Here’s tae us. Wha likes us? Part 1

Just to reassure Sheona before she corrects me. I know that is not the toast.

It is, of course, ‘Here’s tae us. Wha’s like us? Damn few and they’re a’ deid.’ A typically modest, unassuming, totally correct and utterly justifiable sentiment used when we foregather to celebrate our good fortune in being Scots. But, it would seem that the title version of this post might be the right one for some of those not so blessed.

Continue reading “Here’s tae us. Wha likes us? Part 1”

Talking about murder trials …

Two of my national dailies report that he’s returning!

“HONEYMOON murder suspect Shrien Dewani could be back in South Africa within weeks. Prosecutors are discussing his return with his legal team after he decided not to continue his battle against extradition.” (Weekend Argus, can’t link it, sorry it’s pay per view)

and

“There is no indication from Mr Dewani of an intention to approach the European Court of Human Rights,” spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said.

Mhaga said the department was liaising with the office of the home secretary in Britain.

“The two offices are facilitating the process of Mr Dewani’s extradition in terms of the last English High Court order.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that his return to our shores brings to finality this protracted legal process,” he said. (The Times / Sunday Times, article here )

About time.

Remember Bannockburn!

Well obviously I do. It comes with my ethnic origin.

In Easter 1314, Edward Bruce, brother of our King, the boy Robert, laid siege to Stirling Castle. Getting nowhere, he agreed a deal with the Governor, Sir Philip Mowbray, that the castle would be surrendered if the English did not relieve the siege by Midsummer Day.

This seriously hacked off Robert whose fighting style was of the flitting and elusive persuasion. He was a guerilla warrior who never wanted to be committed to a pitched battle. The tactic had served him well. Continue reading “Remember Bannockburn!”

Place your bets!

They really shouldn’t let me out.  Boring rainy days potting in the greenhouse tend to bring on entertaining thoughts and scenarios.  Only in this case the scenarios do not have a very entertaining conclusion.

I offer you these thought associations.

1. Airplanes do not disappear, they have to be somewhere.

2.The communication systems were turned off before the last vocal communication with Malaysia, which presupposes that the plane was being hijacked/misappropriated for another purpose.

Continue reading “Place your bets!”

Freedom – to vote

Having spent quite some time complaining about Alex Salmond’s disenfranchisement of expatriate Scots – me, Sir Sean and Sir Alec among many, many others – I was delighted to see this article in today’s Sunday Times.

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/scotland/article1385137.ece

I don’t know how the Chariot’s resident jurist, JM, would rate the chances of success, but any pushing and shoving that might be required south of the border I shall happily assist.