Month: June 2025

The HERALD | Monday 23rd June 2025 | Article by Kathleen Nutt, Political Correspondent 

Alex Neil and Jackson Carlaw will take part in an event today aiming to improving Scotland’s political culture.

The initiative is being launched by the University of Glasgow’s John Smith Centre, in partnership with leading Scottish businesswoman Dr Marie Macklin CBE.

Entitled “Political Conversations”, this evening discussion will see the former SNP cabinet secretary and former Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party take in a discussion with senior pupils at Kilmarnock Academy in Ayrshire.

Launching the initiative, Eddie Barnes, Director of the John Smith Institute, said: “Politics is still the best way to make change in society but we know too many young people are turning their backs on democratic engagement because they don’t believe it matters or because of the toxicity of our public debate.

“Political differences of opinion have always existed and indeed are fundamental to the democratic process.  But whereas in the past people were able to express those differences respectfully, we now live in an era in which rancour, toxicity and even abuse are all too commonplace.

“The consequences are worrying: when we asked young people whether they backed democracy over dictatorship, more than a third said they’d support dictatorship.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. We can continue to disagree on issues, but what matters is the way in which we do so.

“In short, we need to learn how to disagree more agreeably – with courtesy, civility and in an atmosphere of mutual respect.”

Dr Macklin, who is co-hosting the event, said:  “I have always been deeply interested in the political process, and whilst I am not affiliated to any one party, I believe it is vital that we do more to engage younger people in a positive way with politics.

The toxicity we witness all too often these days is having a profoundly corrosive effect not only on our day-to-day political debate, but on the foundations on which our politics sits.”

A recent opinion poll of younger adults commissioned by the John Smith Centre found that while most believe in democracy, they fear for its future, with 63 per cent believing that democracy in the UK is “in trouble”. There was also a strong call for ‘better politics’, involving more honest, more open debate.

This week’s event is envisaged as the first in a series of similar events in schools across Scotland, to be facilitated by the John Smith Centre, in which other leading political figures will take part in debate and discussion on the way forward for the political process.

Looking ahead to Monday’s event, Mr Carlaw said:  “I’m delighted to be taking part in the very first event in this new initiative, and to have the opportunity to engage in political debate in front of an audience of senior pupils in Kilmarnock.

“Alex and myself have crossed swords rhetorically many times over the years, and will no doubt continue to hold opposing views on many issues, but I hope that by taking part in this event we can demonstrate that it is possible to do so in a way that is positive, respectful and constructive.”

Mr Neil said: “Engaging younger people with politics in a positive way is absolutely essential, not least given the level of polarisation we are currently witnessing.

“I was very happy to accept the invitation from the John Smith Centre and Marie to participate in this event, and I look forward to discussion with Jackson, with whom I have had many lively but respectful debates with over the years.”

Read article via The HERALD: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25258107.neil-carlaw-discuss-improving-political-cutlure/

You can also view Marie’s speech from the event: https://www.mariemacklin.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/JSC-Pilot-Speech.pdf

Main headline picture and gallery below taken at the pilot event held at Kilmarnock Academy. 

The HERALD | Tuesday 17th June 2025

It was Barack Obama who summed up the extent of tribal division in US politics when, in 2015, he observed that not even becoming a literal lifesaver for many of his fellow citizens would guarantee agreement on Capitol Hill.

Already deep into his second term as President, he opined that: “The degree of polarisation that currently exists in Washington is such where I think it’s fair to say if I presented a cure for cancer, getting legislation passed to move that forward would be a nail-biter.”

It was a comment borne of obvious frustration, and not wholly in jest. In the decade since, political polarisation, already deep-rooted, has only become even more entrenched. And not just in America but around much of the rest of the democratic world too, including here in Scotland and the UK.

To say that we live in polarised times is just a statement of the obvious. But recognising the extent and depth of the tribalism which now engulfs us is perhaps a necessary precursor to understanding how we can get to a better politics.

Firstly, we should deal with the way the issue itself is talked about in political debate. We hear a lot about the “politics of division”, as if having a difference of opinion is, in and of itself, a bad thing.

Division is, however, in one sense the very essence of democracy. Without a healthy, vibrant and honest difference of opinion there would be no need for elections, referendums or political parties.  Having opposing views is an essential component of democracy, and efforts to decry what is branded the politics of division are often little more than an attempt by some to drown out or delegitimise the views of those with whom they disagree.

So it is not division itself we need to combat, but rather the way in which that division is manifested, where too frequently these days, having or expressing a simple difference of opinion leads some to believe they are incapable of relating in any way to those who hold opposing beliefs.

In short, we need to learn, or perhaps relearn, how to disagree more agreeably.

Personally, while I am deeply interested and invested in the political process, as I believe all of us should be as concerned citizens, I am not affiliated to any political party. That is because I know that no party has a monopoly on good ideas. I am happy to endorse what I see as good policy, wherever it comes from.

The causes which I personally hold dear and am committed to, such as urban and community regeneration and empowerment, women’s health and education, are all ones which could benefit from input from across the political spectrum. So I am more than happy to listen to and engage with all shades of opinion on that basis.

However, such freedom is not always available to those who do pursue politics, as elected representatives or otherwise, through the lens of party affiliation.

For them, the idea of backing another party’s policies is often anathema. Not necessarily because those policies are bad ideas, but because in doing so they would be casting themselves in the role of, at best, a maverick, and at worst, a disloyal troublemaker who risks being ostracised or denied promotion.

Party politics needs, on one level, to be adversarial in order to work. As the late Charles Kennedy put it: “To run an effective political party, you need a degree of tribalism; it’s the glue that holds everyone together.”

That tribalism is a frustrating, if understandable, consequence of the democratic system we have, where almost every issue, it seems, must be contested on a binary basis, It sometimes seems to me that here in Scotland that polarisation is, if anything, even more deep-rooted than just about anywhere else. We are impacted by the same culture war-type divides that are coursing through much of the rest of the democratic world, be it on gender or on a host of other social issues.

And, like other countries, those social issues and the positions taken on them feed through into our national politics. But, with the debate about our country’s constitutional future never far from the surface, we have another deeply contested issue layered on top of all the others.

So, what is to be done? For a start, I believe that we need to do more to positively engage younger people with the political process, and to show them that it is possible to hold opposing views whilst still respecting and understanding the views of others.

So, while I am not tied to any party, I am happy to engage with all, especially when it comes to younger activists, on whom the future of our politics depends. That is why I recently agreed to sponsor a networking event for the Scottish Young Conservatives – something I would also be happy to do for others. Young people from all political persuasions should be supported, encouraged and listened to.

If nothing else, we need to ensure that the next generation of would-be political leaders is not so completely turned off by the toxicity of debate that they decide not to even enter the arena of public service.

That is why I am delighted to be taking part in a new initiative, in cooperation with the John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow, which is aimed at demonstrating to younger people that it is indeed possibly to disagree over some of the most fundamental issues we face as a nation and a society, whilst still respecting the views of opponents.

The initiative will see experienced politicians from opposing parties engage in discussion and debate in front of an audience of senior school pupils. And I’m especially pleased that the first event, in what I hope can be rolled out as a Scotland-wide initiative in due course, will take place next week at my own old school, Kilmarnock Academy.

We can, and we must, do better as a nation in the way we conduct our debates, and I believe this initiative can be one small but important step on that journey.

Click to view article online.

Marie last night (Wednesday 11^th  June 2025) took part in a panel discussion on STV’s flagship current affairs programme Scotland Tonight, to discuss yesterday’s Comprehensive Spending Review announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Marie highlighted the crucial importance to the Scottish and UK economy of investment in infrastructure projects.

She also pointed to the fact that there are currently shovel-ready projects in the green economy and just transition sector which are poised for development, but which still need government input to ensure they go ahead, and to guarantee the jobs that come with them are not lost to other countries.

You can view the programme here: (STV account required) | http://player.stv.tv/episode/4r77/scotland-tonight

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS –

“Let Your Heart Sing.“

Kilmarnock Academy | Keynote | Annual Prizegiving 3rd June 2025

Marie was invited to her former secondary school, Kilmarnock Academy to deliver the keynote speech to pupils and invited guests at their annual prizegiving.

Below is a copy of Marie’s speech.

…

“On the 4th of July 1776 the founders of the USA came together and declared a new national revolutionary idea –

The belief that they were all created equal.

That they were free to govern themselves and that each one of them was entitled to a life of liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Today some 249 years later each one of you have come together to celebrate your awards.

You have worked hard, faced fear with belief and hope in your heart that this momentous day would become a reality, and it has.

Now some of you who will be leaving school this year my message is this.

You are a huge asset not just to Ayrshire and Scotland but to the world. 

And from the bottom of my heart, I want to congratulate you all for your tenacity and having the heart to never give up.

2.

Now for some at school it is not always easy, and you feel you might not fit in.

So, I am going to share a story …

Many years ago, I knew a girl who faced fear,

A girl who wanted to sing again, a girl who had a Love for music but lacked confidence, bullied at primary school and kept back a year at school with a condition now termed dyslexic.

A girl from a challenging post code area where life was tough.

But her bricklayer father said stay true to yourself, work hard, dare to dream and dare to be different.

She watched her community’s economy decline during the 1970s & 80s deindustrialisation and life was tough.

But music gave her an escape.

3.

She aspired to be educated in the city of greatness – Glasgow. The city of lights, the city

built by the hands of men and women of greatness, where entrepreneurs created Tomorrow’s World.

Times were hard, studying she found difficult, but here beloved band Simple Minds got her through with their song ‘New Gold Dream’.

That girl aspired to work in London and NYC which she did. She then returned to Scotland to build a dream that dream is about helping our young people some who have no aspiration and who have disengaged from education and life.

That girl stands here today at her beloved Kilmarnock Academy.

4.

Her message to the amazing students at Kilmarnock Academy is….

The Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July 1776 was a result of the Founding Fathers of the United States. One was a 19-year-old Alexander Hamilton who had huge heart and tenacity.

He became the 1st Secretary of the Treasury and the main author of economic policies of the George Washington administration.

He was said to be the Patron Saint of American school of economic philosophy.

He was the illegitimate son of James Hamilton the 4th son of Laird Alexander Hamilton of Grange Kilmarnock Ayrshire, yes Kilmarnock.

The Grange area of Kilmarnock where that girl aspired to build her home and did.

 5.

You see it doesn’t matter where you come from its where you’re going and having heart on the journey. Just like Alexander Hamilton a son of Ayrshire whose heart changed the world.

Former Kilmarnock Academy pupils like Willie Mcilvanney and Alexander Fleming had heart and changed the world.

Today is about letting your heart sing, I want you all to think about heart and how you all can use your heart when making key decisions when leading Tomorrow’s World.

You are now advancing in a new direction in your education here at Kilmarnock Academy or on your next journey in further education or work.

 You will be taking with you community values that will never leave you and those values will create “Transformation” for Ayrshire, Scotland and the World.

When I look round this room, I believe you are all going ‘Rock’ the economy, putting Scotland at the forefront of a new Tomorrow’s World.

1. Never Give Up
2. Be Kind
3. Have Faith
4. Keep Your Values
5. Work Hard.”

PUBLISHED BY XLCC | Tuesday 3rd June 2025

It’s been nine months since we officially opened the doors to our 12,500 sq. ft XLCC Training Academy in Irvine, North Ayrshire. Now firmly established as hub for developing skilled cable joiners, the facility features a state-of-the-art workshop, modern office space, conference rooms, and welfare facilities.

We were delighted to recently welcome back Dr. Marie Macklin CBE, founder and executive chair of HALO Urban Regeneration Co, who officially opened the site last year. Dr. Macklin returned to see first-hand the significant progress made at the facility and learn more about the positive impact it’s already having in the region.

During her visit, Marie spoke with David Stevenson, our Cable Jointing Supervisor, to learn more about XLCC’s journey and long-term ambitions for Ayrshire and the wider UK. She also met with Kerr and Linda, two apprentices currently progressing through our training programme.

The visit comes as we recently entered into an exclusivity agreement that is expected to see the Sales and Project Delivery Headquarters of subsea cabling manufacturing company XLCC being established at the award-winning HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre Kilmarnock, Ayrshire Scotland.

This forms part of our wider commitment to investing in Ayrshire’s future. We also plan to construct the UK’s first high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable factory at Hunterston, Ayrshire—bringing 1,200 additional jobs to the region.

Marie commented on the visit, “What an inspiring experience it was at the Training Academy with David, Linda, Kerr, and the wider team. The cutting-edge work happening at this future-proof facility in Ayrshire is not only boosting local economic growth but also cultivating pioneering skills essential to driving the U.K.’s leadership in the just transition. This is a transformational opportunity — and both the U.K. and Scottish Governments must go all in to ensure Ayrshire, and the nation, reap the full benefits of this bold and visionary initiative.”

Ian Douglas, CEO at XLCC said, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the progress we’ve made at our Training Academy in Irvine. This facility is a cornerstone of our mission to build a skilled workforce capable of powering the UK’s clean energy future. Welcoming Dr. Marie Macklin back to see the growth first-hand was a proud moment for our team. Our partnership with HALO and our wider investment in Ayrshire reflects our long-term belief in the potential of this region and its people. Together, we’re laying the foundations for a new era of green industry, innovation, and opportunity.”

View the video hosted by Marie and featuring David, Linda and Kerr from XLCC who provide an update on progress at their Training Academy in Irvine, North Ayrshire as they help Power the Nation.

SUNDAY MAIL Feature | Sunday 1st June 2025

We have come a long way since the banks of the Clyde echoed to the din of riveting and welding as the river and its yards produced many of the vessels which the world’s seagoing trade and travel depended on.

And where once the name Clyde-built was a byword for shipbuilding excellence, of skill and craftsmanship of global renown, now it is attached to the depressing spectacle of the ferries fiasco.

It is a saga with no clear end in sight. The latest twist involves a further huge cost rise in the price tag for the MV Glen Rosa, soaring to £185 million, with the launch of the vessel into service on the Arran route pushed back well into next year.

And some who have knowledge of the procurement process believe that even once the new ferries set sail, they are likely to be plagued by technical issues and breakdowns for years to come.

It would be all too easy to blame the workforce at Fergusons – easy, but wrong. The blame for this surely lies at the top, and with many of the decisions taken at senior level.

The scale of the scandal surrounding the procurement of new vessels to serve on island routes almost beggars belief, and it would take far too long to recount every twist and turn in a saga which stretches back a decade and more.

But the ferries debacle exposes a much deeper issue – that of what seems to be a chronic problem when it comes to major infrastructure projects across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Our transport network alone is creaking at the seams, and in many places in need of a massive overhaul to bring it into the 21^st century and up to speed with the services offered to travellers in other countries.

But whether it is our transport services or other major capital projects, we seem completely unable as a nation to get them finished on budget and on time – that’s assuming they even get started.

In Scotland alone, we have an inglorious recent history of procurement and infrastructure failure – the Edinburgh trams and the Holyrood building project immediately spring easily to mind as examples of public money being wasted and poor project management from the top down.

It doesn’t have to be this way.  Other countries near and far seem to be able to manage such projects much better than we do.

Our great history of innovation and manufacturing shows what we are capable of given the chance. There is nothing inherently stopping us from replicating those engineering and technical feats of generations gone by – what is needed is the political will and the right leadership when it comes to individual projects.

And if it comes down to a question of where powers lie, the Scottish and UK Governments should be able to come to a sensible agreement about the investment needed. Ordinary people want to see results, not bickering.

Other countries are not shy about their ambitions when it comes to building the industrial base they need to prosper, and nor should we be. The US, for example, has recently announced plans for a major expansion of shipbuilding in a bid to reverse decades of decline and see it rival the likes of China which has soared ahead and now accounts for much of global seagoing manufacturing.

That is the kind of reindustrialization and regeneration that Scotland and the rest of the UK are crying out for.

And while it may not be realistic to imagine recreating the glory days of Clyde shipbuilding, that does not mean we should abandon industrial expertise and craftsmanship where it still exists.

That is because we are currently living through potentially the most transformative era in modern times, an age when every advantage we have needs to be used to create the green energies and technologies of the future.

And that means repurposing existing facilities and skills to apply them to that new world of opportunity.

It is already happening in parts of the country, where workforces and hardware which was previously used to support the North Sea oil and gas industry are being redeployed for use in renewable technologies such as wind power, carbon capture and hydrogen fuel.

And that is exactly the kind of innovation which can help secure a viable future for what remains of our once great shipbuilding sector.  I personally know of companies who are eager to invest significantly in Scotland and who would be keen to discuss ways in which shipbuilding expertise could be used in a way which supports their projects.

That would see Clyde workers use their skills to help power the great transformation which will revolutionise the world around us over the next 25 years or so.

It is sometimes said that we only make progress because we are standing on the shoulders of giants.

It would be the most fitting legacy imaginable – and a welcome antidote to the sorry saga of the long-running ferries fiasco – if some of the great green technologies of the future were founded on the shoulders of those giants of Scottish shipbuilding who once made the Clyde the envy of the world.