlife, history, boats and music. Retired in 2017.

Data Aggro

Posted on February 6, 2012 by davidsberry

Having been involved social media for a couple of years and approaching 300 blogs at this particular site, like most I had given little thought to any down side of social media. But an article from our American cousins—who have … Continue reading →

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Looking for a Few Good Molluscs

Posted on February 3, 2012 by davidsberry

A twist on the US Marine Corps recruiting slogan is no bad way to start people thinking about the 75% (yes, that much) of Scotland that is underwater. Look at a map of the UK’s territorial waters and—even if you … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

The Guizer Jarl

Posted on February 2, 2012 by davidsberry

The former LibDem Leader Tavish Scott MSP has an op ed piece in today’s Hootsmon in which he waxes lyrical on Shetland’s Norse heritage and another rousingly successful Up-Helly-Aa—as impressive and unique a local festival as you could sail a … Continue reading →

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Wanted: Unionist Lincoln

Posted on January 27, 2012 by davidsberry

These first weeks of the New Year have been dominated in Scotland by an escalation of the debate over the possibility of Scotland declaring its union with England at an end. In general, I welcome this new intensity because, not … Continue reading →

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You’re Gonna Lose That (G)oil

Posted on January 26, 2012 by davidsberry

Despite being a fan since high school, I had never realised how prescient the Beatles were about things political, especially regarding Scottish Independence until I watched Jeremy Paxman slide into his sneering worst of Newsnight. A decade ago, I would … Continue reading →

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Best to Be Best Friends

Posted on January 25, 2012 by davidsberry

A lot of partisan and, frankly, wildly unsubstantiated, words have spouted forth since the indy/union debate took off at the turn of the year. Neither side has entirely covered itself in glory. Though I openly belong in the indy camp, … Continue reading →

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You Can’t Get There from Here

Posted on January 24, 2012 by davidsberry

Yesterday’s BBC Panorama programme, entitled Train Fares: Taken for a Ride, while not quite up to their usual incisive standard of surgical reporting, provided a wealth of information about commuter travails in England and the soaring costs to those captive … Continue reading →

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Dancing the Paisley Pattern

Posted on January 22, 2012 by davidsberry

I should not have been surprised when Douglas Alexander tweeted to promote his Independent on Sunday column today: “As a Scot I don’t want to retreat from vision of a multiethnic, multicultural, multinational, state My IoS piece http://bit.ly/yFSbLU. But I was … Continue reading →

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Far Cry to Port Ellen

Posted on January 21, 2012 by davidsberry

Apologies right off that this is another blog about things military. But this week saw quite a burst of activity that centred around the SNP releasing some ideas for an independent Scottish Defence Force (SDF) that were somewhat churlishly abridged … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 4 Comments

For Whom Do They Speak?

Posted on January 19, 2012 by davidsberry

Perishing though the weather has been of late, it has been dry and (largely) calm so we’ve been taking a break from the rarified world of the Twitterati and blogosphere where debate has been especially intense on Scotland’s future. Being … Continue reading →

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