Scotsman.com - Ian Swanson Feed

Ian Swanson: Tax cuts attract business but do they help Scotland?

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:04:32 GMT

ALEX Salmond has long boasted about how an independent Scotland would steal a march on the rest of the UK by cutting corporation tax to boost inward investment.

Ian Swanson: Gay debate again set to dominate at Kirk meeting

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:45:58 GMT

SEX will be top of the agenda again at the Church of  Scotland’s General Assembly, which opens on Saturday. Four years after its first debate on whether or not to accept gay ministers, the question still dominates the Kirk’s deliberations.

Ian Swanson: UK’s European agenda plays into SNP’s hands

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:45:28 GMT

IT may not have the same ring about it as St Andrew’s Day or Burns Night, but today is Europe Day – and in its own way it could prove just as significant in next year’s independence referendum.

Ian Swanson: Forum’s closed-door policy a bridge too far

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:42:22 GMT

THE invitation to help choose the name of the new Forth road bridge seems to have caught the public imagination. Despite what some have labelled a “boring” list of options, more than 20,000 votes have been cast within days of the shortlist being unveiled.