enlighten
@enlightenscot.bsky.social
Scotland's independent non-party think tank
A public policy institute which works to promote increased economic prosperity, opportunity for all & more effective public services. Enlighten is independent of all political parties.
A public policy institute which works to promote increased economic prosperity, opportunity for all & more effective public services. Enlighten is independent of all political parties.
Ross Martin writes for the blog on the importance of regional economies. Read his full article here: www.enlighten.scot/scotlands-re...
January 5, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Ross Martin writes for the blog on the importance of regional economies. Read his full article here: www.enlighten.scot/scotlands-re...
New on the blog:
“As the Scottish political parties pull together their policy agendas and manifestos for the next Holyrood election they must put ending the nightmare of retail crime at the top of their priorities”
Ewan MacDonald-Russell on the worrying increase in retail crime.
“As the Scottish political parties pull together their policy agendas and manifestos for the next Holyrood election they must put ending the nightmare of retail crime at the top of their priorities”
Ewan MacDonald-Russell on the worrying increase in retail crime.
December 29, 2025 at 12:09 PM
New on the blog:
“As the Scottish political parties pull together their policy agendas and manifestos for the next Holyrood election they must put ending the nightmare of retail crime at the top of their priorities”
Ewan MacDonald-Russell on the worrying increase in retail crime.
“As the Scottish political parties pull together their policy agendas and manifestos for the next Holyrood election they must put ending the nightmare of retail crime at the top of their priorities”
Ewan MacDonald-Russell on the worrying increase in retail crime.
Front page coverage today of the Commission on School Reform's worrying new report which highlights that only 39.5% of the S4 cohort achieved an A-C pass in Nat 5 maths. The report, including data tables, can be read here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
December 22, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Front page coverage today of the Commission on School Reform's worrying new report which highlights that only 39.5% of the S4 cohort achieved an A-C pass in Nat 5 maths. The report, including data tables, can be read here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
News that Scot Gov is to carry out a review of university funding is to be welcomed, though long overdue.
We can create a fairer, more sustainable arrangement which provides a better balance between taxpayers & graduates, but also maintains tuition free at point of use.
We can create a fairer, more sustainable arrangement which provides a better balance between taxpayers & graduates, but also maintains tuition free at point of use.
December 18, 2025 at 10:16 AM
News that Scot Gov is to carry out a review of university funding is to be welcomed, though long overdue.
We can create a fairer, more sustainable arrangement which provides a better balance between taxpayers & graduates, but also maintains tuition free at point of use.
We can create a fairer, more sustainable arrangement which provides a better balance between taxpayers & graduates, but also maintains tuition free at point of use.
New on the blog:
Jonathan Clark writes on the need for a renaissance in Scotland’s skills system. Read his full article here:
www.enlighten.scot/towards-a-sk...
Jonathan Clark writes on the need for a renaissance in Scotland’s skills system. Read his full article here:
www.enlighten.scot/towards-a-sk...
December 17, 2025 at 8:08 AM
New on the blog:
Jonathan Clark writes on the need for a renaissance in Scotland’s skills system. Read his full article here:
www.enlighten.scot/towards-a-sk...
Jonathan Clark writes on the need for a renaissance in Scotland’s skills system. Read his full article here:
www.enlighten.scot/towards-a-sk...
Front page coverage in @scotsman.com today of Lindsay Paterson's warnings that education statistics in Scotland are "deeply flawed":
www.scotsman.com/education/le...
Read his full article on the issue for Enlighten here:
www.enlighten.scot/misleading-e...
www.scotsman.com/education/le...
Read his full article on the issue for Enlighten here:
www.enlighten.scot/misleading-e...
Misleading Educational Statistics - Enlighten
Campaigning for next May’s elections to the Scottish Parliament will doubtless draw widely on published educational statistics. But these are deeply flawed. A report by Enlighten a year ago explained ...
www.enlighten.scot
December 11, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Front page coverage in @scotsman.com today of Lindsay Paterson's warnings that education statistics in Scotland are "deeply flawed":
www.scotsman.com/education/le...
Read his full article on the issue for Enlighten here:
www.enlighten.scot/misleading-e...
www.scotsman.com/education/le...
Read his full article on the issue for Enlighten here:
www.enlighten.scot/misleading-e...
"Scotland’s Parliament is not strong. In fact, we would go so far to say that it is institutionally hamstrung through structural design & cultural attitudes"
@stephenkerr.bsky.social & James Bundy write for the blog on why reform of Holyrood hasn't been delivered.
www.enlighten.scot/everyone-agr...
@stephenkerr.bsky.social & James Bundy write for the blog on why reform of Holyrood hasn't been delivered.
www.enlighten.scot/everyone-agr...
December 10, 2025 at 8:17 AM
"Scotland’s Parliament is not strong. In fact, we would go so far to say that it is institutionally hamstrung through structural design & cultural attitudes"
@stephenkerr.bsky.social & James Bundy write for the blog on why reform of Holyrood hasn't been delivered.
www.enlighten.scot/everyone-agr...
@stephenkerr.bsky.social & James Bundy write for the blog on why reform of Holyrood hasn't been delivered.
www.enlighten.scot/everyone-agr...
New ACEL data, which reports teachers’ judgements of literacy and numeracy across Scottish schools, has been published. Professor Lindsay Paterson of the Commission on School Reform warns it can misrepresent what’s really happening in education. Read here: www.enlighten.scot/misleading-e...
Misleading Educational Statistics - Enlighten
Campaigning for next May’s elections to the Scottish Parliament will doubtless draw widely on published educational statistics. But these are deeply flawed. A report by Enlighten a year ago explained ...
www.enlighten.scot
December 9, 2025 at 11:31 AM
New ACEL data, which reports teachers’ judgements of literacy and numeracy across Scottish schools, has been published. Professor Lindsay Paterson of the Commission on School Reform warns it can misrepresent what’s really happening in education. Read here: www.enlighten.scot/misleading-e...
New ACEL data has today been published, but Prof Lindsay Paterson of the Commission on School Reform warns it can be misleading. In his new article, he explains how official statistics often obscure the real challenges facing Scottish education. Read here: enlighten.scot/misleading-e...
December 9, 2025 at 11:31 AM
New ACEL data has today been published, but Prof Lindsay Paterson of the Commission on School Reform warns it can be misleading. In his new article, he explains how official statistics often obscure the real challenges facing Scottish education. Read here: enlighten.scot/misleading-e...
"All of these three measurement failings – the wrong doors, the wrong time zone, the wrong connotations – conspire to prevent the rigorous examination of cause-&-effect relationships in the health & care system that’s needed"
@kurtstat.bsky.social for #NHS2048
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/thre...
@kurtstat.bsky.social for #NHS2048
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/thre...
December 8, 2025 at 8:18 AM
"All of these three measurement failings – the wrong doors, the wrong time zone, the wrong connotations – conspire to prevent the rigorous examination of cause-&-effect relationships in the health & care system that’s needed"
@kurtstat.bsky.social for #NHS2048
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/thre...
@kurtstat.bsky.social for #NHS2048
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/thre...
Online event: Monday 15th Dec at 12.30pm
Director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social will be in conversation with @antonmuscatelli.bsky.social discussing how Scotland can unlock the potential of its regional economies. For more info, or to sign up visit:
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
Director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social will be in conversation with @antonmuscatelli.bsky.social discussing how Scotland can unlock the potential of its regional economies. For more info, or to sign up visit:
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
December 4, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Online event: Monday 15th Dec at 12.30pm
Director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social will be in conversation with @antonmuscatelli.bsky.social discussing how Scotland can unlock the potential of its regional economies. For more info, or to sign up visit:
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
Director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social will be in conversation with @antonmuscatelli.bsky.social discussing how Scotland can unlock the potential of its regional economies. For more info, or to sign up visit:
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
Prof Peter Edwards, Aberdeen Uni Principal, says we need a “fundamental look” at the current funding model for universities.
Our MSP briefing sets out how a fair graduate contribution can make the system sustainable while keeping tuition fees 'free at the point of use'.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Our MSP briefing sets out how a fair graduate contribution can make the system sustainable while keeping tuition fees 'free at the point of use'.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
December 2, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Prof Peter Edwards, Aberdeen Uni Principal, says we need a “fundamental look” at the current funding model for universities.
Our MSP briefing sets out how a fair graduate contribution can make the system sustainable while keeping tuition fees 'free at the point of use'.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Our MSP briefing sets out how a fair graduate contribution can make the system sustainable while keeping tuition fees 'free at the point of use'.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Featured on today’s Scotsman front page: the Commission on School Reform warns Scotland’s ASN system is becoming unsustainable. Over 40% of pupils now have additional needs and exam invigilation costs have more than doubled.
Read the paper in full here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
Read the paper in full here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
December 1, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Featured on today’s Scotsman front page: the Commission on School Reform warns Scotland’s ASN system is becoming unsustainable. Over 40% of pupils now have additional needs and exam invigilation costs have more than doubled.
Read the paper in full here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
Read the paper in full here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
The Chancellor is wrong to consider a 3p per mile charge for EV drivers, instead a more comprehensive reform of road taxes is required.
VED and fuel duty should be scrapped and replaced with pay-as-you-drive road pricing. Read more here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
VED and fuel duty should be scrapped and replaced with pay-as-you-drive road pricing. Read more here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
November 20, 2025 at 9:39 AM
The Chancellor is wrong to consider a 3p per mile charge for EV drivers, instead a more comprehensive reform of road taxes is required.
VED and fuel duty should be scrapped and replaced with pay-as-you-drive road pricing. Read more here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
VED and fuel duty should be scrapped and replaced with pay-as-you-drive road pricing. Read more here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
In partnership with Edinburgh University’s SWAY programme, MSc student Joe Robinson explored Scotland’s regional skills challenges. Read his blog on the issues and full dissertation here: enlighten.scot/dealing-with...
November 18, 2025 at 10:26 AM
In partnership with Edinburgh University’s SWAY programme, MSc student Joe Robinson explored Scotland’s regional skills challenges. Read his blog on the issues and full dissertation here: enlighten.scot/dealing-with...
A new piece from Alistair Veitch for our #NHS2048 forum exploring how a renewed social contract grounded in universality, transparency, and shared accountability can support the long-term sustainability of the NHS. Read in full: www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/trus...
November 17, 2025 at 9:39 AM
A new piece from Alistair Veitch for our #NHS2048 forum exploring how a renewed social contract grounded in universality, transparency, and shared accountability can support the long-term sustainability of the NHS. Read in full: www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/trus...
Enlighten has published a new paper written by the Mercat group of former local authority chief executives, which calls for “a new democratic settlement” devolving power from the Scottish Government to local authorities. Read the report here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
November 14, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Enlighten has published a new paper written by the Mercat group of former local authority chief executives, which calls for “a new democratic settlement” devolving power from the Scottish Government to local authorities. Read the report here: www.enlighten.scot/publication/...
Switching to social or supplemental health insurance won’t fix NHS funding, argues Professor @camdonaldson.bsky.social in our #NHS2048 Forum - better management of our tax-funded system will.
Read here: enlighten.scot/nhs2048/why-...
Read here: enlighten.scot/nhs2048/why-...
November 14, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Switching to social or supplemental health insurance won’t fix NHS funding, argues Professor @camdonaldson.bsky.social in our #NHS2048 Forum - better management of our tax-funded system will.
Read here: enlighten.scot/nhs2048/why-...
Read here: enlighten.scot/nhs2048/why-...
Following our recent report by Gillian Hunt, which argued for a change to the school calendar, Dewi Knight from PolicyWISE outlines the attempt by the Welsh Government to make similar changes. Read the full article here: enlighten.scot/reform-of-the-school-year-lessons-learned-and-missed/
November 12, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Following our recent report by Gillian Hunt, which argued for a change to the school calendar, Dewi Knight from PolicyWISE outlines the attempt by the Welsh Government to make similar changes. Read the full article here: enlighten.scot/reform-of-the-school-year-lessons-learned-and-missed/
"As doctors and medical professionals, we have had enough of fighting the old. We know what’s wrong. It’s time to build the new.”
Read more from Prof. Alan McNeill in our NHS2048 Forum, reflecting on last week's The Future Health of Scotland conference.
enlighten.scot/nhs2048/weal...
Read more from Prof. Alan McNeill in our NHS2048 Forum, reflecting on last week's The Future Health of Scotland conference.
enlighten.scot/nhs2048/weal...
November 5, 2025 at 9:44 AM
"As doctors and medical professionals, we have had enough of fighting the old. We know what’s wrong. It’s time to build the new.”
Read more from Prof. Alan McNeill in our NHS2048 Forum, reflecting on last week's The Future Health of Scotland conference.
enlighten.scot/nhs2048/weal...
Read more from Prof. Alan McNeill in our NHS2048 Forum, reflecting on last week's The Future Health of Scotland conference.
enlighten.scot/nhs2048/weal...
"warm words are not enough: we need to see political commitment and prioritisation of sustainable funding of our valued college sector at this next Budget"
Gavin Donoghue of @collegesscot.bsky.social writes for the blog on the fiscal crisis facing our colleges.
www.enlighten.scot/a-budget-to-...
Gavin Donoghue of @collegesscot.bsky.social writes for the blog on the fiscal crisis facing our colleges.
www.enlighten.scot/a-budget-to-...
November 4, 2025 at 8:16 AM
"warm words are not enough: we need to see political commitment and prioritisation of sustainable funding of our valued college sector at this next Budget"
Gavin Donoghue of @collegesscot.bsky.social writes for the blog on the fiscal crisis facing our colleges.
www.enlighten.scot/a-budget-to-...
Gavin Donoghue of @collegesscot.bsky.social writes for the blog on the fiscal crisis facing our colleges.
www.enlighten.scot/a-budget-to-...
Online event: 10am Thursday 20 Nov
Join director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social as he talks to @mareetodd.bsky.social, Prof Grant Jarvie and Joelle Murray about the rise and future of women's football.
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
Join director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social as he talks to @mareetodd.bsky.social, Prof Grant Jarvie and Joelle Murray about the rise and future of women's football.
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
November 3, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Online event: 10am Thursday 20 Nov
Join director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social as he talks to @mareetodd.bsky.social, Prof Grant Jarvie and Joelle Murray about the rise and future of women's football.
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
Join director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social as he talks to @mareetodd.bsky.social, Prof Grant Jarvie and Joelle Murray about the rise and future of women's football.
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
Online event: Register for our online discussion on school reform on 17 Nov.
Sir Nick Gibb and Keir Bloomer will be in conversation with director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
Sir Nick Gibb and Keir Bloomer will be in conversation with director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
October 30, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Online event: Register for our online discussion on school reform on 17 Nov.
Sir Nick Gibb and Keir Bloomer will be in conversation with director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
Sir Nick Gibb and Keir Bloomer will be in conversation with director @chrisdeerin.bsky.social
www.enlighten.scot/event/online...
New on #NHS2048
Clare Johnston writes about the potential of rebuilding strength and healthy aging. Read her article here:
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/rebu...
Clare Johnston writes about the potential of rebuilding strength and healthy aging. Read her article here:
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/rebu...
October 29, 2025 at 8:41 AM
New on #NHS2048
Clare Johnston writes about the potential of rebuilding strength and healthy aging. Read her article here:
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/rebu...
Clare Johnston writes about the potential of rebuilding strength and healthy aging. Read her article here:
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/rebu...
“Vaccination uptake is plummeting in rural communities and areas of high deprivation, creating a stark health inequality that threatens to divide our nation’s children into the protected & the vulnerable”
A worrying article from Dr Ross Jaffrey #NHS2048
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/has-...
A worrying article from Dr Ross Jaffrey #NHS2048
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/has-...
October 26, 2025 at 9:44 AM
“Vaccination uptake is plummeting in rural communities and areas of high deprivation, creating a stark health inequality that threatens to divide our nation’s children into the protected & the vulnerable”
A worrying article from Dr Ross Jaffrey #NHS2048
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/has-...
A worrying article from Dr Ross Jaffrey #NHS2048
www.enlighten.scot/nhs2048/has-...