Lesley Riddoch
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.social
Journalist, Blossom, Thrive, Director http://nordichorizons.org, Columnist http://thenational.scot Podcast http://lesleyriddoch.com NEW Finland film screenings https://lesleyriddoch.com/events. Denmark & other films https://www.youtube.com/@Lesley_Riddoch
Cheerio stranger. See you the morra 🙏
February 13, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Cheerio stranger. See you the morra 🙏
It's a massive victory - for solidarity with Gaza, democracy in UK & sheer tenacity. Some brave folk dared to defy the craziest, most indefensible ban on the truth. Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza & West Bank. No govt or person with conscience should suppress or deny it.
A court has ruled that the government's authoritarian ban on Palestine Action was unlawful.
Time to stop criminalising the people protesting a genocide - and start ending the UK's complicity.
Time to stop criminalising the people protesting a genocide - and start ending the UK's complicity.
February 13, 2026 at 12:02 PM
It's a massive victory - for solidarity with Gaza, democracy in UK & sheer tenacity. Some brave folk dared to defy the craziest, most indefensible ban on the truth. Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza & West Bank. No govt or person with conscience should suppress or deny it.
Finland; the happiest country - chuffed to announce new screenings in Dumfries, Stirling and Arran. Next week Glasgow and Musselburgh. All details here. lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 12, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Finland; the happiest country - chuffed to announce new screenings in Dumfries, Stirling and Arran. Next week Glasgow and Musselburgh. All details here. lesleyriddoch.com/events
Despite its freshly polished nameplate Scottish Labour is still a branch office. Maybe different if Sarwar had completed his Starmer attack & announced a new Scottish party that dares to back indy/indyref2. But two tribes have gone to war & there are no winners
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Lesley Riddoch: Two Labour tribes go to war but who stands to benefit
TWO Tribes have gone to war. That 1980s hit has been rumbling through my heid since Anas Sarwar launched his broadsword against erstwhile colleague…
www.thenational.scot
February 12, 2026 at 11:20 AM
Despite its freshly polished nameplate Scottish Labour is still a branch office. Maybe different if Sarwar had completed his Starmer attack & announced a new Scottish party that dares to back indy/indyref2. But two tribes have gone to war & there are no winners
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Is Scottish Labour led by Anas Sarwar or Keir Starmer? A moot point until the two worlds collided so publicly yesterday. How will the Holyrood election campaign go - run by Starmerite Douglas Alexander to elect Starmer-sceptic Sarwar? Whit a guddle. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
February 10, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Is Scottish Labour led by Anas Sarwar or Keir Starmer? A moot point until the two worlds collided so publicly yesterday. How will the Holyrood election campaign go - run by Starmerite Douglas Alexander to elect Starmer-sceptic Sarwar? Whit a guddle. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
Great @EdenCourt event with Finland film last night. Great to have filmmaker, local lad & Helsinki resident Gavin Hanigan back from Finland for the Q&A. More screenings next week Glasgow/Musselburgh & then 12 others. lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 10, 2026 at 9:26 AM
Great @EdenCourt event with Finland film last night. Great to have filmmaker, local lad & Helsinki resident Gavin Hanigan back from Finland for the Q&A. More screenings next week Glasgow/Musselburgh & then 12 others. lesleyriddoch.com/events
Inverness screening of Finland film sold out tonight. Huzzah. Looking forward to meeting folk & Q&A with filmmaker & local lad Gavin Hanigan who’s come back from Helsinki specially. More screenings next week Glasgow/Musselburgh &12 other venues. lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Inverness screening of Finland film sold out tonight. Huzzah. Looking forward to meeting folk & Q&A with filmmaker & local lad Gavin Hanigan who’s come back from Helsinki specially. More screenings next week Glasgow/Musselburgh &12 other venues. lesleyriddoch.com/events
Keir Starmer is obstacle to Scottish Labour winning this May says Anas Sarwar (in so many words). ‘My first loyalty is to Scotland.’ Too many mistakes - he’s a distraction.’ Hmm. Sounds like Anas is trying to seize agenda & get excuses in early ahead of likely election defeat.
February 9, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Keir Starmer is obstacle to Scottish Labour winning this May says Anas Sarwar (in so many words). ‘My first loyalty is to Scotland.’ Too many mistakes - he’s a distraction.’ Hmm. Sounds like Anas is trying to seize agenda & get excuses in early ahead of likely election defeat.
Great Sat afternoon in Nairn with Finland film. Next Eden Court Monday 7pm; Glasgow Adelaide Church Weds 18; Musselburgh Ravelston Hotel Thurs 19 Feb. Details lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 8, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Great Sat afternoon in Nairn with Finland film. Next Eden Court Monday 7pm; Glasgow Adelaide Church Weds 18; Musselburgh Ravelston Hotel Thurs 19 Feb. Details lesleyriddoch.com/events
Heading up the sodden road for Finland film screening at Nairn Community Centre 2.30pm. Still a few tix. Also Eden Court Monday 7pm - Q&A with filmmaker & local lad Gavin Hanigan back specially from Helsinki. Details lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 7, 2026 at 10:13 AM
Heading up the sodden road for Finland film screening at Nairn Community Centre 2.30pm. Still a few tix. Also Eden Court Monday 7pm - Q&A with filmmaker & local lad Gavin Hanigan back specially from Helsinki. Details lesleyriddoch.com/events
Still tickets for film Finland: the happiest country - showing in Nairn tomorrow (Saturday) and Eden Court Inverness on Monday. Booking details here lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 6, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Still tickets for film Finland: the happiest country - showing in Nairn tomorrow (Saturday) and Eden Court Inverness on Monday. Booking details here lesleyriddoch.com/events
Mandy quitting Lords lets Starmer back-pedal on promised reform. He won't axe 92 hereditary peers, start 80 age limit or make Lords prove activity. So 6 peers are blocking Right to Die Bill with amendments. Is this OK?https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25826970.house-lords-evades-attempts-reform/
February 5, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Mandy quitting Lords lets Starmer back-pedal on promised reform. He won't axe 92 hereditary peers, start 80 age limit or make Lords prove activity. So 6 peers are blocking Right to Die Bill with amendments. Is this OK?https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25826970.house-lords-evades-attempts-reform/
Still a few tickets left for tonight's screening of Finland; the happiest country at AK Bell Library, Perth 7pm. See you there. lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 5, 2026 at 9:54 AM
Still a few tickets left for tonight's screening of Finland; the happiest country at AK Bell Library, Perth 7pm. See you there. lesleyriddoch.com/events
What would happen if society-sapping privatisation & shoddy short term planning were reversed? We cd have a country as equal, happy & successful as Finland.
Tx to Finno-Scot Mikko Ramstedt.
Film on TOMORROW Thurs Perth; Nairn Sat; Inverness Mon.
Details - lesleyriddoch.com/events
Tx to Finno-Scot Mikko Ramstedt.
Film on TOMORROW Thurs Perth; Nairn Sat; Inverness Mon.
Details - lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 4, 2026 at 11:56 AM
What would happen if society-sapping privatisation & shoddy short term planning were reversed? We cd have a country as equal, happy & successful as Finland.
Tx to Finno-Scot Mikko Ramstedt.
Film on TOMORROW Thurs Perth; Nairn Sat; Inverness Mon.
Details - lesleyriddoch.com/events
Tx to Finno-Scot Mikko Ramstedt.
Film on TOMORROW Thurs Perth; Nairn Sat; Inverness Mon.
Details - lesleyriddoch.com/events
Tories forcing publication of vetting procedure that made Lord Mandelson US Ambassador. But they obstruct all attempts to reform world's second largest unelected chamber. Can Labour throw Mandelson under the bus yet hope Starmer will be spared?
February 3, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Tories forcing publication of vetting procedure that made Lord Mandelson US Ambassador. But they obstruct all attempts to reform world's second largest unelected chamber. Can Labour throw Mandelson under the bus yet hope Starmer will be spared?
New Finland film screenings in Ullapool, Largs, Prestwick & Dumfries - plus Edin date shifted. This week Perth, Nairn & Inverness. First big screening at Tayport filled to capacity. A big relief - few have visited so I worried folk wouldn't be able to relate. All details at lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 2, 2026 at 10:05 AM
New Finland film screenings in Ullapool, Largs, Prestwick & Dumfries - plus Edin date shifted. This week Perth, Nairn & Inverness. First big screening at Tayport filled to capacity. A big relief - few have visited so I worried folk wouldn't be able to relate. All details at lesleyriddoch.com/events
Congrats to all who have worked hard over 25+ years to make Celtic Connections a success - despite lack of early funding & doubters who said folk would never come to a music gig in midwinter. Especially well done Donald Shaw. Proof positive some artists are also modest, knowing, respected leaders.
NEW: The Celtic Connections festival has closed with a record number of tickets sold
Celtic Connections ends on high note with record number of tickets sold
www.thenational.scot
February 2, 2026 at 10:03 AM
Congrats to all who have worked hard over 25+ years to make Celtic Connections a success - despite lack of early funding & doubters who said folk would never come to a music gig in midwinter. Especially well done Donald Shaw. Proof positive some artists are also modest, knowing, respected leaders.
How did remote, ice-locked Finland become world beaters in education, trust, income equality, homelessness & ship-building?
Tx to Finno-Scot Mikko Ramstedt for the explanation.
Finland; the happiest country film - this week Perth, Inverness & Nairn. Details lesleyriddoch.com/events
Tx to Finno-Scot Mikko Ramstedt for the explanation.
Finland; the happiest country film - this week Perth, Inverness & Nairn. Details lesleyriddoch.com/events
February 1, 2026 at 6:36 PM
How did remote, ice-locked Finland become world beaters in education, trust, income equality, homelessness & ship-building?
Tx to Finno-Scot Mikko Ramstedt for the explanation.
Finland; the happiest country film - this week Perth, Inverness & Nairn. Details lesleyriddoch.com/events
Tx to Finno-Scot Mikko Ramstedt for the explanation.
Finland; the happiest country film - this week Perth, Inverness & Nairn. Details lesleyriddoch.com/events
Everybody to Kenmure Street has won an international award at Sundance Film Festival. Well timed, cos it will remind doubters, haters & sceptics that neighbours will protect one another against an authoritarian state - in Glasgow 2021 or Minneapolis today. www.thenational.scot/news/2581367...
January 31, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Everybody to Kenmure Street has won an international award at Sundance Film Festival. Well timed, cos it will remind doubters, haters & sceptics that neighbours will protect one another against an authoritarian state - in Glasgow 2021 or Minneapolis today. www.thenational.scot/news/2581367...
In Denmark, Canada & Oz, standing up to Trump has become electoral rocket fuel. Why does Reform think it can buck that trend in Scotland, praising wildly unpopular Trump and modelling its mini-ICE and mini-DOGE ideas on dystopian America? www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Malcolm Offord’s plan for tartan Trumpery is a slippery slope to US-style dystopia
If you don’t want an unequal, bitter, fractious Scotland, don’t fall for Reform UK's tartan Trumpery
www.thenational.scot
January 29, 2026 at 9:20 AM
In Denmark, Canada & Oz, standing up to Trump has become electoral rocket fuel. Why does Reform think it can buck that trend in Scotland, praising wildly unpopular Trump and modelling its mini-ICE and mini-DOGE ideas on dystopian America? www.thenational.scot/politics/258...
Finland- the happiest country. Feb 20th screening at Edinburgh Cameo is MOVED to Sun March 22nd 5.15pm due to double booking. Ticket-holders will be refunded automatically but must buy new tix for March event. Sorry about that.
New booking link online lesleyriddoch.com/events
New booking link online lesleyriddoch.com/events
January 28, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Finland- the happiest country. Feb 20th screening at Edinburgh Cameo is MOVED to Sun March 22nd 5.15pm due to double booking. Ticket-holders will be refunded automatically but must buy new tix for March event. Sorry about that.
New booking link online lesleyriddoch.com/events
New booking link online lesleyriddoch.com/events
Can Reform win by aping Trump despite ICE assassinations, DOGE etc? Can Palestine Action win in Scottish courts? Will Andy Burnham take his rejection like a good little King of the North? Plus Burns Night & the Mamdanifcation of Scots Labour. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
January 27, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Can Reform win by aping Trump despite ICE assassinations, DOGE etc? Can Palestine Action win in Scottish courts? Will Andy Burnham take his rejection like a good little King of the North? Plus Burns Night & the Mamdanifcation of Scots Labour. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
Spot on by Ricky Ross after millionaire yacht owner Malcolm Offord quoted Deacon Blue hit Dignity at launch. "Perhaps he overlooked another song Loaded: ‘It’s just you laugh, ‘cause you’re loaded. And things are different from there’. Best riposte yet to Reform. www.thenational.scot/news/2580040...
Deacon Blue 'appalled' after Reform UK Scottish leader quotes their song
Deacon Blue have said they are "appalled" after Reform UK's new Scottish leader Malcolm Offord quoted one of their greatest hits while…
www.thenational.scot
January 27, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Spot on by Ricky Ross after millionaire yacht owner Malcolm Offord quoted Deacon Blue hit Dignity at launch. "Perhaps he overlooked another song Loaded: ‘It’s just you laugh, ‘cause you’re loaded. And things are different from there’. Best riposte yet to Reform. www.thenational.scot/news/2580040...
Thanks for a great chat gals! Finland proves Scots needn't apologise for being a small-medium sized, northern, progressive, peaceful state. We just need the tools to the trade - control with independence - to start motoring.
In this week's podcast we chat with @lesleyriddoch.bsky.social about her new film about Finland and some of the key concepts that Scotland can learn from including education, trust, security, practicality and much more.
#Finland #LesleyRiddoch
youtu.be/avF6EWFn5Sw?...
#Finland #LesleyRiddoch
youtu.be/avF6EWFn5Sw?...
The Making of Finland - with Lesley Riddoch
YouTube video by Scottish Independence Podcasts: IndyPod Extra
youtu.be
January 24, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Thanks for a great chat gals! Finland proves Scots needn't apologise for being a small-medium sized, northern, progressive, peaceful state. We just need the tools to the trade - control with independence - to start motoring.
Finland is the perfect antidote to Trump's America. Equal, relaxed (despite Russian threat), well educated, trusting & united as a country. New film 14 screenings with Montrose, Ullapool & Dumfries coming soon. Tx to Scots Indy Podcasters for this great chat; www.youtube.com/watch?v=avF6...
The Making of Finland - with Lesley Riddoch
YouTube video by Scottish Independence Podcasts: IndyPod Extra
www.youtube.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:12 PM
Finland is the perfect antidote to Trump's America. Equal, relaxed (despite Russian threat), well educated, trusting & united as a country. New film 14 screenings with Montrose, Ullapool & Dumfries coming soon. Tx to Scots Indy Podcasters for this great chat; www.youtube.com/watch?v=avF6...