Gill Steele
@squirreltower.bsky.social
Working in renewables since 2005.Believe in land reform & social justice.I want a fairer society & realise now I have to help make that happen. Sucker for volunteering.Owned by a cat,dog & children.Just don’t self build😜 .English bird 30 years in Scotland
Pinned
Gill Steele
@squirreltower.bsky.social
· Nov 21
Introduce yourself with four climbs
Cioch nose - A’ Chioch Ridge
Savage Slit - Cairn Lochan
Etive Slabs - Beinn Trilleachan
Tower Ridge - Beinn Nibheis
Cioch nose - A’ Chioch Ridge
Savage Slit - Cairn Lochan
Etive Slabs - Beinn Trilleachan
Tower Ridge - Beinn Nibheis
Reposted by Gill Steele
Well, this is quite a serious allegation. I do hope the BBC shows true impartiality and investigate whether or not some of its Board members are systemically biased. www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
BBC board member with Tory links ‘led charge’ in systemic bias claims, say insiders
Sources say Robbie Gibb amplified criticisms of Trump, Gaza and trans rights coverage, and had ‘a lot of oxygen in the room’
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Well, this is quite a serious allegation. I do hope the BBC shows true impartiality and investigate whether or not some of its Board members are systemically biased. www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
Reposted by Gill Steele
I do not understand the Labour government's reticence over defending the BBC and social media regulation. Their long-term survival basically depends on it. Their cowardice in the face of it may be the single thing they are most remembered for.
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
BBC faces ‘existential’ threat after exit of top executives
Broadcaster’s deepest crisis in recent history comes amid fresh questions over its future role in British society
on.ft.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:35 AM
I do not understand the Labour government's reticence over defending the BBC and social media regulation. Their long-term survival basically depends on it. Their cowardice in the face of it may be the single thing they are most remembered for.
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
on.ft.com/3JVxC1Z via @FT
Reposted by Gill Steele
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Quick thread on the BBC and the political and societal significance of recent developments:
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
One of the main reasons the UK has historically been so much less polarised than the US, is that Britain has a shared source of information, consumed and trusted by most people regardless of their politics.
I agree with this, it has many failings but the alternative is not worth considering
It was and continues to be a bit rubbish in its coverage of Scotland & Scottish politics
I still listen, watch & love much of its content 6 music, Out of Doors, radio 4 podcasts, occasional TV drama documentaries
It was and continues to be a bit rubbish in its coverage of Scotland & Scottish politics
I still listen, watch & love much of its content 6 music, Out of Doors, radio 4 podcasts, occasional TV drama documentaries
If you care about the BBC, stand up and defend it: this could be the beginning of the end | Polly Toynbee
If you care about the BBC, stand up and defend it: this could be the beginning of the end | Polly Toynbee
Replacing the TV licence with a means-tested alternative may help disarm the right of one of its most effective weapons, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:46 PM
I agree with this, it has many failings but the alternative is not worth considering
It was and continues to be a bit rubbish in its coverage of Scotland & Scottish politics
I still listen, watch & love much of its content 6 music, Out of Doors, radio 4 podcasts, occasional TV drama documentaries
It was and continues to be a bit rubbish in its coverage of Scotland & Scottish politics
I still listen, watch & love much of its content 6 music, Out of Doors, radio 4 podcasts, occasional TV drama documentaries
Reposted by Gill Steele
I appreciate the work of these authors to show that this problem not only is still here but has grown:
www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
But it is also quite frustrating 🧵>>
www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
But it is also quite frustrating 🧵>>
AI's capabilities may be exaggerated by flawed tests, according to new study
A study from the Oxford Internet Institute analyzed 445 tests used to evaluate AI models.
www.nbcnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:59 PM
I appreciate the work of these authors to show that this problem not only is still here but has grown:
www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
But it is also quite frustrating 🧵>>
www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-ne...
But it is also quite frustrating 🧵>>
Reposted by Gill Steele
And if we think it’s bad now, imagine what it could look like, say, two months from a U.K. general election?
Could imagine huge sums in US far right cash flooding in, much of what would only be declared after the election (our electoral rules really are a jape)
Could imagine huge sums in US far right cash flooding in, much of what would only be declared after the election (our electoral rules really are a jape)
Be clear, the American far right are coming for British democracy.
November 9, 2025 at 8:50 PM
And if we think it’s bad now, imagine what it could look like, say, two months from a U.K. general election?
Could imagine huge sums in US far right cash flooding in, much of what would only be declared after the election (our electoral rules really are a jape)
Could imagine huge sums in US far right cash flooding in, much of what would only be declared after the election (our electoral rules really are a jape)
Reposted by Gill Steele
November 9, 2025 at 7:24 PM
It’s been bonkers recently in Dunkeld really noticeably busy
This is backed up in the stats for the hermitage
‘NTS, which manages the site, estimates 350,000 people have visited in just 8 months this year – compared to 88,000 in all of 2023’
Think it’s Insta/Tik Tok 🤷♀️
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
This is backed up in the stats for the hermitage
‘NTS, which manages the site, estimates 350,000 people have visited in just 8 months this year – compared to 88,000 in all of 2023’
Think it’s Insta/Tik Tok 🤷♀️
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
Can Highland Perthshire cope with 'unprecedented' tourist demand?
Local businesses rely on visitors coming to Dunkeld, but some residents worry the town can no longer cope.
news.stv.tv
November 9, 2025 at 7:17 PM
It’s been bonkers recently in Dunkeld really noticeably busy
This is backed up in the stats for the hermitage
‘NTS, which manages the site, estimates 350,000 people have visited in just 8 months this year – compared to 88,000 in all of 2023’
Think it’s Insta/Tik Tok 🤷♀️
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
This is backed up in the stats for the hermitage
‘NTS, which manages the site, estimates 350,000 people have visited in just 8 months this year – compared to 88,000 in all of 2023’
Think it’s Insta/Tik Tok 🤷♀️
news.stv.tv/north/dunkel...
‘There are thought to be close to a million deer in Scotland, with at least 100,000 culled annually.
Deer pressure on nationally and globally important protected areas is revealed in data we obtained via freedom of information from NatureScot, the Scottish Government’s wildlife agency’
Deer pressure on nationally and globally important protected areas is revealed in data we obtained via freedom of information from NatureScot, the Scottish Government’s wildlife agency’
Nearly 300 protected areas are being damaged or put at risk by Scotland’s rampant deer population, including breeding grounds for capercaillie – a bird facing extinction, The Ferret can reveal. theferret.scot/nearl...
November 9, 2025 at 11:47 AM
‘There are thought to be close to a million deer in Scotland, with at least 100,000 culled annually.
Deer pressure on nationally and globally important protected areas is revealed in data we obtained via freedom of information from NatureScot, the Scottish Government’s wildlife agency’
Deer pressure on nationally and globally important protected areas is revealed in data we obtained via freedom of information from NatureScot, the Scottish Government’s wildlife agency’
Your periodic reminder that NESOs Future Network Design (grid plans) are to export Scotlands renewable energy south to power England via multiple huge (2GW) subsea interconnectors
It’s ‘Grid baby Grid’ across the Scottish construction sector at the moment….sigh
It’s ‘Grid baby Grid’ across the Scottish construction sector at the moment….sigh
November 8, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Your periodic reminder that NESOs Future Network Design (grid plans) are to export Scotlands renewable energy south to power England via multiple huge (2GW) subsea interconnectors
It’s ‘Grid baby Grid’ across the Scottish construction sector at the moment….sigh
It’s ‘Grid baby Grid’ across the Scottish construction sector at the moment….sigh
This is an excellent Substack article on the fact ‘Discernment’ will always be valued, particularly enjoyed the analogy of Quark Express and Type Setting
I gave up trying to pull the best quote from this. Just go and read the whole thing.
I wrote this yesterday about what to tell young people who are worried about what work will be in the age of AI:
naomialderman.substack.com/p/preparing-...
naomialderman.substack.com/p/preparing-...
November 8, 2025 at 7:39 AM
This is an excellent Substack article on the fact ‘Discernment’ will always be valued, particularly enjoyed the analogy of Quark Express and Type Setting
Reposted by Gill Steele
🚨🚨 Belgian court convicts two for EU funds misuse linked to #NigelFarage's Brexit group. Great report by @elisabraun.bsky.social on a decade-long probe into alleged misuse of EU funds by associates of top #Brexit campaigner. www.euractiv.com/news/belgian...
Belgian court convicts two for EU funds misuse linked to Nigel Farage's Brexit group | Euractiv
Verdict ends decade-long probe into alleged misuse of EU funds by associates of top Brexit campaigner
www.euractiv.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:04 PM
🚨🚨 Belgian court convicts two for EU funds misuse linked to #NigelFarage's Brexit group. Great report by @elisabraun.bsky.social on a decade-long probe into alleged misuse of EU funds by associates of top #Brexit campaigner. www.euractiv.com/news/belgian...
Reposted by Gill Steele
Worth remembering that in Scotland Building Standards are still within the scope of Local Authorities
November 6, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Worth remembering that in Scotland Building Standards are still within the scope of Local Authorities
Reposted by Gill Steele
This is what oligarchy looks like:
If you're Elon Musk, the richest man alive, Tesla gives you a $1 trillion pay package & Trump gives you a huge tax break.
If you're a poor kid on SNAP, Trump appeals a court decision that would have prevented you from going hungry.
Obscene.
If you're Elon Musk, the richest man alive, Tesla gives you a $1 trillion pay package & Trump gives you a huge tax break.
If you're a poor kid on SNAP, Trump appeals a court decision that would have prevented you from going hungry.
Obscene.
November 7, 2025 at 12:18 AM
This is what oligarchy looks like:
If you're Elon Musk, the richest man alive, Tesla gives you a $1 trillion pay package & Trump gives you a huge tax break.
If you're a poor kid on SNAP, Trump appeals a court decision that would have prevented you from going hungry.
Obscene.
If you're Elon Musk, the richest man alive, Tesla gives you a $1 trillion pay package & Trump gives you a huge tax break.
If you're a poor kid on SNAP, Trump appeals a court decision that would have prevented you from going hungry.
Obscene.
Reposted by Gill Steele
A win for people-led rewilding, as MSPs vote to create a new hutting law. The amendment to the Land Reform (Scotland) bill was introduced by @scottishgreens.org MSP @ariane-burgess.bsky.social.
‘A win for people-led rewilding’ – new hutting law in Scotland to unlock public land to connect people and nature - Inside Ecology
Last night (4 November) MSPs in the Scottish Parliament voted to create a new hutting law compelling the Scottish Government to publish a model lease for hutting on public land. The change to the law ...
insideecology.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM
A win for people-led rewilding, as MSPs vote to create a new hutting law. The amendment to the Land Reform (Scotland) bill was introduced by @scottishgreens.org MSP @ariane-burgess.bsky.social.
Reposted by Gill Steele
The far right want you to believe that immigration causes an explosion of crime.
It's simply untrue.
Crime has gone down - and crucially, we are a markedly less violent society than we once were.
It's simply untrue.
Crime has gone down - and crucially, we are a markedly less violent society than we once were.
November 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The far right want you to believe that immigration causes an explosion of crime.
It's simply untrue.
Crime has gone down - and crucially, we are a markedly less violent society than we once were.
It's simply untrue.
Crime has gone down - and crucially, we are a markedly less violent society than we once were.
Reposted by Gill Steele
75 years ago, the ECHR was signed after the horrors of the war.
Today, Nigel Farage and many Westminster politicians want to tear up the laws that protect our basic human rights.
Our rights are not Westminster’s to take away. We will stand firmly against that.
Today, Nigel Farage and many Westminster politicians want to tear up the laws that protect our basic human rights.
Our rights are not Westminster’s to take away. We will stand firmly against that.
November 5, 2025 at 8:36 AM
75 years ago, the ECHR was signed after the horrors of the war.
Today, Nigel Farage and many Westminster politicians want to tear up the laws that protect our basic human rights.
Our rights are not Westminster’s to take away. We will stand firmly against that.
Today, Nigel Farage and many Westminster politicians want to tear up the laws that protect our basic human rights.
Our rights are not Westminster’s to take away. We will stand firmly against that.
Reposted by Gill Steele
Mamdani: "New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by an immigrant."
November 5, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Mamdani: "New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by an immigrant."
Reposted by Gill Steele
The whole of his speech is worth a listen to for those of needing a boost and reminder about speaking out against the oligarchy, for immigration, for union rights and against tyranny. Well done NYC voters.
Mamdani: "New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by an immigrant."
November 5, 2025 at 8:22 AM
The whole of his speech is worth a listen to for those of needing a boost and reminder about speaking out against the oligarchy, for immigration, for union rights and against tyranny. Well done NYC voters.
Reposted by Gill Steele
🔴Sadiq Khan Urges New Yorkers to Reject ‘The Politics of Fear’ and Vote for Zohran Mamdani
EXCLUSIVE: Source close to the London Mayor accuses Mamdani’s political opponents of “weaponising” his Muslim faith in an “uncanny” repeat of Conservative attacks against Khan
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/04/s...
EXCLUSIVE: Source close to the London Mayor accuses Mamdani’s political opponents of “weaponising” his Muslim faith in an “uncanny” repeat of Conservative attacks against Khan
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/04/s...
Sadiq Khan Urges New Yorkers to Reject 'The Politics of Fear' and Vote for Zohran Mamdani
Source close to the London Mayor accuses Mamdani's political opponents of "weaponising" his Muslim faith in an "uncanny" repeat of Conservative attacks against Khan
bylinetimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:39 PM
🔴Sadiq Khan Urges New Yorkers to Reject ‘The Politics of Fear’ and Vote for Zohran Mamdani
EXCLUSIVE: Source close to the London Mayor accuses Mamdani’s political opponents of “weaponising” his Muslim faith in an “uncanny” repeat of Conservative attacks against Khan
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/04/s...
EXCLUSIVE: Source close to the London Mayor accuses Mamdani’s political opponents of “weaponising” his Muslim faith in an “uncanny” repeat of Conservative attacks against Khan
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/04/s...
Reposted by Gill Steele
Glad to say that the Scottish Government has agreed to work with me to end the absurd loophole allowing shooting estates owned by billionaires and tax avoiders to get a 100% tax break as 'small businesses'
Thanks to @protectthewild.bsky.social, @revivecoalition.bsky.social and other campaigners 💚
Thanks to @protectthewild.bsky.social, @revivecoalition.bsky.social and other campaigners 💚
November 4, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Glad to say that the Scottish Government has agreed to work with me to end the absurd loophole allowing shooting estates owned by billionaires and tax avoiders to get a 100% tax break as 'small businesses'
Thanks to @protectthewild.bsky.social, @revivecoalition.bsky.social and other campaigners 💚
Thanks to @protectthewild.bsky.social, @revivecoalition.bsky.social and other campaigners 💚
Reposted by Gill Steele
Tax reform on landholdings is desperately needed. We need to bring poorly managed and owned land in urban and rural Scotland back into productive use for public benefit. This must be dealt with in the next parliament. Clear, strong arguments from @ross-greer.bsky.social during LR Bill debate tonight
November 4, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Tax reform on landholdings is desperately needed. We need to bring poorly managed and owned land in urban and rural Scotland back into productive use for public benefit. This must be dealt with in the next parliament. Clear, strong arguments from @ross-greer.bsky.social during LR Bill debate tonight
Reposted by Gill Steele
A few days after the presidential election one year ago, we went to Fordham Road in the Bronx.
It was a little different last week.
It was a little different last week.
November 3, 2025 at 10:40 PM
A few days after the presidential election one year ago, we went to Fordham Road in the Bronx.
It was a little different last week.
It was a little different last week.
Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches is Scotland’s online resource dedicated to the presentation and promotion of audio recordings of Scotland’s cultural heritage. Its principal content is songs, music, history, poetry, traditions and stories, recorded from the 1930s onwards
www.tobarandualchais.co.uk
www.tobarandualchais.co.uk
Tobar an Dualchais
www.tobarandualchais.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches is Scotland’s online resource dedicated to the presentation and promotion of audio recordings of Scotland’s cultural heritage. Its principal content is songs, music, history, poetry, traditions and stories, recorded from the 1930s onwards
www.tobarandualchais.co.uk
www.tobarandualchais.co.uk
For those interested here’s a recording
‘The contributor is 92 [in 1956]. He began droving aged 15 & part in the clearing of the sheep from Loch Broom, to make way for deer to the Falkirk Tryst, a journey that took a month.’
www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/4492?l...
‘The contributor is 92 [in 1956]. He began droving aged 15 & part in the clearing of the sheep from Loch Broom, to make way for deer to the Falkirk Tryst, a journey that took a month.’
www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/4492?l...
November 3, 2025 at 8:13 AM
For those interested here’s a recording
‘The contributor is 92 [in 1956]. He began droving aged 15 & part in the clearing of the sheep from Loch Broom, to make way for deer to the Falkirk Tryst, a journey that took a month.’
www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/4492?l...
‘The contributor is 92 [in 1956]. He began droving aged 15 & part in the clearing of the sheep from Loch Broom, to make way for deer to the Falkirk Tryst, a journey that took a month.’
www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/track/4492?l...