The sense of our parliament being close and approachable was a major part of my enthusiasm for independence in 2014.
In 2009, I had published a book about family learning (https://archive.org/details/familylearningen0000mack). It argued for a major change in the way schools worked with parents. It had great reviews. In a bold moment, I sent a copy to Nicola Sturgeon. To my surprise, I was invited to Victoria Quay to discuss how the Government could take forward my recommendations and I was even offered a contract to work with them. (I refused as by then I was busy with other things). Some recommendations were enacted, but the greatest impact was that I had been heard.
How terribly naive I was! Holyrood now seems as far away from me as Westminster. I no longer feel heard. The GRR Bill was the final straw. Power has corrupted the independence movement. If there was a referendum or an election tomorrow, I have no idea how I would vote. And that disillusion, which I share with so many, has to be bad for the country I love.
The sense of our parliament being close and approachable was a major part of my enthusiasm for independence in 2014.
In 2009, I had published a book about family learning (https://archive.org/details/familylearningen0000mack). It argued for a major change in the way schools worked with parents. It had great reviews. In a bold moment, I sent a copy to Nicola Sturgeon. To my surprise, I was invited to Victoria Quay to discuss how the Government could take forward my recommendations and I was even offered a contract to work with them. (I refused as by then I was busy with other things). Some recommendations were enacted, but the greatest impact was that I had been heard.
How terribly naive I was! Holyrood now seems as far away from me as Westminster. I no longer feel heard. The GRR Bill was the final straw. Power has corrupted the independence movement. If there was a referendum or an election tomorrow, I have no idea how I would vote. And that disillusion, which I share with so many, has to be bad for the country I love.