Derek Mcarthur

MySpace’s planned relaunch may appeal to Millennials nostalgic for a more personal, less algorithm-driven internet, but it is unlikely to challenge the modern social media system. The platform would still need data harvesting and targeted advertising to remain profitable, while Facebook and other dominant platforms benefit from enormous user bases and entrenched market power. A genuine remedy would require decentralizing the internet and reducing the influence of major technology companies through user-led alternatives or regulation, rather than reviving an old brand.

Edinburgh’s summer festivals are portrayed as a successful example of a city temporarily suspending normal rules and turning public spaces into stages, generating major cultural and economic benefits. Glasgow is praised for its year-round cultural authenticity and strong venues, but criticized for being less willing to embrace spontaneous, citywide artistic activity. The central argument is that Glasgow should not copy the Edinburgh Fringe, but should adopt its permissive mindset by converting vacant shops, offices and green spaces into temporary cultural venues. Excessive licensing and bureaucracy, particularly from Glasgow City Council, are identified as key obstacles.

Glasgow City Council is pursuing former Glasgow City Parents Group leader Leanne McGuire for more than £40,000 in legal expenses arising from an unsuccessful challenge to proposed teacher cuts. Although the council later abandoned the cuts amid parent campaigns and threatened strike action, it says reclaiming the legal costs is standard procedure and remains open to negotiating a settlement. The Educational Institute of Scotland, Sisters Uncut and Glasgow Labour have condemned the action as vindictive or intimidating. The column argues that the claim is morally disproportionate given the council’s other spending, multimillion-pound write-offs, high executive salaries and questionable city-centre projects, warning that it could deter civic volunteering and future challenges to council decisions.