If I was Napoleon

If I was Napoleon

If I was planning to invade Russia with a massive land army (Napoleon went in with 635,000 men and emerged with about 20,000) I would set off in the middle of winter. “But zat is madness your Highness,” they would …
Philip Pullman’s storytelling system

Philip Pullman’s storytelling system

Writing about a book of essays is hard because each essay is a complex entity unto itself; each one has a brilliant idea that I’d like to write about – but then I read the next one and I forget …

Could Scotland provide the leadership needed to save the planet?

The National newspaper in Scotland just published my comment piece on the hypocrisy of Scotland’s leadership when it comes to climate change…You can read it here (without having to subscribe)… The Scottish government is ignoring a once-in-a-century...
My view on Scottish independence

My view on Scottish independence

Scottish independence is on the cards again and I’ve just published my view on the issue  in The National. You may be wondering why this divisive issue has emerged so soon after the last referendum and this can be...