Fraser MacDonald
@frasermacdonald.bsky.social
Geographer, historian.
This guy.
Stirs up local ‘fear for the safety of … wives and children’ because of people fleeing persecution and terror.
Now it’s: my racism can’t be racism because no one is less racist than me.
🚮
Stirs up local ‘fear for the safety of … wives and children’ because of people fleeing persecution and terror.
Now it’s: my racism can’t be racism because no one is less racist than me.
🚮
A Scottish MP has apologised for using the term 'coloured people' – after insisting he 'can’t think of anybody less racist than me'
Scottish MP apologises for using term 'coloured people' in asylum interview
www.thenational.scot
November 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM
This guy.
Stirs up local ‘fear for the safety of … wives and children’ because of people fleeing persecution and terror.
Now it’s: my racism can’t be racism because no one is less racist than me.
🚮
Stirs up local ‘fear for the safety of … wives and children’ because of people fleeing persecution and terror.
Now it’s: my racism can’t be racism because no one is less racist than me.
🚮
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
It’s like Polanski has broken a spell. This is great if you care about human dignity and wellbeing but definitely threatening to those in power.
All strength to him.
All strength to him.
A Government of cowards.
Rather than tackle inequality - they've gone for pensioners, disabled people and now it's people fleeing war and persecution.
They can't get away with this.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Rather than tackle inequality - they've gone for pensioners, disabled people and now it's people fleeing war and persecution.
They can't get away with this.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 11:40 PM
It’s like Polanski has broken a spell. This is great if you care about human dignity and wellbeing but definitely threatening to those in power.
All strength to him.
All strength to him.
It’s like Polanski has broken a spell. This is great if you care about human dignity and wellbeing but definitely threatening to those in power.
All strength to him.
All strength to him.
A Government of cowards.
Rather than tackle inequality - they've gone for pensioners, disabled people and now it's people fleeing war and persecution.
They can't get away with this.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Rather than tackle inequality - they've gone for pensioners, disabled people and now it's people fleeing war and persecution.
They can't get away with this.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 11:40 PM
It’s like Polanski has broken a spell. This is great if you care about human dignity and wellbeing but definitely threatening to those in power.
All strength to him.
All strength to him.
If Edinburgh Uni, with no operational deficit, gets to sack 1800 people, imagine what this will signal to more fiscally challenged Scottish universities?
MSPs need to realise that this is more than a local crisis – we need urgent public scrutiny of Edinburgh’s governance.
MSPs need to realise that this is more than a local crisis – we need urgent public scrutiny of Edinburgh’s governance.
November 17, 2025 at 1:02 PM
If Edinburgh Uni, with no operational deficit, gets to sack 1800 people, imagine what this will signal to more fiscally challenged Scottish universities?
MSPs need to realise that this is more than a local crisis – we need urgent public scrutiny of Edinburgh’s governance.
MSPs need to realise that this is more than a local crisis – we need urgent public scrutiny of Edinburgh’s governance.
Covid prevents me from being on the picket line but solidarity to everyone there.
An isolated management, censured by its own academic senate, seeks to literally decimate its own staff.
Oh, and it has the third largest uni endowment in the UK.
An isolated management, censured by its own academic senate, seeks to literally decimate its own staff.
Oh, and it has the third largest uni endowment in the UK.
Pickets all over Edinburgh this morning! From Old College to King's Building, Edinburgh UCU staff are saying NO to job cuts!
November 17, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Covid prevents me from being on the picket line but solidarity to everyone there.
An isolated management, censured by its own academic senate, seeks to literally decimate its own staff.
Oh, and it has the third largest uni endowment in the UK.
An isolated management, censured by its own academic senate, seeks to literally decimate its own staff.
Oh, and it has the third largest uni endowment in the UK.
I’ve just made the mistake of flicking through the House of Bruar catalogue while suffering a Covid fever.
What in the name of Atholl is going on?👇
What in the name of Atholl is going on?👇
November 16, 2025 at 9:30 PM
I’ve just made the mistake of flicking through the House of Bruar catalogue while suffering a Covid fever.
What in the name of Atholl is going on?👇
What in the name of Atholl is going on?👇
The thing about architectural conservation is that it’s supposed to transcend the question ‘DO WE LIKE THIS?’.
It’s meant to be about preserving characteristic exemplars of style.
Is there another large exposed aggregate panel building in Scotland? I can’t think of any.
It’s meant to be about preserving characteristic exemplars of style.
Is there another large exposed aggregate panel building in Scotland? I can’t think of any.
In an open letter shared with The Edinburgh Minute, architect Malcolm Fraser, known for his work on the Scottish Poetry Library, Scottish Storytelling Centre, DanceBase and Dovecot Studios, argues against plans to demolish Argyle House: www.edinburghminute.com/three-reason...
November 15, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The thing about architectural conservation is that it’s supposed to transcend the question ‘DO WE LIKE THIS?’.
It’s meant to be about preserving characteristic exemplars of style.
Is there another large exposed aggregate panel building in Scotland? I can’t think of any.
It’s meant to be about preserving characteristic exemplars of style.
Is there another large exposed aggregate panel building in Scotland? I can’t think of any.
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 6:43 AM
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Evening folks, I'd love some help with this pic. Forget the people, can anyone identify the plants?
Is this a potato crop, partially coming into flower on the left? Or are these wild flowers?
Context: this is a coastal plain at the village of Inver, Easter Ross, 1915, south of the Morrich More.
Is this a potato crop, partially coming into flower on the left? Or are these wild flowers?
Context: this is a coastal plain at the village of Inver, Easter Ross, 1915, south of the Morrich More.
November 11, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Evening folks, I'd love some help with this pic. Forget the people, can anyone identify the plants?
Is this a potato crop, partially coming into flower on the left? Or are these wild flowers?
Context: this is a coastal plain at the village of Inver, Easter Ross, 1915, south of the Morrich More.
Is this a potato crop, partially coming into flower on the left? Or are these wild flowers?
Context: this is a coastal plain at the village of Inver, Easter Ross, 1915, south of the Morrich More.
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Important amendments from @ariane-burgess.bsky.social and Mercedes Villalba being voted on in Parliament tonight. They would ensure public oversight over significant land transfers and set a presumed limit on landownership at 500ha unless owned for wider public benefit. Much needed interventions
🏛️ The Land Reform Bill is being debated in Parliament right now.
Scotland’s land is hoarded - 50% of it owned by less than 1% of people. One of the worst statistics in Europe.
My amendment sets a 500-hectare ceiling, giving ministers power to stop land sales to those who already own vast estates.
Scotland’s land is hoarded - 50% of it owned by less than 1% of people. One of the worst statistics in Europe.
My amendment sets a 500-hectare ceiling, giving ministers power to stop land sales to those who already own vast estates.
November 4, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Important amendments from @ariane-burgess.bsky.social and Mercedes Villalba being voted on in Parliament tonight. They would ensure public oversight over significant land transfers and set a presumed limit on landownership at 500ha unless owned for wider public benefit. Much needed interventions
It's been a few years since I've seen the remnants of the 1788 Portobello harbour exposed. As you'd expect, there's an interesting thread on this export infrastructure of pottery and bricks by @threadinburgh.scot: threadinburgh.scot/2022/09/30/t...
October 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
It's been a few years since I've seen the remnants of the 1788 Portobello harbour exposed. As you'd expect, there's an interesting thread on this export infrastructure of pottery and bricks by @threadinburgh.scot: threadinburgh.scot/2022/09/30/t...
Working with students at 40 George Square today and och it’s not a bad view at all.
October 23, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Working with students at 40 George Square today and och it’s not a bad view at all.
It’s surely the other side of his gold fixation – for Freud, gold and shit are close correlates.
Even by the standards of this Presidency, it does seem historically remarkable and troubling.
Even by the standards of this Presidency, it does seem historically remarkable and troubling.
Q: What does it say that president released a video of him pooping on the American people?
MIKE JOHNSON: You can argue he's probably the most effective person who has ever used social media. He's using satire to make a point. He's not calling for the murder of his political opponents.
MIKE JOHNSON: You can argue he's probably the most effective person who has ever used social media. He's using satire to make a point. He's not calling for the murder of his political opponents.
October 20, 2025 at 3:29 PM
It’s surely the other side of his gold fixation – for Freud, gold and shit are close correlates.
Even by the standards of this Presidency, it does seem historically remarkable and troubling.
Even by the standards of this Presidency, it does seem historically remarkable and troubling.
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
This is a crucial point
And why the ‘stay on X/Twitter so you don’t cede the public square’ is such a nonsense argument
It isn’t Hyde Park, it’s a billionaire controlled algorithm *designed* to spread far right ideologies
And why the ‘stay on X/Twitter so you don’t cede the public square’ is such a nonsense argument
It isn’t Hyde Park, it’s a billionaire controlled algorithm *designed* to spread far right ideologies
A lot that could be said about this but if you look on Twitter it’s noticeable that the replies and quote tweets are *overwhelmingly* telling him he shouldn’t have apologised and even attacking him for doing so. That’s the feedback loop certain users are plugged into now, and it has consequences.
October 18, 2025 at 9:05 PM
This is a crucial point
And why the ‘stay on X/Twitter so you don’t cede the public square’ is such a nonsense argument
It isn’t Hyde Park, it’s a billionaire controlled algorithm *designed* to spread far right ideologies
And why the ‘stay on X/Twitter so you don’t cede the public square’ is such a nonsense argument
It isn’t Hyde Park, it’s a billionaire controlled algorithm *designed* to spread far right ideologies
Edinburgh needs this!
Cardiff will be the first UK city to introduce a surcharge for oversized SUVs and trucks, "while very large vehicles – those over 3,500kg – will be excluded from residential permits entirely."
Cardiff set to tackle SUV 'carspreading' in UK first
Cardiff Council is set to become the first local authority in the UK to introduce higher parking charges for SUVs and other heavy vehicles, in a move campaigners say will make city streets safer and f...
nation.cymru
October 16, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Edinburgh needs this!
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Winter Well is on air BBC Radio 4 this week.
An audio guide to thriving in winter, with advice from medics, artists, poets and future-gazers on simple but effective ways to bring light into your life during the darkest part of the year.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
@hesterparr.bsky.social
An audio guide to thriving in winter, with advice from medics, artists, poets and future-gazers on simple but effective ways to bring light into your life during the darkest part of the year.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
@hesterparr.bsky.social
October 13, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Winter Well is on air BBC Radio 4 this week.
An audio guide to thriving in winter, with advice from medics, artists, poets and future-gazers on simple but effective ways to bring light into your life during the darkest part of the year.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
@hesterparr.bsky.social
An audio guide to thriving in winter, with advice from medics, artists, poets and future-gazers on simple but effective ways to bring light into your life during the darkest part of the year.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
@hesterparr.bsky.social
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Why people don't trust mainstream politics is a mystery...
October 11, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Why people don't trust mainstream politics is a mystery...
If university marketing had any guts they’d use this as a recruitment tool and watch their applications soar.
Studying the language and literature that has helped to define our nation at home and around the world for centuries is a "rip-off" apparently
October 8, 2025 at 9:56 AM
If university marketing had any guts they’d use this as a recruitment tool and watch their applications soar.
I’ve started a new method of composting, and it’s … quite hot. Consistently over 70° and today over 80°C (176F). I have to fork it over daily + adding ~15kg of coffee grounds every week.
October 7, 2025 at 8:45 PM
I’ve started a new method of composting, and it’s … quite hot. Consistently over 70° and today over 80°C (176F). I have to fork it over daily + adding ~15kg of coffee grounds every week.
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
What should happen: National revulsion, hounded out of public life
What will happen: New set design for Sky News as three very, very right wing parties fight out The Deportation Election
What will happen: New set design for Sky News as three very, very right wing parties fight out The Deportation Election
October 7, 2025 at 8:32 AM
What should happen: National revulsion, hounded out of public life
What will happen: New set design for Sky News as three very, very right wing parties fight out The Deportation Election
What will happen: New set design for Sky News as three very, very right wing parties fight out The Deportation Election
The improvised response at 2:08 is remarkable.
No one in the political life of the UK is anywhere near as impressive as this … or as threatening.
No one in the political life of the UK is anywhere near as impressive as this … or as threatening.
She called out world leaders for sitting by and watching a live-streamed genocide without taking action.
October 6, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The improvised response at 2:08 is remarkable.
No one in the political life of the UK is anywhere near as impressive as this … or as threatening.
No one in the political life of the UK is anywhere near as impressive as this … or as threatening.
Hard not to sound like a Prevent referral but … it seems important that Labour are not allowed to go down this road.
NEW: Home Office announces planned new anti-protest powers, mainly aimed at pro-Gaza protests like those for Palestine Action. Police will be able to consider the "cumulative impact" of repeated protests and potentially order that they be relocated.
October 5, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Hard not to sound like a Prevent referral but … it seems important that Labour are not allowed to go down this road.
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
Israeli forces have intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla so now would be a good time to pressure your government to hold Israel to account and ensure everybody's safe return. Kieran Andrieu is one of my oldest friends and I'm worried about him. youtube.com/shorts/HiiJn...
If You're Watching This Video, Israel Has Kidnapped Me in International Waters
YouTube video by Novara Media
youtube.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Israeli forces have intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla so now would be a good time to pressure your government to hold Israel to account and ensure everybody's safe return. Kieran Andrieu is one of my oldest friends and I'm worried about him. youtube.com/shorts/HiiJn...
Sad to discover a new writer through their passing.
It’s only a 3 minute read but Kaleb Horton’s last blog says a lot.
kalebhorton.ghost.io/2025-so-far/
It’s only a 3 minute read but Kaleb Horton’s last blog says a lot.
kalebhorton.ghost.io/2025-so-far/
2025, So Far
I wish I had a time machine so I could go back in time and talk to my dad in 1988, just before I was born, and tell him what it’s like to live in the future. I’d tell him all the amazing things that a...
kalebhorton.ghost.io
September 28, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Sad to discover a new writer through their passing.
It’s only a 3 minute read but Kaleb Horton’s last blog says a lot.
kalebhorton.ghost.io/2025-so-far/
It’s only a 3 minute read but Kaleb Horton’s last blog says a lot.
kalebhorton.ghost.io/2025-so-far/
Reposted by Fraser MacDonald
joining the war on autism on the side of autism
September 22, 2025 at 6:23 PM
joining the war on autism on the side of autism