Andy Philip
@andydphilip.bsky.social
Head of politics at DC Thomson, Scotland | Writes across the Press and Journal, and The Courier | Hosts The Stooshie podcast https://thestooshie.podbean.com/ | Plays along with Ardentjohn band
Highland Council will discuss the Home Office plan to house asylum seekers in an Inverness barracks today.
One of the odd parts of this is the lack of transparency on paying for it.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
One of the odd parts of this is the lack of transparency on paying for it.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Exclusive: Home Office in cash talks for Inverness Cameron Barracks asylum plan
The UK Government is under pressure to ease the strain locally when 300 men are housed in the city.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Highland Council will discuss the Home Office plan to house asylum seekers in an Inverness barracks today.
One of the odd parts of this is the lack of transparency on paying for it.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
One of the odd parts of this is the lack of transparency on paying for it.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Stirling is going to be a fascinating place to cover in the run-up to the Holyrood election.
If you want to come and talk about the big talking points and help shape our campaigns, we're at the Albert Halls on 10th November.
All the details below...
If you want to come and talk about the big talking points and help shape our campaigns, we're at the Albert Halls on 10th November.
All the details below...
@thecourier.co.uk is hosting a free in-person event at Stirling's Albert Halls on 10th November, and we want to meet you!
Join me, @islaglen.bsky.social, @andydphilip.bsky.social, @soneil88.bsky.social and more of the Courier team there.
More info and RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-courie...
Join me, @islaglen.bsky.social, @andydphilip.bsky.social, @soneil88.bsky.social and more of the Courier team there.
More info and RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-courie...
October 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Stirling is going to be a fascinating place to cover in the run-up to the Holyrood election.
If you want to come and talk about the big talking points and help shape our campaigns, we're at the Albert Halls on 10th November.
All the details below...
If you want to come and talk about the big talking points and help shape our campaigns, we're at the Albert Halls on 10th November.
All the details below...
Interesting views here from the streets of Dundee, 45 years since the city was twinned with the Palestinian city of Nablus.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dund...
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dund...
Do people in Dundee still support the city's twinning with Nablus in Palestine?
As the UK recognises a Palestinian state, what does the 45th anniversary of the historic Dundee-Nablus twinning mean to people in the city today?
www.thecourier.co.uk
October 3, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Interesting views here from the streets of Dundee, 45 years since the city was twinned with the Palestinian city of Nablus.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dund...
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dund...
I grew up near the route of the old Aberdeen-Ellon-Fraserburgh railway - it would have made my life a lot easier.
Freight was still using the line after oil was struck, and towns mushroomed.
Maybe a pipe dream, but this would be great for the region.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Freight was still using the line after oil was struck, and towns mushroomed.
Maybe a pipe dream, but this would be great for the region.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Fraserburgh and Peterhead now 'strongest candidates in Scotland' for new rail links
Campaigners say it’s more important than ever to reverse historic railway cuts in north Aberdeenshire - ahead of a major energy conference.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
August 14, 2025 at 12:43 PM
I grew up near the route of the old Aberdeen-Ellon-Fraserburgh railway - it would have made my life a lot easier.
Freight was still using the line after oil was struck, and towns mushroomed.
Maybe a pipe dream, but this would be great for the region.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Freight was still using the line after oil was struck, and towns mushroomed.
Maybe a pipe dream, but this would be great for the region.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
5 years on, the P&J and Courier's 'generation next' crystal ball continues to prove its worth.
Here's our profile from 2020 on Guy Ingerson, the Green who has just beaten Maggie Chapman off the top of the North East Scotland list for Holyrood next May.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/education...
Here's our profile from 2020 on Guy Ingerson, the Green who has just beaten Maggie Chapman off the top of the North East Scotland list for Holyrood next May.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/education...
Party crasher: accidental oilman Guy Ingerson's mission to clean up his old industry
Guy Ingerson wants to see an end to the economic reliance on North Sea oil and gas, but he knows just how complex the issue is in the north-east. Because
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
July 21, 2025 at 11:40 AM
5 years on, the P&J and Courier's 'generation next' crystal ball continues to prove its worth.
Here's our profile from 2020 on Guy Ingerson, the Green who has just beaten Maggie Chapman off the top of the North East Scotland list for Holyrood next May.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/education...
Here's our profile from 2020 on Guy Ingerson, the Green who has just beaten Maggie Chapman off the top of the North East Scotland list for Holyrood next May.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/education...
Reposted by Andy Philip
Shunned Tall Ship spotted floating near Buckie Harbour after ban from Aberdeen festival
Shunned Tall Ship spotted floating near Buckie Harbour after ban from Aberdeen festival
The boat was denied entry to the Granite City due to her captain's nationality.
dlvr.it
July 21, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Shunned Tall Ship spotted floating near Buckie Harbour after ban from Aberdeen festival
Back from some mighty fine holidaying, and looking over some great reporting of the big stories across @pressandjournal.co.uk and @thecourier.co.uk .
Straight back into the Sandie Peggie/NHS Fife story with a primer here from @alasdairclark.bsky.social
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Straight back into the Sandie Peggie/NHS Fife story with a primer here from @alasdairclark.bsky.social
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
EXCLUSIVE: NHS Fife chief faces internal revolt over 'disastrous' handling of Sandie Peggie case
Carol Potter has faced external calls to quit but confidence in her leadership has also been dented internally.
www.thecourier.co.uk
July 21, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Back from some mighty fine holidaying, and looking over some great reporting of the big stories across @pressandjournal.co.uk and @thecourier.co.uk .
Straight back into the Sandie Peggie/NHS Fife story with a primer here from @alasdairclark.bsky.social
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Straight back into the Sandie Peggie/NHS Fife story with a primer here from @alasdairclark.bsky.social
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
How it started today:
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
New Dundee University boss says he wouldn't have paused retirement for any other job
In an exclusive sit down with The Courier, interim Dundee University principal Nigel Seaton sets out how he plans to win back trust and stabilise the troubled institution.
www.thecourier.co.uk
July 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
How it started today:
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Trigger warning: hipsterism, old man, dad posts.
Listening to Pulp at Glastonbury on radio telling my kids about being there in 1994 whether they like it or not. I've obviously chucked in stuff about seeing Oasis before they were famous.
Listening to Pulp at Glastonbury on radio telling my kids about being there in 1994 whether they like it or not. I've obviously chucked in stuff about seeing Oasis before they were famous.
June 28, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Trigger warning: hipsterism, old man, dad posts.
Listening to Pulp at Glastonbury on radio telling my kids about being there in 1994 whether they like it or not. I've obviously chucked in stuff about seeing Oasis before they were famous.
Listening to Pulp at Glastonbury on radio telling my kids about being there in 1994 whether they like it or not. I've obviously chucked in stuff about seeing Oasis before they were famous.
Morning! We're here for day two of full coverage in the Dundee University saga at the Scottish Parliament.
You can follow all the updates here as ex-principal Iain Gillespie faces the education committee on what went wrong.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
You can follow all the updates here as ex-principal Iain Gillespie faces the education committee on what went wrong.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Dundee University live updates as ex-principal faces Holyrood grilling
Former Dundee University principal Iain Gillespie is set to face MSPs in front of Holyrood's education committee. Follow our live coverage.
www.thecourier.co.uk
June 26, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Morning! We're here for day two of full coverage in the Dundee University saga at the Scottish Parliament.
You can follow all the updates here as ex-principal Iain Gillespie faces the education committee on what went wrong.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
You can follow all the updates here as ex-principal Iain Gillespie faces the education committee on what went wrong.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
"The party's National Secretary has written to Fergus Ewing to indicate that his decision to stand as an independent candidate against the SNP has invalidated his party membership"
My take on a twisting, then sudden, end to a long life in the SNP.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
My take on a twisting, then sudden, end to a long life in the SNP.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
SNP feels 'betrayal' as Fergus Ewing plans election bid against his former office worker
Highlands MSP Emma Roddick, who used to work for Mr Ewing, told the P&J she’s saddened at the move – but her Holyrood election campaign rolls on.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
June 21, 2025 at 9:54 AM
"The party's National Secretary has written to Fergus Ewing to indicate that his decision to stand as an independent candidate against the SNP has invalidated his party membership"
My take on a twisting, then sudden, end to a long life in the SNP.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
My take on a twisting, then sudden, end to a long life in the SNP.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
An interest dynamic brewing in the Inverness and Nairn constituency at next year's Scottish election.
Fergus Ewing tells us he'll stand as an independent, in a seat the SNP hope to hold.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Fergus Ewing tells us he'll stand as an independent, in a seat the SNP hope to hold.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Fergus Ewing will stand against SNP candidate in Inverness and Nairn at Holyrood election
The Highland veteran previously told The Press and Journal he would not be running for the nationalists at the next Holyrood election.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
June 20, 2025 at 7:23 AM
An interest dynamic brewing in the Inverness and Nairn constituency at next year's Scottish election.
Fergus Ewing tells us he'll stand as an independent, in a seat the SNP hope to hold.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Fergus Ewing tells us he'll stand as an independent, in a seat the SNP hope to hold.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
We're expecting a big day in the future of Dundee University today, and @thecourier.co.uk will have it all covered right here.
Follow each development and get a handle on all the background with our in-depth analysis, updated through the day.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Follow each development and get a handle on all the background with our in-depth analysis, updated through the day.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Dundee University live updates as institution braces for findings of major probe into crisis
The findings of Professor Pamela Gillies's independent probe will be revealed on Thursday.
www.thecourier.co.uk
June 19, 2025 at 9:12 AM
We're expecting a big day in the future of Dundee University today, and @thecourier.co.uk will have it all covered right here.
Follow each development and get a handle on all the background with our in-depth analysis, updated through the day.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Follow each development and get a handle on all the background with our in-depth analysis, updated through the day.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Post Office campaign hero Alan Bates has now joined in with some words of encouragement for Aberdeen Raac residents too.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/...
June 16, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Post Office campaign hero Alan Bates has now joined in with some words of encouragement for Aberdeen Raac residents too.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/...
This is well worth a moment of your time.
We put politicians in front of Aberdeen residents caught up in the Raac housing crisis for what turned out to be a brutal Q&A.
The P&J has been doing tremendous work on this.
Read Lindsay Bruce's report here.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6780...
We put politicians in front of Aberdeen residents caught up in the Raac housing crisis for what turned out to be a brutal Q&A.
The P&J has been doing tremendous work on this.
Read Lindsay Bruce's report here.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6780...
Raac live debate with council chiefs and homeowners: All the explosive highlights
Aberdeen homeowners came face-to-face with city leaders and politicians in an emotionally charged Q&A.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
June 16, 2025 at 9:12 AM
This is well worth a moment of your time.
We put politicians in front of Aberdeen residents caught up in the Raac housing crisis for what turned out to be a brutal Q&A.
The P&J has been doing tremendous work on this.
Read Lindsay Bruce's report here.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6780...
We put politicians in front of Aberdeen residents caught up in the Raac housing crisis for what turned out to be a brutal Q&A.
The P&J has been doing tremendous work on this.
Read Lindsay Bruce's report here.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6780...
Yet another Tory councillor has switched to Reform in Aberdeenshire.
That's 6.
Plus another in Aberdeen.
An ex SNP cllr also joined in Aberdeenshire.
Latest here:
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
That's 6.
Plus another in Aberdeen.
An ex SNP cllr also joined in Aberdeenshire.
Latest here:
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Exclusive: Huntly councillor becomes SIXTH Aberdeenshire Tory to join Reform
Lauren Knight made the switch to Nigel Farage’s party as a Conservative crisis in the north-east continues
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
June 12, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Yet another Tory councillor has switched to Reform in Aberdeenshire.
That's 6.
Plus another in Aberdeen.
An ex SNP cllr also joined in Aberdeenshire.
Latest here:
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
That's 6.
Plus another in Aberdeen.
An ex SNP cllr also joined in Aberdeenshire.
Latest here:
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Inspirational stuff.
May 28, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Inspirational stuff.
At the @pressandjournal.co.uk, we've been digging into the human impact of policy choices while budgets are evaporating.
This is how it feels to be on the sharp end of potential cost cutting in sheltered housing.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
This is how it feels to be on the sharp end of potential cost cutting in sheltered housing.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Gamrie grandmother has stayed in village her whole life - sheltered housing closures could force her to leave
Margaret Murray, 85, sold her family home to move into Gamrie Court Bay just three months before it was earmarked for closure.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
May 27, 2025 at 9:48 AM
At the @pressandjournal.co.uk, we've been digging into the human impact of policy choices while budgets are evaporating.
This is how it feels to be on the sharp end of potential cost cutting in sheltered housing.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
This is how it feels to be on the sharp end of potential cost cutting in sheltered housing.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
We've been on each twist and turn of the campaign to reinstate Scotland's last ferry link to the rest of Europe.
Much of it has been on the efforts of the project backers.
But this time there might be some unexpected help through Starmer's EU reset.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Much of it has been on the efforts of the project backers.
But this time there might be some unexpected help through Starmer's EU reset.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Could Rosyth-Europe ferry set sail thanks to Brexit reset?
Hopes have been raised for a simple solution to a cross-border problem.
www.thecourier.co.uk
May 27, 2025 at 9:46 AM
We've been on each twist and turn of the campaign to reinstate Scotland's last ferry link to the rest of Europe.
Much of it has been on the efforts of the project backers.
But this time there might be some unexpected help through Starmer's EU reset.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Much of it has been on the efforts of the project backers.
But this time there might be some unexpected help through Starmer's EU reset.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
The Stooshie politics podcast is out now
- Colleges need more love... We look at UHI Perth and Nescol in north-east.
- If they can't train the workers of the future, what's the point of a 'just transition'?
- Reform/Tory tension in Aberdeenshire
thestooshie.podbean.com/e/reform-def...
- Colleges need more love... We look at UHI Perth and Nescol in north-east.
- If they can't train the workers of the future, what's the point of a 'just transition'?
- Reform/Tory tension in Aberdeenshire
thestooshie.podbean.com/e/reform-def...
Reform defections and the future of colleges | The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson
The link between a college funding crisis and the future of jobs is becoming clear.
We look closely at UHI Perth, and at Nescol in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Fraserburgh to see what it means.
If they can...
thestooshie.podbean.com
May 21, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The Stooshie politics podcast is out now
- Colleges need more love... We look at UHI Perth and Nescol in north-east.
- If they can't train the workers of the future, what's the point of a 'just transition'?
- Reform/Tory tension in Aberdeenshire
thestooshie.podbean.com/e/reform-def...
- Colleges need more love... We look at UHI Perth and Nescol in north-east.
- If they can't train the workers of the future, what's the point of a 'just transition'?
- Reform/Tory tension in Aberdeenshire
thestooshie.podbean.com/e/reform-def...
Nice work if you can get it!
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University principal who quit during crisis given six-months' salary pay-off
Interim finance director Helen Simpson is also set to stand down at the end of June.
www.thecourier.co.uk
May 13, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Nice work if you can get it!
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
There are very few things a Flaming Lips gig can’t fix.
May 2, 2025 at 7:23 AM
There are very few things a Flaming Lips gig can’t fix.
'You don't know how the diseased minds in the Kremlin actually work'
- Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael reacts to new Russia travel ban.
He's one of four Scottish MPs on a list of more than 20 figures.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
- Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael reacts to new Russia travel ban.
He's one of four Scottish MPs on a list of more than 20 figures.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Orkney and Shetland MP says Russia travel ban is 'badge of honour'
Alistair Carmichael has been added to a list of politicians banned by Putin's regime for supporting Ukraine.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
April 23, 2025 at 4:55 PM
'You don't know how the diseased minds in the Kremlin actually work'
- Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael reacts to new Russia travel ban.
He's one of four Scottish MPs on a list of more than 20 figures.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
- Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael reacts to new Russia travel ban.
He's one of four Scottish MPs on a list of more than 20 figures.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Spoke to this Dundee Labour councillor about his anger at party policy on welfare changes.
Pete Shears’ mum fostered children he grew up with, and he saw first-hand the importance of state support.
Now he wants a change of heart from Liz Kendall.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Pete Shears’ mum fostered children he grew up with, and he saw first-hand the importance of state support.
Now he wants a change of heart from Liz Kendall.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Dundee Labour councillor who grew up with fostered children attacks his party over welfare cuts
The Broughty Ferry politician blames his own party and the SNP for “letting people down”, including families unable to get a new NHS Tayside referral for child autism and ADHD assessments.
www.thecourier.co.uk
April 21, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Spoke to this Dundee Labour councillor about his anger at party policy on welfare changes.
Pete Shears’ mum fostered children he grew up with, and he saw first-hand the importance of state support.
Now he wants a change of heart from Liz Kendall.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
Pete Shears’ mum fostered children he grew up with, and he saw first-hand the importance of state support.
Now he wants a change of heart from Liz Kendall.
www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
This pretty much sums it up. No one seems to agree what to do next.
Hydrogen buses unable to get out of the depot, mixed messages on oil and gas, green targets being dropped.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/6...
Hydrogen buses unable to get out of the depot, mixed messages on oil and gas, green targets being dropped.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/6...
Euan McColm: Hydrogen buses fiasco are just the latest shambles to make me lose confidence in Aberdeen's leaders
It is absolutely ludicrous that Aberdeen City Council is unable to power the fleet of hydrogen-fuelled buses on which so much money was spent.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
April 18, 2025 at 9:02 AM
This pretty much sums it up. No one seems to agree what to do next.
Hydrogen buses unable to get out of the depot, mixed messages on oil and gas, green targets being dropped.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/6...
Hydrogen buses unable to get out of the depot, mixed messages on oil and gas, green targets being dropped.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/6...