This is great on McDonagh & the diasporic experience. Being considered a Scotchie in Ireland & plastic Paddy in Scotland I’ve long considered it a form of permanent exile. An unrootedness which leads to struggles with ideas of belonging, home & even self irishtimes.com/culture/stage/…

“Leave a mark that can't erase, neither space nor time. So when the director yells cut we'll be fine.” Please share last ever video from inside Brad Welsh’s legendary Holyrood Boxing Gym.

Wrote this piece before Shane MacGowan’s funeral. A homage to Shane & The Pogues, about exile & Edinburgh, about being lost & finding yourself. Honourable mentions for Connolly, Behan & Genet with quiet nods to Odysseus & Faust. The Irish Voice is out now.

Reminder: Helping Hands gave 1000 new bikes to kids in Edinburgh housing schemes. Without 1p of state or corporate funding. SNP/Labour Council wouldn’t even provide space to store them or help with our bikeability project. And they are too arrogant to ask how we did it.

10 years on some thoughts on Indyref & lessons, Kelman & movements. And various political arguments I’ve been making (unsuccessfully) for decades 😂 solidaritynotcharity.substack.com/p/disaffections

Saturday Solidarity #4 dropped in subscribers inboxes this morning and is available for everyone now 🗞️ Thanks to everyone who has subscribed 🙏 solidaritynotcharity.substack.com