Mark Smith

A tour of No 1 Merrion Square in Dublin explores the childhood home of Oscar Wilde and the scandals surrounding his father William Wilde and Wilde himself. The feature then visits The Chancery hotel, Marsh’s Library, the Icon Walk and Dublin bookshops, presenting Dublin as a city deeply shaped by literary history while mixing cultural observations with personal travel impressions.

Mark Smith reflects on the closure of Paisley Grammar’s historic building and the opening of its new replacement, using the school’s legacy to examine changes in Scottish education. He rejects corporal punishment while acknowledging the value of structure, guidance and clear consequences. The school’s reputation is attributed partly to historical selection and an advantageous social mix, prompting criticism of simplistic league-table comparisons. The piece argues that modern discipline problems require support and understanding rather than a return to violence, but warns that declining exclusions may also indicate that consequences have become too weak.

Scotland’s seabird population has fallen to around half its 1980s level, with species including Arctic skuas, little terns and common terns suffering especially severe declines. Bird flu caused more than 100,000 reported seabird deaths between late 2021 and late 2023, while overfishing, intensive farming, modern construction and shooting add further pressure. The article argues that gulls are declining rather than proliferating and that public hostility toward them is misplaced. It calls for practical measures such as bird-friendly building standards, reform of the legal quarry list and, most importantly, a coordinated UK-wide conservation plan, noting that Scotland holds 60% of the UK’s seabird population.

Anas Sarwar is criticized for accepting a seat in the House of Lords and a trade minister role after previously supporting abolition of the chamber and saying he would reject a peerage. The column argues that this apparent contradiction is not necessarily hypocrisy: politicians and citizens often support ideals while making pragmatic choices within existing systems. Similar criticism of energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh for sending her children to private school is also defended as a distinction between opposition in principle and decisions in practice. Sarwar is urged to perform his ministerial role, including strengthening UK-EU relations, while continuing to support replacing the Lords with an elected Senate.

Paisley Grammar School is leaving its historic Victorian building after generations of pupils and former staff returned for a final visit. Founded by royal charter in 1576, the school evolved from a selective grammar into a comprehensive and survived a controversial 1988 closure proposal after intervention by Margaret Thatcher, prompting changes to Scottish school-closure regulations. The old building is considered too small and outdated for modern education and will be converted into apartments by Nixon, while 1,350 pupils move to an £85 million purpose-built campus with improved technology, sports and performance facilities. Former pupils largely support the move but want the building, especially its war memorial, properly preserved and publicly accessible.

The column argues that Scotland has become unsympathetic to pubs and alcohol-related social life. It contrasts declining alcohol consumption among young people and the growing popularity of no- and low-alcohol drinks with the financial pressures facing pubs. Andy Burnham’s support for a 20% business-rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England is praised as a recognition of their community and working-class cultural importance. The author criticizes the Scottish Government and SNP for measures including bans on alcohol on trains, possible airport restrictions and minimum pricing, arguing that these policies can have disproportionate or harmful consequences while failing to support hospitality businesses. Scotland is urged to match England’s relief package and adopt a more supportive, less restrictive attitude toward pubs.

Andy Burnham’s first speech as Prime Minister is framed through generational identity and cultural touchstones, particularly his affinity for New Order, but the address is criticised for focusing on issues rooted in the 1980s rather than current priorities such as immigration, welfare, defence, and emerging challenges like artificial intelligence. His critique of Thatcher-era deindustrialisation is acknowledged as partly valid, yet presented without broader historical context. While his communication skills may initially serve him well, the long-term effectiveness of his leadership is questioned unless he shifts toward addressing the contemporary concerns that dominate British public opinion.

Economic data shows Silverburn generating £414 million and supporting over 8,700 jobs, with strong footfall and continued retail expansion. Its success contrasts with the decline of Glasgow city centre, raising concerns about the impact of out‑of‑town retail on urban areas. Former retail workers reflect on the shift toward convenience and reduced personal service, underscoring long‑term changes in shopping habits. The article argues that issues such as cleanliness, parking costs, and inconsistent planning hinder the city centre, and suggests that addressing these factors could help restore its competitiveness against thriving shopping centres like Silverburn.

Decades after the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival, only scattered remnants remain, prompting designer Lex Lamb to trace the fate of its installations and explore its mixed legacy. The event, part of a UK regeneration initiative, drew millions and introduced new cultural and leisure experiences to the city, though it faced criticism over commercialisation, gentrification and long-term impact. Some art pieces vanished, others were relocated, and parts of the site evolved into housing, public spaces and cultural venues, while large areas remain undeveloped. Though financially unsuccessful, the festival contributed to Glasgow’s renewed confidence and international image.

Rising property prices in Glasgow have made home ownership increasingly unattainable for young adults, driving interest in co‑living developments that combine private studio units with shared communal spaces. A market report shows strong institutional investment in this model, with Glasgow emerging as a major growth area following London. Local planning guidance and several proposed developments indicate rapid expansion, driven by affordability pressures and the increase in single‑person households. While co‑living may help regenerate areas like Tradeston, concerns remain that it could become the only viable option for young professionals unable to buy homes due to stagnant wages and escalating property costs.

Glasgow’s Voi e-bike scheme is facing growing concerns about poor maintenance, with users frequently encountering broken seats, battery issues and app errors. Usage of the bikes has risen sharply since launch, demonstrating strong demand, but reliability problems risk undermining the scheme. The Scottish Greens have formally raised questions about upkeep and network expansion, while Voi and the city council say they are addressing early operational challenges. Strong cycling data shows the potential for continued growth, but users need assurance that the system can be consistently trusted.