Blogs

Laa Tinvaal Sonney Diu – Happy Tynwald Day!

Tynwald Day (Manx: Laa Tinvaal), the National Day of the Isle of Man (Mannin) is held on the 5th of July. It is traditionally when the government for the Isle of Man go to Tynwald Hill to read a summary of the laws passed over the last year. The reading is given in Manx Gaelic and English. The artificial hill, which is thought to have started as a Bronze Age burial mound, is made up of four circular platforms. It is said to have been a meeting place for the Celtic midsummer assembly. Hence there is a large Celtic Cross on the site representing the Celtic god, Lugh.

Sinn Féin Call for International Pressure to End Israeli Aggression Against Palestinians in Occupied West Bank

The illegal Israeli occupation of the West Bank began in 1967 when Israeli forces captured and occupied the territory, including East Jerusalem. Since then Israel, in contravention of international law, has established numerous Jewish settlements throughout the West Bank. The United Nations Security Council has been categorical in stating that settlements in that territory are a "flagrant violation of international law". The creation and ongoing expansion of the settlements have led to Israel's policies being criticized as an example of settler colonialism.

Orkney considers leaving UK and possibility of becoming a self-governing territory of Norway

A motion will go before Orkney council next week to investigate "alternative forms of governance". One such option could be to seek to become a self-governing territory of Norway. In doing so they will be looking at the model of the Faroe Islands, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark. Council leader James Stockan said Orkney does not get fair funding with its current relationship within the UK. In doing so supporters of the idea have pointed to the historical cultural relationship with Nordic countries.

Rhun ap Iorwerth appointed new leader of Plaid Cymru

Former deputy leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth has been announced as the new leader of the pro-independence Welsh party Plaid Cymru. Rhun ap Iorwerth, represents Ynys Môn in the Senedd. He was born in south Wales, brought up on Ynys Môn and educated at Ysgol David Hughes on the Island and at Cardiff University, where he graduated with a degree in politics and Welsh. He is married and has three children. Former Plaid Cymru leader, Adam Price stepped down as head of the party last month.

Image: Rhun ap Iorwerth courtesy of Plaid Cymru

Police Service of Northern Ireland apology over 1971 interrogations too little too late

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI; Irish: Seirbhís Póilíneachta Thuaisceart Éireann) has apologised to the 'Hooded Men' over their treatment under interrogation in 1971. The 14 men were arrested during internment without trial and questioned by the police and the Army and due to their method of torture became known as the 'Hooded Men'. The UK Supreme Court ruled several years ago that the methods used on them at the time amounted to torture by today's standards.

Scottish Woman Who Inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula

Irish author Bram Stoker (8 November 1847 – 20 April 1912) wrote the 1897 Gothic horror novel Dracula. Now the writers great nephew, Dacre Stoker, is investigating the influence that Scottish writer Emily Gerard (7 May 1849 – 11 January 1905) had on the novel. Particularly her collections of Transylvanian folklore researched when she  moved to Transylvania in the 1880s.

Memorial statue unveiled to remember lives lost off Scotland's north mainland coast

A new memorial statue was unveiled on Saturday in the town of Wick (Scottish Gaelic: Inbhir Ùige) in the north of Scotland. Designed by Scottish sculptor Alan Beattie Herriott, the figure represents the sea with one hand raised holding a haddock and the other pointing down to bronze plaques below.

Thousands March in Swansea for Welsh Independence

Thousands of people took part in a rally calling for independence for Wales in Swansea yesterday 20th May. Organisers Yes Cymru and AUOB (All Under One Banner) Cymru, estimated about 6,000 people took part in the march. The event in Swansea comes after an estimated 10,000 marched in Cardiff and 8,000 in Wrexham last year. This week also saw one of the highest ever levels of support for independence in a poll, 

Image: Courtesy of YesCymru Facebook page

Plans for a 5G mast at an iconic Edinburgh Castle viewpoint scrapped following backlash

Plans for a 5G mast that campaigners said would damage an iconic view of Edinburgh Castle have been scrapped. The proposed  56ft (17m) structure would have stood on Johnston Terrace, which passes below the castle. It is a popular place for visitors to capture the view looking up at the famous landmark. Objectors pointed out that it was unacceptable to erect the 5G (5th generation mobile network) mast where it would have such a detrimental impact. Historic Environment Scotland, which manages Edinburgh Castle, had also said it had not been consulted about the plans.

Stunning Result for Sinn Féin - First Nationalist Party to Hold Most Councill Seats in Northern Ireland's Local Government

When the the polls in Northern Ireland's local elections closed on Thursday no one predicted the surge of support for Sinn Féin.  After a two-day count they took 144 seats across the 11 councils, an increase of 39 councillors. They have become the biggest party in Northern Ireland local government. Sinn Féin, which backs Irish unity, swept past the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and became the first nationalist party to hold the most council seats. Delivering what some have described as  "a political and psychological blow to unionism".

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - blogs