Fraser MacDonald
@fr4ser.bsky.social
Work in political comms. Write about theatre. Usually listening to Springsteen. Independence 🏴
BrawTheatre.com
BrawTheatre.com
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Tonight, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band opened their Land of Hope & Dreams Tour. Bruce launched this run of shows with three statements about the situation in the United States, with comments preceding his songs Land of Hope and Dreams, House of a Thousand Guitars and My City of Ruins.
Land of Hope and Dreams
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
May 14, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Tonight, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band opened their Land of Hope & Dreams Tour. Bruce launched this run of shows with three statements about the situation in the United States, with comments preceding his songs Land of Hope and Dreams, House of a Thousand Guitars and My City of Ruins.
First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social has announced an extra £300,000 in humanitarian aid for people affected by conflict in the Middle East
www.thenational.scot/news/2510814...
www.thenational.scot/news/2510814...
John Swinney announces £300,000 in extra humanitarian aid for Middle East conflicts
THE Scottish Government will provide an extra £300,000 in humanitarian aid to help people affected by conflict in the Middle East, First Minister…
www.thenational.scot
April 23, 2025 at 9:05 AM
First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social has announced an extra £300,000 in humanitarian aid for people affected by conflict in the Middle East
www.thenational.scot/news/2510814...
www.thenational.scot/news/2510814...
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Eradicating child poverty is my top priority and we’re making progress.
Labour should abandon austerity and match our ambition.
New LSE report says the UK government could lift 700,000 children out of poverty by matching our Scottish Child Payment. 👇
www.lse.ac.uk/News/Latest-...
Labour should abandon austerity and match our ambition.
New LSE report says the UK government could lift 700,000 children out of poverty by matching our Scottish Child Payment. 👇
www.lse.ac.uk/News/Latest-...
April 2, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Eradicating child poverty is my top priority and we’re making progress.
Labour should abandon austerity and match our ambition.
New LSE report says the UK government could lift 700,000 children out of poverty by matching our Scottish Child Payment. 👇
www.lse.ac.uk/News/Latest-...
Labour should abandon austerity and match our ambition.
New LSE report says the UK government could lift 700,000 children out of poverty by matching our Scottish Child Payment. 👇
www.lse.ac.uk/News/Latest-...
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Christina McKelvie saw the very best in people, and growing up she also saw firsthand the injustice faced by her family and her community.
Her experiences made her determined to address the many injustices facing society.
We will carry on that fight in Christina’s honour.
Her experiences made her determined to address the many injustices facing society.
We will carry on that fight in Christina’s honour.
April 2, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Christina McKelvie saw the very best in people, and growing up she also saw firsthand the injustice faced by her family and her community.
Her experiences made her determined to address the many injustices facing society.
We will carry on that fight in Christina’s honour.
Her experiences made her determined to address the many injustices facing society.
We will carry on that fight in Christina’s honour.
"The UK government could lift 700,000 children out of poverty overnight by matching Scotland’s fiscal commitment to driving poverty down." - Professor Ruth Patrick www.lse.ac.uk/News/Latest-...
New analysis shows 700,000 children could be lifted out of poverty overnight by following Scotland
New analysis shows 700,000 children could be lifted out of poverty overnight by following Scotland
www.lse.ac.uk
April 1, 2025 at 3:52 PM
"The UK government could lift 700,000 children out of poverty overnight by matching Scotland’s fiscal commitment to driving poverty down." - Professor Ruth Patrick www.lse.ac.uk/News/Latest-...
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Former Labour MSP quits party over welfare reforms which "stigmatise the weak, poor and the vulnerable".
Former MSP Neil Findlay quits Labour party over 'vindictive' UK benefit reforms www.holyrood.com/news/view,fo...
Former MSP Neil Findlay quits Labour as party over 'vindictive' UK benefit reforms
Former MSP Neil Findlay quits Labour as party over 'vindictive' UK benefit reforms
www.holyrood.com
March 19, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Former Labour MSP quits party over welfare reforms which "stigmatise the weak, poor and the vulnerable".
BBC News: Welfare crackdown 'devastating', says @sa4dunfermline.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Welfare crackdown 'devastating' for disabled people - Scottish government
Scotland's social justice secretary says the UK reforms will have a
www.bbc.co.uk
March 19, 2025 at 10:48 AM
BBC News: Welfare crackdown 'devastating', says @sa4dunfermline.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
29 years ago today the Dunblane atrocity took place. We will always remember those who suffered from what happened that day.
March 13, 2025 at 10:45 AM
29 years ago today the Dunblane atrocity took place. We will always remember those who suffered from what happened that day.
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Some stunning production pics of Wild Rose at the Lyceum, from the brilliant Mihaela Bodlovic...
March 12, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Some stunning production pics of Wild Rose at the Lyceum, from the brilliant Mihaela Bodlovic...
A heartfelt tribute to Jack Vettriano by Scotland's Culture Secretary @angusrobertson.bsky.social
"Scotland owes him a debt of gratitude for his remarkable contribution to our cultural landscape."
"Scotland owes him a debt of gratitude for his remarkable contribution to our cultural landscape."
🎨 Scotland owes Jack Vettriano a debt of gratitude for his contribution to our cultural landscape. His legacy is assured, and his work will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Scotland’s debt to Vettriano - Angus Robertson
Scotland has lost one of its most celebrated and commercially successful artists, Jack Vettriano. Born Jack Hoggan in Methil, Fife, in 1951, his journey to artistic fame was unconventional.
buff.ly
March 4, 2025 at 4:08 PM
A heartfelt tribute to Jack Vettriano by Scotland's Culture Secretary @angusrobertson.bsky.social
"Scotland owes him a debt of gratitude for his remarkable contribution to our cultural landscape."
"Scotland owes him a debt of gratitude for his remarkable contribution to our cultural landscape."
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
✅ We’ve met our CAMHS targets - over 90% of those referred to CAMHS were seen within 18 weeks.
👦🏻 When it comes to child mental health, there’s always more we can do. That’s why we’ve more than doubled mental health investment since 2020/21 - to £1.3 billion next year.
👦🏻 When it comes to child mental health, there’s always more we can do. That’s why we’ve more than doubled mental health investment since 2020/21 - to £1.3 billion next year.
March 4, 2025 at 3:47 PM
✅ We’ve met our CAMHS targets - over 90% of those referred to CAMHS were seen within 18 weeks.
👦🏻 When it comes to child mental health, there’s always more we can do. That’s why we’ve more than doubled mental health investment since 2020/21 - to £1.3 billion next year.
👦🏻 When it comes to child mental health, there’s always more we can do. That’s why we’ve more than doubled mental health investment since 2020/21 - to £1.3 billion next year.
First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social delivers a statement on Solidarity to Support Ukraine in the Scottish Parliament now.
📺 Watch live on www.scottishparliament.tv
📺 Watch live on www.scottishparliament.tv
Watch now | Scottish Parliament TV
www.scottishparliament.tv
March 4, 2025 at 2:17 PM
First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social delivers a statement on Solidarity to Support Ukraine in the Scottish Parliament now.
📺 Watch live on www.scottishparliament.tv
📺 Watch live on www.scottishparliament.tv
FM @johnswinney.bsky.social tells journalists he did not want his government's Budget to "limp through on the neutrality of abstentionism" - saying the Budget was able to "reshape Parliamentary politics", bringing support from the Liberal Democrat and Green MSPs.
February 26, 2025 at 10:36 AM
FM @johnswinney.bsky.social tells journalists he did not want his government's Budget to "limp through on the neutrality of abstentionism" - saying the Budget was able to "reshape Parliamentary politics", bringing support from the Liberal Democrat and Green MSPs.
A full-throated rejection of nuclear weapons by
@johnswinney.bsky.social this morning from Bute House:
"Nucelar weapons provide no tangible or realistic benefit to the military challenges we face... and indeed, I think they are an inhibitor because of the resources that they command."
@johnswinney.bsky.social this morning from Bute House:
"Nucelar weapons provide no tangible or realistic benefit to the military challenges we face... and indeed, I think they are an inhibitor because of the resources that they command."
February 26, 2025 at 10:36 AM
A full-throated rejection of nuclear weapons by
@johnswinney.bsky.social this morning from Bute House:
"Nucelar weapons provide no tangible or realistic benefit to the military challenges we face... and indeed, I think they are an inhibitor because of the resources that they command."
@johnswinney.bsky.social this morning from Bute House:
"Nucelar weapons provide no tangible or realistic benefit to the military challenges we face... and indeed, I think they are an inhibitor because of the resources that they command."
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Scottish Government budget passed:
💷 Record £21 billion for our NHS
🏠 8,000 new affordable homes
❄️ Winter Heating Payment for every pensioner household
✂️ Ending Labour’s two-child cap, lifting 15,000 kids out of poverty
This is a budget that puts Scotland’s priorities first
💷 Record £21 billion for our NHS
🏠 8,000 new affordable homes
❄️ Winter Heating Payment for every pensioner household
✂️ Ending Labour’s two-child cap, lifting 15,000 kids out of poverty
This is a budget that puts Scotland’s priorities first
February 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Scottish Government budget passed:
💷 Record £21 billion for our NHS
🏠 8,000 new affordable homes
❄️ Winter Heating Payment for every pensioner household
✂️ Ending Labour’s two-child cap, lifting 15,000 kids out of poverty
This is a budget that puts Scotland’s priorities first
💷 Record £21 billion for our NHS
🏠 8,000 new affordable homes
❄️ Winter Heating Payment for every pensioner household
✂️ Ending Labour’s two-child cap, lifting 15,000 kids out of poverty
This is a budget that puts Scotland’s priorities first
First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social: "The world is changing around us – quite literally in terms of global temperature rises.
"It is a time of growing uncertainty, an age of anxiety. In response, too many are offering easy answers when what we need are the right answers."
"It is a time of growing uncertainty, an age of anxiety. In response, too many are offering easy answers when what we need are the right answers."
February 19, 2025 at 10:03 AM
First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social: "The world is changing around us – quite literally in terms of global temperature rises.
"It is a time of growing uncertainty, an age of anxiety. In response, too many are offering easy answers when what we need are the right answers."
"It is a time of growing uncertainty, an age of anxiety. In response, too many are offering easy answers when what we need are the right answers."
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social delivering a speech on climate at the Glasgow Botanics, warning there is an emerging political consensus, attempting to block action on the climate crisis. The FM says there is a need to "mobilise" the mainstream against right-wing populism.
February 19, 2025 at 9:39 AM
First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social delivering a speech on climate at the Glasgow Botanics, warning there is an emerging political consensus, attempting to block action on the climate crisis. The FM says there is a need to "mobilise" the mainstream against right-wing populism.
Scotland's First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social has announced an additional £25 million in the upcoming Budget to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund.
The fund will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions over the next 12 months and beyond.
The fund will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions over the next 12 months and beyond.
February 18, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Scotland's First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social has announced an additional £25 million in the upcoming Budget to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund.
The fund will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions over the next 12 months and beyond.
The fund will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions over the next 12 months and beyond.
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
I am very grateful to parliamentary colleagues in the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Green Party for their engagement in the Budget process and for their support.
@shonarobison.bsky.social has led a constructive and inclusive process. This is good news for Scotland. 🏴
@shonarobison.bsky.social has led a constructive and inclusive process. This is good news for Scotland. 🏴
January 28, 2025 at 11:58 AM
I am very grateful to parliamentary colleagues in the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Green Party for their engagement in the Budget process and for their support.
@shonarobison.bsky.social has led a constructive and inclusive process. This is good news for Scotland. 🏴
@shonarobison.bsky.social has led a constructive and inclusive process. This is good news for Scotland. 🏴
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
It’s good to have a debate - but let’s get the facts right on Scottish Income Tax:
✅ 51% of Scots pay less income tax than in England.
✅ £1.7bn more for public services.
✅ More workers moving to Scotland from rUK than leaving.
🏴 Kate Forbes on GMS this morning:
✅ 51% of Scots pay less income tax than in England.
✅ £1.7bn more for public services.
✅ More workers moving to Scotland from rUK than leaving.
🏴 Kate Forbes on GMS this morning:
January 28, 2025 at 11:43 AM
It’s good to have a debate - but let’s get the facts right on Scottish Income Tax:
✅ 51% of Scots pay less income tax than in England.
✅ £1.7bn more for public services.
✅ More workers moving to Scotland from rUK than leaving.
🏴 Kate Forbes on GMS this morning:
✅ 51% of Scots pay less income tax than in England.
✅ £1.7bn more for public services.
✅ More workers moving to Scotland from rUK than leaving.
🏴 Kate Forbes on GMS this morning:
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Today I’ve outlined how we will improve access to our NHS - making it easier to see your GP, using more digital innovation, and delivering over 150,000 appointments and procedures in the coming year.
Here’s a summary in 50 seconds.👇
Here’s a summary in 50 seconds.👇
January 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Today I’ve outlined how we will improve access to our NHS - making it easier to see your GP, using more digital innovation, and delivering over 150,000 appointments and procedures in the coming year.
Here’s a summary in 50 seconds.👇
Here’s a summary in 50 seconds.👇
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
An annotated map produced by the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in the 1980s. Pic: National Museums Scotland.
January 28, 2025 at 9:20 AM
An annotated map produced by the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in the 1980s. Pic: National Museums Scotland.
This morning, First Minister @JohnSwinney delivered a speech on NHS renewal.
As part of this plan, NHS Scotland will deliver an extra 150,000 appointments and procedures in the coming year. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
As part of this plan, NHS Scotland will deliver an extra 150,000 appointments and procedures in the coming year. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
John Swinney announces plan to bring down NHS waiting times
The first minister says changes will make it easier to see a GP - but union leaders say they lack of detail.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 27, 2025 at 3:34 PM
This morning, First Minister @JohnSwinney delivered a speech on NHS renewal.
As part of this plan, NHS Scotland will deliver an extra 150,000 appointments and procedures in the coming year. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
As part of this plan, NHS Scotland will deliver an extra 150,000 appointments and procedures in the coming year. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Auschwitz was at the end of a long process. It did not start from gas chambers.
This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
January 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Auschwitz was at the end of a long process. It did not start from gas chambers.
This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
This hatred was gradually developed by humans. From ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
🧵 The NHS is personal to us all. It’s there for every family, at every stage of life.
Built on the dedication of staff and innovative care, the NHS is resilient.
With collaboration and patient-focused reform, we’ll ensure it thrives again—public, free, and fit for the future.
Built on the dedication of staff and innovative care, the NHS is resilient.
With collaboration and patient-focused reform, we’ll ensure it thrives again—public, free, and fit for the future.
January 27, 2025 at 10:50 AM
🧵 The NHS is personal to us all. It’s there for every family, at every stage of life.
Built on the dedication of staff and innovative care, the NHS is resilient.
With collaboration and patient-focused reform, we’ll ensure it thrives again—public, free, and fit for the future.
Built on the dedication of staff and innovative care, the NHS is resilient.
With collaboration and patient-focused reform, we’ll ensure it thrives again—public, free, and fit for the future.