Iain Macwhirter’s writing and broadcasting on politics have been the benchmark by which many of us judge our own, more modest, contributions.” — Kevin McKenna, Observer.
I've been writing about politics and culture for thirty years for just about every publication around: Observer, Times, New Statesman, Spectator, Sunday Herald Scotsman - even the Big Issue. I was a BBC political journalist and TV presenter for twenty five years, including ten in the Westminster Lobby. I’ve written several books including “Disunited Kingdom”.
So I've knocked about a bit. I’m immodest enough to think that people like what I write. I have also experienced at first hand the way our public discourse has been corrupted by cancel culture and the oppressive bigotry of left and right. We are entering very strange times and I would like to help you navigate them.
Politics is a serious business but it needn’t be po-faced. I don’t take myself that seriously as you will see from my Diary# entries looking at the way we live now. This is an extraordinary time to be alive. We are either heading for climate apocalypse or on the brink of a new age. Either way Generation Z looks like the last of the alphabet demographics and the Boomers have had their day.
My Substack is free from adverts, proprietors, surveillance capitalists and other malign influences. That’s what makes it unique. And why I invite you to contribute a cup of coffee per month to keep me writing now that I am leaving the corporate media. An endowment donation would be even better to put this project on a sound financial basis. Remember: if you aren’t paying for the product you are the product.
TAKE A LOOK AT MY HOME PAGE - WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU’LL GET
From now on I’ll always offer one free column most weeks, but paid subscribers will get, in addition to my sincere thanks:
unique pay-only articles
Diary pieces on the way we live now
Longer essays
Spoken word audio pieces
Podcasts
Chance to comment and join the community
What people say 👇👇👇
A truly important book, particularly at this moment. It offers a huge sweep of history and deals with recent Scottish politics in formidable, but never tedious detail. –Andrew Marr, BBC
Iain Macwhirter is shrewd, insightful and with few rivals in the business of understanding – and explaining – the changing politics of Scotland. –Jonathan Freedland, The Guardian
‘A terrific book… It’s a heavyweight, serious book, but it’s a pleasure to read and it’s full of shrewd insights. I’d recommend it highly.’ – Andrew Sparrow, The Guardian.
“A corker… excellent first draft of history.” — David Greig, Playwright.
Iain Macwhirter’s Road to Referendum is easily the most accessible piece of writing concerned with the independence debate. Not only one of the shrewdest commentaries on Scottish politics, it is also an important tribute to the country’s history. Karyn Dougan, The List.
“Iain Macwhirter is a brilliant speaker and interviewer. Always well-informed and knowledgeable, he brings all events to life. He’s excellent in getting the best from an interview and in his talks he provides unique, learned and often funny insights into issues of contemporary political affairs, debates and controversies.‘ Andrew Kelly, Director Bristol Festival of Ideas and former programmer Aye Write: the Glasgow Book Festival
(To discuss bookings, please contact Iain on iainmacwhirter@mac.com)
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