Lesley Riddoch
@lesleyriddoch.bsky.social
Journalist, Blossom & Thrive, Director http://nordichorizons.org, Columnist http://thenational.scot. Podcast http://lesleyriddoch.com Denmark & Estonia films https://www.youtube.com/@Lesley_Riddoch
Scotland is first UK nation to make residential outdoor education a legal requirement for all pupils, after MSPs backed landmark legislation guaranteeing every child access to a week-long outdoor learning experience. Well done Liz Smith MSP plus all campaigners. www.thenational.scot/politics/254...
Lesley Riddoch: Access to outdoor education is a dream that can’t be allowed to die
AN important thing happens on September 26. A wee dream could die for the want of roughly £40 million, which would buy 1.3 miles of new motorway.
www.thenational.scot
December 18, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Scotland is first UK nation to make residential outdoor education a legal requirement for all pupils, after MSPs backed landmark legislation guaranteeing every child access to a week-long outdoor learning experience. Well done Liz Smith MSP plus all campaigners. www.thenational.scot/politics/254...
Will the BBC fight or fold over Trump's absurd legal challenge? Is Europe facing civilisational erasure? Will the appalling murder of Jews in Australia silence protests over Israel's Gaza genocide? Why did Angela Constance not just apologise to MSPs? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
December 16, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Will the BBC fight or fold over Trump's absurd legal challenge? Is Europe facing civilisational erasure? Will the appalling murder of Jews in Australia silence protests over Israel's Gaza genocide? Why did Angela Constance not just apologise to MSPs? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
The Netherlands 🇳🇱 WITHDRAW
Spain 🇪🇸 WITHDRAWS
Ireland 🇮🇪 WITHDRAWS
Slovenia 🇸🇮 WITHDRAWS
Belgium 🇧🇪 WITHDRAWS
Iceland 🇮🇸 WITHDRAWS
All because Israel’s in Eurovision. It’s the end for the contest. But couldn’t these broadcasters create an #AlternativeEurovision? They’d have half world watching.
Spain 🇪🇸 WITHDRAWS
Ireland 🇮🇪 WITHDRAWS
Slovenia 🇸🇮 WITHDRAWS
Belgium 🇧🇪 WITHDRAWS
Iceland 🇮🇸 WITHDRAWS
All because Israel’s in Eurovision. It’s the end for the contest. But couldn’t these broadcasters create an #AlternativeEurovision? They’d have half world watching.
Eurovision.is
December 13, 2025 at 6:42 PM
The Netherlands 🇳🇱 WITHDRAW
Spain 🇪🇸 WITHDRAWS
Ireland 🇮🇪 WITHDRAWS
Slovenia 🇸🇮 WITHDRAWS
Belgium 🇧🇪 WITHDRAWS
Iceland 🇮🇸 WITHDRAWS
All because Israel’s in Eurovision. It’s the end for the contest. But couldn’t these broadcasters create an #AlternativeEurovision? They’d have half world watching.
Spain 🇪🇸 WITHDRAWS
Ireland 🇮🇪 WITHDRAWS
Slovenia 🇸🇮 WITHDRAWS
Belgium 🇧🇪 WITHDRAWS
Iceland 🇮🇸 WITHDRAWS
All because Israel’s in Eurovision. It’s the end for the contest. But couldn’t these broadcasters create an #AlternativeEurovision? They’d have half world watching.
John Swinney's indy energy promise is fine. But can he do nothing now as Scotland's green energy heads south? Is Trump driving Ukraine towards civil war? Any clear winner from Sandy Peggie case? Will Baron Malkie Offord boost Reform in Scotland? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
December 9, 2025 at 6:42 PM
John Swinney's indy energy promise is fine. But can he do nothing now as Scotland's green energy heads south? Is Trump driving Ukraine towards civil war? Any clear winner from Sandy Peggie case? Will Baron Malkie Offord boost Reform in Scotland? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
Beautiful Sutherland today.
December 7, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Beautiful Sutherland today.
Very chuffed to wear a berry crown in ceremony to celebrate 25 years since planting of A’Chraobh - a spiral woodland near Borgie in Sutherland with 18 species representing the Gaelic Ogham alphabet. Maybe the only such forest in the world. Short film coming soon.
December 6, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Very chuffed to wear a berry crown in ceremony to celebrate 25 years since planting of A’Chraobh - a spiral woodland near Borgie in Sutherland with 18 species representing the Gaelic Ogham alphabet. Maybe the only such forest in the world. Short film coming soon.
Big questions about energy infrastructure news. 1. Why are we shipping energy across UK fm Highlands to s of England when they have green resources too? 2. Do windfarm communities benefit? 3. Can any of them really object or is this a done deal? A film. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LXy...
December 4, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Big questions about energy infrastructure news. 1. Why are we shipping energy across UK fm Highlands to s of England when they have green resources too? 2. Do windfarm communities benefit? 3. Can any of them really object or is this a done deal? A film. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LXy...
Rachel Reeves' budget - is it the guddle that just keeps giving? Will the missing black hole disappear with the OBR boss? Or will Labour high heid 'uns keep being asked what they knew when? Plus Saltires Hampden North Sea Oil & Highland wind farms. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
December 2, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Rachel Reeves' budget - is it the guddle that just keeps giving? Will the missing black hole disappear with the OBR boss? Or will Labour high heid 'uns keep being asked what they knew when? Plus Saltires Hampden North Sea Oil & Highland wind farms. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
Save The Iain Anderson Show. I've signed the petition cos we need more support for our musicians, more knowledge & passion - not easy listening shows like every other radio station. The petition's being handed in soon, so if you've been meaning to sign, here's the link. c.org/LMwv5xtQtM
November 28, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Save The Iain Anderson Show. I've signed the petition cos we need more support for our musicians, more knowledge & passion - not easy listening shows like every other radio station. The petition's being handed in soon, so if you've been meaning to sign, here's the link. c.org/LMwv5xtQtM
“Oh, thank you, imperial master. Grovelling thanks for sharing your hard-earned cash.” Did Rachel Reeves expect this when she announced some of Scotland's taxes will be sent back north? Actually that budget pop at the SNP is a sure sign of Labour nerves.
www.thenational.scot/politics/256...
www.thenational.scot/politics/256...
November 27, 2025 at 9:52 AM
“Oh, thank you, imperial master. Grovelling thanks for sharing your hard-earned cash.” Did Rachel Reeves expect this when she announced some of Scotland's taxes will be sent back north? Actually that budget pop at the SNP is a sure sign of Labour nerves.
www.thenational.scot/politics/256...
www.thenational.scot/politics/256...
Finland is the world's happiest country for the 8th year running. How do they do it? New film coming very soon. www.reuters.com/business/fin...
November 25, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Finland is the world's happiest country for the 8th year running. How do they do it? New film coming very soon. www.reuters.com/business/fin...
Has Scotland's fitba victory left a lasting bounce? The Covid Inquiry says Scotgov should've deviated faster fm WM - should Nicola Sturgeon have closed the border? As Danish Labour lose Mayors to the left/greens sd UK Labour rethink its hardline migration stance? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
November 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Has Scotland's fitba victory left a lasting bounce? The Covid Inquiry says Scotgov should've deviated faster fm WM - should Nicola Sturgeon have closed the border? As Danish Labour lose Mayors to the left/greens sd UK Labour rethink its hardline migration stance? Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
In truth, it’s not the hope that kills you. It’s having nothing left to hope for. The men’s team have done their bit. Time for the rest of us to get back out there.
www.thenational.scot/sport/opinio...
www.thenational.scot/sport/opinio...
Lesley Riddoch: Scotland’s team have given us much-needed hope – now it’s our turn
So that’s what it feels like. Hope flooding a country. I don’t need to mention the cause. The whole of Scotland is still buzzing
www.thenational.scot
November 20, 2025 at 5:49 PM
In truth, it’s not the hope that kills you. It’s having nothing left to hope for. The men’s team have done their bit. Time for the rest of us to get back out there.
www.thenational.scot/sport/opinio...
www.thenational.scot/sport/opinio...
Watching Kenny McLean, radio commentators urged caution - ready to settle for just good enough. And then a man with a reputation for caution lifted his head, spotted a possibility, trusted himself & smashed every mediocre expectation of Scots to smithereens.
www.thenational.scot/sport/opinio...
www.thenational.scot/sport/opinio...
Lesley Riddoch: Scotland’s team have given us much-needed hope – now it’s our turn
So that’s what it feels like. Hope flooding a country. I don’t need to mention the cause. The whole of Scotland is still buzzing
www.thenational.scot
November 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Watching Kenny McLean, radio commentators urged caution - ready to settle for just good enough. And then a man with a reputation for caution lifted his head, spotted a possibility, trusted himself & smashed every mediocre expectation of Scots to smithereens.
www.thenational.scot/sport/opinio...
www.thenational.scot/sport/opinio...
Listening to Radio Scotland phone-in. Tidal waves of repressed hope & joy unleashed. Have to write a column today. But sitting greetin, laughing and replaying vid of McTominay searching for his mum after that goal. Helps to hear half of Scotland is also awash with emotion. 🏴
Scott McTominay's three-word celebration after scoring the first goal in last night's match against Denmark has won hearts in viral clip 🚨
Scott McTominay's emotional three-word celebration wins hearts in viral clip
www.thenational.scot
November 19, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Listening to Radio Scotland phone-in. Tidal waves of repressed hope & joy unleashed. Have to write a column today. But sitting greetin, laughing and replaying vid of McTominay searching for his mum after that goal. Helps to hear half of Scotland is also awash with emotion. 🏴
Labour’s draconian crackdown against asylum seekers has pushed Number Ten's circular firing squad off the front pages along with the hokey Cokey budget. But will it push left leaning voters further away fm Labour & validate Reform’s empathy-crushing agenda? Yes. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
November 18, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Labour’s draconian crackdown against asylum seekers has pushed Number Ten's circular firing squad off the front pages along with the hokey Cokey budget. But will it push left leaning voters further away fm Labour & validate Reform’s empathy-crushing agenda? Yes. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
Scotland's Missing Forests 120k views in a week. Wonder if Scotgov gets the message. Barren-looking land, even overgrazed & burnt grouse moors, can support natural woodland & biodiversity. This is the story of two pals who went where politicians fear to tread www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTV...
November 15, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Scotland's Missing Forests 120k views in a week. Wonder if Scotgov gets the message. Barren-looking land, even overgrazed & burnt grouse moors, can support natural woodland & biodiversity. This is the story of two pals who went where politicians fear to tread www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTV...
Chuffed to be discussing Scotland's Future tomorrow Sun 6pm at AyeWrite in Glasgow with former FM Henry McLeish, chaired by Kirsteen Paterson. Henry & I had frisky chat at Kircudbright Fringe a month ago. Trust this will be similar. Some tix still available. www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/unfi...
November 15, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Chuffed to be discussing Scotland's Future tomorrow Sun 6pm at AyeWrite in Glasgow with former FM Henry McLeish, chaired by Kirsteen Paterson. Henry & I had frisky chat at Kircudbright Fringe a month ago. Trust this will be similar. Some tix still available. www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/unfi...
Panorama's mistake has riled Trump. But one bad edit merits apology & correction not capitulation with our licence fee cash. The BBC sd prepare for court like NY Times & Wall St Journal with Number 10 support. Instead, we're in for a credibility-destroying grovel www.thenational.scot/politics/256...
Lesley Riddoch: I thought the BBC was about broadcasting – not capitulation
THE BBC is facing meltdown, thanks to a sloppy Panorama edit and a management unable to apologise and quickly correct it
www.thenational.scot
November 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Panorama's mistake has riled Trump. But one bad edit merits apology & correction not capitulation with our licence fee cash. The BBC sd prepare for court like NY Times & Wall St Journal with Number 10 support. Instead, we're in for a credibility-destroying grovel www.thenational.scot/politics/256...
Five UN Special Rapporteurs condemn Palestine Action ban as "not justified", "unnecessary" and a move associated with authoritarian states. Will this be raised in #PMQs? Will it be covered by @BBCNews?
tinyurl.com/2s4cyzar
tinyurl.com/2s4cyzar
November 12, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Five UN Special Rapporteurs condemn Palestine Action ban as "not justified", "unnecessary" and a move associated with authoritarian states. Will this be raised in #PMQs? Will it be covered by @BBCNews?
tinyurl.com/2s4cyzar
tinyurl.com/2s4cyzar
Has the BBC been captured by a bunch of extreme right wingers? Does anyone believe Aunty is pro Palestine? Who will pay Trump's damages - licence-fee payers? What about record low trust levels in Scotland post #indyref? Plus prisons, David Lammy & Trad Awards. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
November 11, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Has the BBC been captured by a bunch of extreme right wingers? Does anyone believe Aunty is pro Palestine? Who will pay Trump's damages - licence-fee payers? What about record low trust levels in Scotland post #indyref? Plus prisons, David Lammy & Trad Awards. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
Centuries of overgrazing & muirburn for grouse moors mean Highland Scotland looks treeless & desolate. But it doesn't have to be this way. New film Scotland's Missing Forests went online y'day. Chuffed to see almost 10k views. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTV... @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Centuries of overgrazing & muirburn for grouse moors mean Highland Scotland looks treeless & desolate. But it doesn't have to be this way. New film Scotland's Missing Forests went online y'day. Chuffed to see almost 10k views. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTV... @chrisgpackham.bsky.social
30 years ago this hopeless, overgrazed hillside was turned into a thriving woodland. Care & fencing restored desolate Glen Garry despite a sub-Arctic climate & proved forests are possible anywhere. So why is much of Scotland a barren wasteland? New film www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTV...
November 8, 2025 at 5:21 PM
30 years ago this hopeless, overgrazed hillside was turned into a thriving woodland. Care & fencing restored desolate Glen Garry despite a sub-Arctic climate & proved forests are possible anywhere. So why is much of Scotland a barren wasteland? New film www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuTV...
Will Trump cut cash to NYC if 'communist' Zohran Mamdani wins Mayoral race? Are public reassured or panicked by Rachel Reeves pre-budget tough times speech? Reform manifesto pledges falling apart. Plus Land Reform Bill, Edinburgh Trams & the late Elspeth King. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
November 4, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Will Trump cut cash to NYC if 'communist' Zohran Mamdani wins Mayoral race? Are public reassured or panicked by Rachel Reeves pre-budget tough times speech? Reform manifesto pledges falling apart. Plus Land Reform Bill, Edinburgh Trams & the late Elspeth King. Listen lesleyriddoch.com/podcast
Well said. Elspeth was a life force. Blocked by the auld guys who didn’t ‘get’ the People’s Palace. A Harpies & Quines supporter with her suffragette research. She sd have run Kelvingrove but re-energised Dunfermline & revived Stirling’s Smith Gallery instead. It’s such v bad news.
Sorry to learn this.
She had to fight tooth and nail to get the museums to pay any attention to Glasgow's Women.
She had to fight tooth and nail to get the museums to pay any attention to Glasgow's Women.
November 1, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Well said. Elspeth was a life force. Blocked by the auld guys who didn’t ‘get’ the People’s Palace. A Harpies & Quines supporter with her suffragette research. She sd have run Kelvingrove but re-energised Dunfermline & revived Stirling’s Smith Gallery instead. It’s such v bad news.