Comments on: Culture: SNP make it roost for failed minister, Labour see it as ‘non job’

By: Campbell Cameron

Campbell Cameron — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:30:28 +0000

“Fiona Hyslop was well respected by the teaching profession” – I am told by a great teacher.
She understood the brief very well and delivered in all that she could under difficult circumstances. She gave a great keynote speech at the SETT conference in Glasgow that even impressed the Labour supporters – I am told, but the later media saw a weakness and pounced on it. Then the threat of a confidence vote… Cultures gain is Educations loss !

…..and it has to be said the new education minister will not take any prisoners!

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By: macblear

macblear — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:02:20 +0000

Now that Dougie Philand has given up the role perhaps someone will be appointed who will really drive Art, culture etc to the top of the agenda. Fair play he was a nice guy but otherwise occupied and didnt have a scoobie about the subject. There might be no money in the kitty but just as importantly there are few Councillors who could take this on with credibility. The only one I can think off is in Cowal and I dont think he would change one deputy role for another particularly when he is doing so well where he is. Having said that the replacement will have to be someone from mid argyll or Kintyre because the administration has to have geographical balance. However Fiona Hyslop works out I am more fearful that Argyll will continue to lack good leadership.

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By: Mark Morpurgo

Mark Morpurgo — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:12:52 +0000

And I thought I was attacking Labour for attacking her!
For what it is worth I wish her masses of success in Culture. We certainly meed someone with vision and enthusiasm.
Hopefully Labour’s outcry will be an ‘own goal’ or they will have the grace to admit that Culture portfolio is a v real job. If they don’t I would not fancy the job of ‘Shadow’ Minister for Culture!
It hardly increases their credibiltiy!

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By: David McEwan Hill

David McEwan Hill — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:59:34 +0000

As an artist I agree completely that culture is at the centre of everything we should be doing if we want Scotland to survive in any real sense. We have a unique cultural background which we should be contributing our share of to the world.

On the Mid Argyll Baths I think the problem, which has become almost intractable, must refelect badly on the three elected representatives of the Mid Argyll Ward. Everything the council does in this difficult financial climate is subjected to a bidding war with all the wards competing for the funding. Perhaps the wards that prosper have better advocates.
I believe howevver there is light at the end of the tunnel on this issue.

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By: David McEwan Hill

David McEwan Hill — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:50:44 +0000

I accept the apology but it reads as an attack on a woman who I personally know was working round the clock on the education brief and being absolutley tortured by a dishonest media which passes off Labour press releases as news issue.
As Ken MacColl points out Fiona keeps her cabinet rank which indicates the importance of her role.

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By: Mark Morpurgo

Mark Morpurgo — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:01:35 +0000

David
Im sorry you feel that what Im saying is rubbish. My intention was not to attack the new minister – and I dont believe she will take it as such. I thought I made it clear that I had little knowledge of her qualities in the Educ Role.
The attack on her – and, as I perceive it , on the ‘status’ of Culture was from Gray.
Culture -in its widest sense – is our unique selling feature and deserves the strongest possible focus at Govnment level.
Add to this Dougie Philand’s resignation from the role in Argyll and it is hardly surprising that local cultural groups feel tender!
Kenneth
I agree Mike R was a natural for Culture and am sure he’ll have a good crack at Education

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By: Kenneth MacColl

Kenneth MacColl — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:38:31 +0000

Critics appear to have overlooked the point that Fiona Hyslop in her new role retains a seat in the Cabinet and clearly that is intended to convey the importance that the FM places on her and on her role.
It is Gray and the frenzy of the media that seeks to diminish the Cultural role. There are far too many there who think that a seat close to the Directors’ Box at Parkhead or Ibrox is the apogee of cultural activity.
There is certainly controversy in the Educational brief and recent figures on long term illiteracy and innumeracy suggest that these extend a long way back.Mike Russell is clearly seen to have the ability to handle the flak.
This is the first material change in the SNP Cabinet since 2007 whereas Labour/LibDem in government and in opposition play around with the shadow roles as if they were playing musical chairs on the deck of the Titanic without comment or even a flicker of interest from the general populace.
Personally, I regret that he has left the Cultural role as he is recognised as having a particular affinity for the post and I know that feeling is reciprocated by many others.

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By: David McEwan Hill

David McEwan Hill — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:30:52 +0000

What a collection of nasty and ill-informed nonsense.
So Iain Gray’s opinion of SNP ministerial changes are the unadulterated, honest, non partisan view?
I know many people who believe Fiona Hyslop was doing a good job at education and even more who understand fully that dishonest behaviour by in particular two Labour run councils who were determined to block SNP policy at the expense of children’s education were responsible for the difficulties.
Mike Russell has been put in place to lead these Labour pygmies gently into the hole they thought they were digging for the SNP. He will have them for breakfast.
Mr Morpurgo has made a good start in developing a good working relationship with the new Culture Minister – not.
Which purpose does he think he is serving?

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