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Some sort of threat

Posted on May 18, 2014 by

The tweet below was posted earlier this morning by Conservative councillor for East Renfrewshire Gordon McCaskill. We’ve asked him to clarify what it means, but at the time of writing no response has been forthcoming.

gmcathreat

The comment was made in the context of the Sunday Herald reporting that Wings Over Scotland would be registering with the Electoral Commission as a “permitted participant” for the referendum campaign. Among other things, that will mean making our address public on the EC’s register and all campaign literature.

It’s somewhat disturbing that that fact has been the trigger for Cllr McCaskill issuing ominous-sounding warnings about being unable to “hide” from “sound and fury”.

Because if all he means is abuse on the internet, it’s hardly as if we haven’t been enduring that already. We get attacked in unpleasant terms every day, subjected to all manner of insults and smears constantly – some of it from anonymous online nutters, but also in the pages of newspapers. So it would hardly be a new development.

Similarly, the fact that I live in Bath isn’t news either. It’s been openly referenced and discussed in numerous Wings articles, again reported in countless newspapers, and is endlessly used in online attacks. It’s not a secret.

So the only thing that’s changed (and the thing Cllr McCaskill posted the tweet in direct reference to) is that shortly people will, to coin a phrase, know where we live. In that light, his comment appears to have a distinctly sinister tone. We do hope he’ll explain it to us soon, before someone regards it as a veiled instruction.

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EDIT 12.00: We have a response.

mccaskill2

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  1. 18 05 14 13:00

    Some sort of threat | Scottish Independence News

158 to “Some sort of threat”

  1. heedtracker says:

    Time to talk to the cops Reverend. Or can you threaten like this without committing a criminal offence?

    Reply
  2. Nana Smith says:

    Agree with heedtracker. Heaven help anyone anyone on the yes side if they made such a comment.

    Reply
  3. Proud Cybernat says:

    “…another think coming.”

    Is this a deliberate typo? He wants you to ‘think about things’? Hmmm…..

    BTW, Rev., being registered with the Electoral Commission, does that mean WoS is allowed to have political broadcasts on telly?

    Reply
  4. Can’t you get a PO box address fairly cheaply?

    Reply
  5. Croompenstein says:

    That is really ugly and just shows the dark and nasty side to the No campaign. Stay strong and stay safe Stuart

    Reply
  6. Camilla Kaczinski says:

    You haven’t exactly been hiding, have you?
    He has quite the twattitude, judging from his Twitter feed.
    The words of the bard seem to fit him rather well:
    “A poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

    Reply
  7. Jeremy says:

    I might be reading it wrong, but was his tweet published at 2am? Maybe the poor man just needs some sleep.

    Reply
  8. MajorBloodnok says:

    That’s the problem with Unionists. They assume that the correct and expected response to being confronted with the truth, awkward questions and investigative journalism can only be physical violence.

    Reply
  9. Dave McEwan Hill says:

    “twattitude”. I like it

    Reply
  10. Dinnatouch says:


    Proud Cybernat says:

    “…another think coming.”

    That is the correct version of the phrase: link to grammarist.com

    Reply
  11. cath says:

    Bloody hell. That second response is even more vile and threatening. Pass it onto the police.

    Reply
  12. Bravemany says:

    Mate I’d be calling the police. Thats disgusting

    Reply
  13. Croompenstein says:

    Also when has the Rev ever dished out veiled threats to anyone? we deal in the truth on this forum ‘Diddums’ Mccaskill and that’s what you and your ilk cannot handle, the education of the great unwashed and you can’t control it.

    Reply
  14. Agree with all of the above Rev, time to put a call in to your local cop shop and Police Scotland, he might not intend it as a threat but given that folk have been beaten up for just singing pro-Scottish songs (as you yourself reported on), I would be seeking advice asap.

    Reply
  15. Iain says:

    Perhaps Cameron should show some leadership and have a word with Cllr McAskill about the ‘too many tweets’ thing. Though tbf there’s absolutely no evidence that twitter silence would reduce the cooncilors’s twat quotient.

    Reply
  16. Alba4Eva says:

    Tasmina doing well on BBC at the moment… the usual ‘balance’ of 3 unionists against Tasmina on her own… not to mention the gender balance.

    Hopefully some women watching this and seeing a strong woman standing up against a bunch of suits.

    Reply
  17. PS

    Worth a wee check-in with Conservative Central Office for their take?

    Reply
  18. Taysideterrier says:

    Register in some posh area of Edinburgh like the (v)nob jockys have done. Simples

    Reply
  19. Tattie-bogle says:

    Nasty cyberBritnat will BBC be reporting on this threat

    Reply
  20. Murray McCallum says:

    Ruth Davidson needs to enhance the standards of behaviour expected of elected Tories. Or maybe that is their policy – get elected and encourage threats to political opponents?

    Reply
  21. Dougie Douglas says:

    Stuart you do like to dish it out: perspective and the truth. I cannot say i have ever read anything here that was inciting anything other than laughter, derision or thought, never anything violent, ever.

    They truly are becoming desperate.

    Reply
  22. Jim Mitchell says:

    I wouldn’t worry too much Rev, if he’s a Tory in Scotland it’s probably the loneliness talking!

    Reply
  23. bookie from hell says:

    Funny coming from a Unionist,where British constituencies include Bath

    Unless he’s saying only Scotland can voice their opinion

    Reply
  24. Tattie-bogle says:

    or would it be reported if i said mccaskill COULD get a boot in the balls

    Reply
  25. naebd says:

    “…another think coming.” is actually the correct version – another thing coming is an eggcorn. This comment brought to you by Vaguely Interesting Facts.

    Reply
  26. Grouse Beater says:

    A typical expression hatred borne of fear.

    I’ve seen that troll threat so often, “You dish it out but can’t take it.” There’s a variation: “What goes round comes round.”

    Vacuous. Moronic. Puerile.

    That Wings specialises in rooting out state and media hypocrisy, fabrications, and plain lies, he considers a threat to his aim – which is:

    … keep Scots docile and controlled.

    Reply
  27. David Agnew says:

    If bettertogether has achieved anything, it’s that it has turned the idea of Britishness into a hair shirt. It’s not a comfortable fit anymore. It itches, it chafes, and I look like an idiot in it. Dang it looks ugly. I don’t know why I have it. I have no idea why some people want me to keep wearing. I have no idea what function its meant to serve. It’s not keeping me warm, its not making me feel good about myself.

    Enough of the shit shirt metaphors – you get my point I am sure.

    You can’t possibly hope to threaten people into accepting Britishness. You can’t gloat or mock me into accepting Britishness. The brain fart from a tory councillor, shows what we can expect as yes voters if No wins. Gloating, mocking threats….oh and a shitty hair shirt called Britishness.

    Reply
  28. Murray McCallum says:

    “Hiding out in Bath”

    Hee hee … he should have added “with the Hole In The Wall Gang” for added effect. Bath is the ideal wild place to hide out.

    Reply
  29. petr reid says:

    Like all other twitter twits,he thinks a threat put out in the twittershere carries weight.i look at these people and think,bedroom warrior say anything but never face anyone.
    The fact hes a tory further explains his tweet,a slithering handwringing nobody looking for his boss to pat him on the head and say well done

    Reply
  30. HandandShrimp says:

    I think Gordon is saying he is up for it. Fair enough I guess, but can anyone be bothered? He just another irrelevant Tory toss pot, so who cares?

    Reply
  31. Proud Cybernat says:

    @ Dinnatouch

    Thanks. Who’da thunk it?

    Reply
  32. X_Sticks says:

    I’m with heedtracker on this one Rev. Should be reported to the Police. Threats like this should not be allowed to go unreported.

    Is Gordon Maccaskill trying to provoke? It looks like it. He should be aware that such tactics can seriously backfire against the perpetrator. Perhaps he is hoping this will be the case so he can use it against us.

    Reply
  33. Grouse Beater says:

    McCaskill’s threat is why I eschew membership of all but Wings and Bella Caledonia.

    I don’t want the weirdos to follow me home.

    Reply
  34. Tattie-bogle says:

    is this an attempt to discourage wingers from attending the count ?

    Reply
  35. Grouse Beater says:

    Report all such threats to the police. If you don’t and worse arrives later you have no record of jeopardy.

    Reply
  36. Alba4Eva says:

    Hiding out? There have been few to have put themselves quite in the spotlight as our own Stu.

    Tory boy McCaskill could do with hiding out for a while… to save himself further embarrassment.

    Reply
  37. Ukp42 says:

    A P.O. box is about £100 per year. Good idea to have one for this site.
    ps I like to thank you for everything you have written on this site. I visit it daily, before I read the BBC news & the lies the leave.
    Love from Scotland

    Reply
  38. Alba4Eva says:

    Grouse Beater… the record is in the Tweet.

    Reply
  39. G H Graham says:

    Perhaps the electorate responsible for electing this councillor might reconsider if this puerile, threatening language is what they had in mind when they elected him to speak on their behalf?

    I would want a person who is nominated to publicly speak on my behalf to behave with the highest degree of professionalism, decorum & respect.

    Councillor McCaskill appears to be wholly deficient. Then again, you only get what you pay for.

    Reply
  40. kendomacaroonbar says:

    Call the police Rev, almost certainly Twitter should nuke this guy for being a thug.

    Reply
    • Rev. Stuart Campbell says:

      “Call the police Rev,”

      There’s a current investigation going on into other threats people have made against me anyway, so I’ve forwarded Cllr McCaskill’s tweets to the officer in charge, just in case.

      Reply
  41. Ian Brotherhood says:

    What about those of us who don’t live in Bath Mr Mccaskill?

    What is the nature of the ‘sound and fury’ we should prepare to shield ourselves from? If you have any information which might help the innocent to protect themselves, you’d gladly share it. Wouldn’t you?

    Reply
  42. Ukp42 says:

    link to facebook.com

    Reply
  43. glensburgh says:

    Agree fully with Ian, look into costs of a PO Box before registering. Not to hide, EC will have all your details, but why make it easy for any numpties that may try something.

    Reply
  44. Grouse Beater says:

    Alba4Eva says:

    Grouse Beater… the record is in the Tweet.

    That isn’t how it works: reporting you feel intimidated, that the threat is one of malice, is the incident that must be reported to cause an officer to call on Mr McCaskill. And believe me, that will happen.

    Reply
  45. Svejk says:

    I’m just up the road near Bristol. I’ll help out if you need any volunteering at the office.

    Reply
  46. You and My Comb says:

    I would be willing to print off his twatter hits for his next election. An unpleasant character to say the least. I note that ruthie doesn’t rein him in.

    Reply
  47. Adrian B says:

    I wonder if this is “the sound and the fury” that Mccaskill references:
    link to en.wikipedia.org

    Reply
  48. iain taylor (not that one) says:

    The positive case for the union, revealed in all its glory. Thanks Gordon, old chap. Back to the bottom of the pond now, please.

    Reply
  49. David Smith says:

    “Sound and fury”?
    More like piss and wind I’d wager.
    This man is a resounding argument in favour of more widely available birth control.

    Reply
  50. Les Wilson says:

    I see it as threat, referring to something he seems to know is coming, said in context to the “sound and fury” part.
    This needs reported to the police.

    Probably just a wind up by a cowardly windbag, but an onerous one, which needs stopped in the bud.
    Seems,the polls are REALLY getting under the skin of a withered party. The secret poll must have really upset them. Let us see it ( unedited ) cowards.

    Reply
  51. Sanz says:

    Who is this nonentity, and why should anyone care what he thinks?

    Reply
  52. David Smith says:

    “Sound and Fury”?
    More like piss and wind I suspect.
    This man is a fairly compelling argument for more widely available birth control.

    Reply
  53. David Smith says:

    Sorry Stu. Please bin my duplicate post. I can’t edit on this daft phone!
    Thanks.

    Reply
  54. msean says:

    The pressure is beginning to to show now,and after all the predictable UKIP triumphalism on Thursday it will be sheer panic from the Tories.

    Reply
  55. galamcennalath says:

    Unionists are increasingly coming across as being Hell bent in turning this into a simple Good versus Evil contest. Perhaps true colours coming out.

    Reply
  56. Les Wilson says:

    I guess he will read here that it has been reported, so I imagine the toff rat will run for his burrow now.
    Or lets see if he can take it as well as give it? and maybe put himself in deeper hot water.

    Reply
  57. Alfresco Dent says:

    I’d definitely phone the polis Stu. That’s bang out of order!

    Reply
  58. Bill Cruickshank says:

    Three points:
    1. If I received that tweet. I would report it to the police immediately. In my book it is much more than a veiled threat.
    2. That sort of ‘threatening’ language would be unacceptable coming from an ordinary individual. The fact that it has come from an elected representative of a democratic political party makes it doubly unacceptable.
    3. The man’s position in untenable. Ruth Davidson should be informed and he should be sacked.

    Reply
  59. Colin Dorman says:

    I was at school with this guy he was a bit of a wimp then and seems he hasn’t changed. Was a police officer for many years and reached the dissy height of constable. Lived his entire life at the public expence and thinks that gives him a right to lecture others

    Reply
  60. Grouse Beater says:

    I’ve forwarded Cllr McCaskill’s tweets to the officer in charge, just in case.

    Good man. Same situation with me. And the sod somehow hacked into my e-mail account.

    Reply
  61. Les Wilson says:

    An East Renfrew MSP, Here is all his details, telephone, mobile, and email

    link to scottishconservatives.org

    Twittering twat!.

    Reply
  62. Bawheid Bragg says:

    McCaskill is in his own words ‘a deeply uncivilised opponent’. I think that says it all really.

    Reply
  63. George Campbell says:

    I agree with those who say get the polis involved. Although I think you can go further by copying it to all media outlets and see if an elected Tory cyberpounce making threats is newsworthy. Could be win win no matter their response. Keep up the good work cousin, I read you every day.

    Reply
  64. Thoughtsofascot says:

    As others have said, there is enough there to get the police involved.

    A prominent NO campaigner and politician questioned by the police over abusive tweet. Not something even the biased media can ignore

    Reply
  65. Vestas says:

    I agree – report him to the police now.

    Reply
  66. cynicalHighlander says:

    Says it all from the horse’s mouth.

    link to twitter.com

    Reply
  67. Lesley-Anne says:

    I agree with every one else Stu regarding involving the police. Far too often these days folks receive *ahem* veiled threats and ignore them only for physical harm to follow up, report the earsehole!

    Again as others have queried, will this be reported by the media… excuse me folks if I do NOT hold my breath on this one. However, had this been the other way round let’s make NO mistake this would be the LEAD story!

    Reply
  68. Papadox says:

    The true face of the conservative & UNIONIST party behind the pin striped suite and posh accent, just a well spoken thug and gangster. Aye better the GITHER we nasty people like this?

    Reply
  69. Grouse Beater says:

    ‘a deeply uncivilised opponent’

    I write about such characters, brains fried by years of booze, no equilibrium, quick temper to whom aggression comes easily having been rejected by their mothers in youth in preference for a brother or other sibling.

    Reply
  70. Thomas Valentine says:

    There does seem to be a certain expectation of “imunity” within the NO campaign supporters. They just can’t imagine any possibility they could lose now or any time in the future. If the vote comes out on the YES side it will pull the ground out from under these individuals. We can survive till the next battle. We will never lie down. What will be left for them foreigners in the land they were born by their own choice.

    Reply
  71. Grouse Beater says:

    There does seem to be a certain expectation of “immunity” within the NO campaign supporters

    Insightful remark.

    Reply
  72. Eric The Cheeseman says:

    With reference to registering with the Electoral Commision… did I read somewhere that this allows Wings to have a representative at the ballot counts?

    Reply
  73. Vestas says:

    @Eric – yes it will permit Wings to be present at all counts.

    Reply
  74. Kev says:

    Anyone on here who live in this guy’s constituency need to email him and demand an explanation, he can’t ignore that surely…Meanwhile his comments need to be sent to all media outlets, now that Wings is being shown every other week on Newsnight then surely someone is likely to carry the story, he must be forced to explain himself.

    Reply
  75. Kestral says:

    Absolutely dreadful behavior from an elected representative of the people – no matter what party

    It is shocking that these people who should be beacons of good behavior and restraint can act like school yard bullies

    Don’t they get the fact that we do not find this behavior suitable or attractive for those in office

    Aw diddums – really!!! mature behavior ????

    Reply
  76. Hugh Wallace says:

    As a former police officer in Scotland I would have to say that those tweets don’t quite go far enough for the police (and certainly not the courts) to take action. But the fact that the Rev has forwarded them to his current investigating officer is no bad thing.

    The appropriate piece of legislation is here link to legislation.gov.uk and the tweets are indeed skating close to the edge. But realistically speaking, don’t go far enough. Yet.

    Reply
  77. Michael says:

    Thomas Valentine, you’ve got it in one.

    Reply
  78. HandandShrimp says:

    Perhaps it is the shortest politicla suicide note in history

    🙂

    Reply
  79. bookie from hell says:

    def

    SHIELD:protect from harm, injury

    SOUND:someone who is sound can be depended on to make good decisions and give good advice

    FURY:violent, uncontrolled action or rage

    looks threatening to me

    Reply
  80. Alfresco Dent says:

    A well placed TV commercial would be a good idea.

    Reply
  81. benarmine says:

    We can only be thankful it hasn’t escalated to stickers yet.

    Reply
  82. izzie says:

    to finish the quote ‘it is a tale told by an idiot
    full of sound and fury signifying ..nothing’.
    says it all

    Reply
  83. Jake says:

    Lets hope Gandhi was right.

    First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

    Reply
  84. Grouse Beater says:

    don’t go far enough

    It’s the accumulation that needs recorded – officially – but in the short-term notification of threat is imperative. Police Scotland has an internet threat and crime department.

    Unlike a breach of the peace incident in the street, one without witness, internet threats often have thousands of witnesses.

    Reply
  85. caz-m says:

    Project Fear.

    It seems the threats regarding Currency, EU, Defence, Border Controls etc..are all failing, so they have decided to try the more physical threat to see if that will frighten YES voters into submission.

    The NO Campaign thought they would have been well ahead in the polls at this stage.

    They don’t like the way this is panning out and have decided to add violent threats to their armoury.

    Is his leader, wee Ruthie not a boxer?

    Watch out, wee Ruthie might come down there and box your ears off, old chap.

    Reply
  86. Kestral says:

    Stu

    Are you coming up to Scotland for the vote?

    and of course the YES party 🙂

    Could we persuade you to move back to Scotland and head up a newspaper?

    Please

    We really could do with someone disseminating the truth to the people as this is one of our hopes to build a better Scotland

    Reply
  87. HandandShrimp says:

    It is one of reasons I think politicians should think long and hard before they join Twitter. It seems to bring the mindless prick out in them. That or he has been at the cooking sherry.

    Reply
  88. heedtracker says:

    Hi Hugh, that link to the legislation says

    (a)sends by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character; or

    (b)causes any such message or matter to be so sent.

    This guy McCaskill is leaving out what to avoid prosecution?

    Reply
  89. Grouse Beater says:

    The elected members of the House of Lords that advocate ignoring a Yes vote if “it is not in the United Kingdom’s interests,” (they mean England’s interests) also ought to be reported to the police for threatening jeopardy on the people of their state.

    Reply
  90. heedtracker says:

    link to newsnetscotland.com

    BetterTogether don’t debate but they do make threats. What a surprise.

    Reply
  91. TYRAN says:

    He’s in the wrong job. He thinks he’s a pro-wrestling manager.

    Reply
  92. bookie from hell says:

    benarmine says:
    18 May, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    We can only be thankful it hasn’t escalated to stickers yet.

    made me laugh

    thx

    Reply
  93. HandandShrimp says:

    bookie

    Me too 🙂

    Reply
  94. caz-m says:

    Have either Gordon McCaskill or Ruth Davidson said anything on twitter regarding this disgusting incident.

    After all, we couldn’t get wee Ruthie off twitter last night, when she was reminding everyone of the latest ICM poll results.

    I don’t have a Twitter account myself, so I will have to rely on others who are on Twitter.

    Reply
  95. Garry says:

    On the other hand, a Tory councillor in Scotland is, almost by definition, no threat to anything.

    Reply
  96. Dave says:

    I have never in my life heard the phrase “soil your strides”. What planet is he from?

    Reply
  97. Barbol says:

    Rev do you want an address 80 odd miles from the mainland to use to register? I’m no feart of their pathetic threats.

    Reply
  98. caz-m says:

    O/T
    Sky News headlines,

    “St Johnstone celebrate in Perth in Scotland and Arsenal celebrate in London”

    Thank goodness he reminded me that he was talking about Perth in Scotland. I thought he was talking about Perth in Australia.

    It’s the wee things, isn’t it?

    They just don’t get us, do they?

    Reply
  99. ronald alexander mcdonald says:

    He has to resign. That’s unacceptable language for someone holding a position in public office. What exactly does, “Boy has he got another think (assume he means thing) coming” mean?

    By the way well done, yet again. You have exposed the bias in the MSM to an extent that has never happened before. Hence of course the hysteria in BT.

    Reply
  100. Oneironaut says:

    Agreeing with the folks who say call the police on this one.
    If YOU were to say that to HIM, then doubtless they’d take that seriously as a threat, so why should it be less of a threat just because he says it?

    Besides, he sounds like someone who needs taking down a peg or three!

    Westminster and its media puppets know that they have no hope of winning this by playing fair. The only option they have left is to silence their opposition by any means necessary.
    And Wings over Scotland is definitely one of their biggest threats. They’d love nothing more than to see this site disappear, so they can go on rolling out their lies with no widespread opposition to them.

    I’d say either this is just intimidation, or else he’s seriously got friends in nasty places and is hoping that stating it publically will lend a creepy sort of “this could happen to you too” vibe to it if some nutjob does go after Stu.
    Definitely should report this one to the police.

    Reply
  101. HandandShrimp says:

    Dave

    I think it is an Aussie expression. Maybe Gordon thinks it makes him sound like Crocodile Dundee. Maybe he is just a tube who fantasises about beating people up.

    Reply
  102. Davy says:

    I’m sorry folks, but why would you get worked up about some hot air from an amateur hardman. The next thing he will be saying is your only tough because there’s more of you than me, which is fully understandable for a tory.

    If he’s this stupid then just let him make an earse of himself, he’s properly just after some cheap publicity. He shouldn’t be too hard to laugh at if he’s this dumb.

    I’m sure stu has got his measure.

    Reply
  103. TYRAN says:

    End this.

    Invite him to a fight. Preferably in a cage. All above board with a referee and doctors.

    Run in a venue; all proceeds to fund WOS.

    Reply
  104. benarmine says:

    bookie and hands

    taking the heat out of the debate since 13.29

    you’ve got to laugh but it’s shocking to find this mccaskill guy is ex-police.

    Reply
  105. BuckieBraes says:

    What is it the with that neck of the woods: something in the water? We have this star representing the Tories in East Renfrewshire and, just next door in Renfrewshire, the one and only Terry Kelly. People vote for these folk?

    Reply
  106. bookie from hell says:

    wow–being an x policeman makes a huge diff,to comments made

    Reply
  107. handclapping says:

    @BuckieBraes
    You beat me to it; I was wondering if Renfrewshire had an inter ward competition for who could get the most utter nutter elected.

    Rev, the address only needs to be one where you can be contacted. If you are willing to keep me uptodate with your contact details you are welcome to use mine. Any “vandalism” on my house would make headlines so they probably wont bother.

    Reply
  108. Kevan Cooper says:

    Perhaps you should have a Twatter chat over online threats and the implications from it you could also throw in the Indy debate just to get him going. Maybe he will help dig himself a bigger hole for his kind like he did here – link to storify.com

    If anything it would make interesting reading 😛

    Reply
  109. Lockie says:

    Hmmm sinister, Stuart call the police, get this nipped in the bud, stay safe.

    Reply
  110. Hugh Wallace says:

    @heedtracker

    Hi Hugh, that link to the legislation says

    (a)sends by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character; or

    (b)causes any such message or matter to be so sent.

    This guy McCaskill is leaving out what to avoid prosecution?

    His statements on twitter are not, in my opinion (but is just my opinion), grossly offensive or obscene and fall short of actual menace.

    I am not saying I find his comments in any way acceptable but the law does not cover people being rude and unpleasant to each other. But by all means Rev can make a complaint; I just don’t think it would result in criminal charges never mind a conviction.

    Many of us were outraged by this story link to axeofreason.blogspot.co.uk earlier in the week and agreed that the police over-reacted in the circumstances. The situations are not directly comparable but it will not be beneficial to WoS to be accused of an over-reaction here.

    Reply
  111. Seasick Dave says:

    Completely OT, but as yesterday was Norwegian Independence Day, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Norwegian flag fluttering over Glasgow Council Chambers.

    Can we expect the same on September 18th?

    Reply
  112. Liquid Lenny says:

    O/T YouGov poll asking the Indy question, also lots about
    how much you trust the various politicians, lots on how much you trust Labour and a trick one which gets you to favour more devo.

    The first few questions asked about voting intentions for next GE and SE
    I said I was undecided, probably why I got as far in to answer the Indy Question 🙂

    Reply
  113. Jock McDonnell says:

    Maybe he needs a visit from the authorities, to remind him of the limits.

    Reply
  114. Andy-B says:

    I agree with several comments on here, it sounds like a veiled threat, and you should contact the police,and get it on record, remember if the shoe was on the other foot, they’d have you in the police station in a jiffy.

    O/T.

    VNB has three, quarter page ads in the ultra unionist newspaper the London owned Sunday Mail, one of the ads comments says, quote: “The other day we saw figures showing money coming from the oil industry is down 40% year on year”.

    Conservative MEP Struan Stevenson, is to warn Spain, that Scottish Independence would trigger, a wave of secessionist, movements in the EU. In a speech he will give in Barcelona Mr Stevenson, will add, a yes vote in Scotland will put increased pressure on Spain, to split up.

    Mr Stevenson, will also say, that the Spanish soldiers helped bring about the Act of Union in 1707, by driving starving and exhausted Scottish colonists out of Panama in 1700. Sounds to me as though Mr Stevenson, is proud of the Spain’s actions against the Scottish colonists.

    Reply
  115. Colin Mccartney says:

    So many people have no idea that remarks made on social media can come back and bite them for decades to come. It doesn’t matter if its tweets or Facebook pages or another forum as they are recorded forever. There are going to be an awful lot of red faces in the years to come.
    O/T , anyone else enjoy going to the newsagent knowing theres a Scottish Sunday worth buying? Though I’m having to get up earlier and earlier to get one. Be interesting to see the circulation figures later in the month.

    Reply
  116. Andy-B says:

    An independent Scotland WOULD be welcomed in to the EU, says anti-independence MEP’s of the European Parliament, as if we ever doubted it.

    link to scotsman.com

    Reply
  117. Brian Doonthetoon says:

    Could the central character in this story be one of those beings who came into existence through a mistake made by a harried midwife in the Labour Suite?
    In 999 out of 1,000 cases, the midwife keeps the baby and disposes of the afterbirth.
    In the remaining case, a local politician, with an elevated sense of its own importance, is created.
    Looks like East Renfrewshire has its quota.

    Reply
  118. Andy-B says:

    A fabulous indication of what Scotland COULD be, if we follow the courage of our convictions and vote YES.

    link to reidfoundation.org

    Reply
  119. seanair says:

    HandandShrimp, Dave
    It is an Aussie expression, pronounced “stroides”,
    But very strange to be used here.

    Reply
  120. Democracy Reborn says:

    Stu,

    You’re right to have reported McCaskill to the police. If nothing else, hopefully he’ll receive a visit from the boys in blue & think twice about sending anything similar in the future. His constituents can also make what they will of their elected member (yep, the party of law and order) tweeting what, at the least, is a completely inappropriate message.

    I agree though with Hugh Wallace, above, that the tweet is unlikely to be criminal. For an offence to be committed in terms of section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, the message has to be either “grossly offensive” or “indecent” or “obscene” or “menacing”. The McCaskill tweet would only arguably fall within “menacing”. A “menacing” communication was defined by the English Court of Appeal in DPP -v- Collins (2005), at paragraph [10], as:-

    “… a message which conveys a threat – in other words, which seeks to create a fear in or through the recipient that something unpleasant is going to happen”.

    Only my opinion, but I doubt whether a sheriff would construe McCaskill’s single message – read as a whole – as a threat. There’s no reference to the EC requirement to disclose your address. The only reference to your residence is that you live in Bath. As you acknowledge, that is already widely known. There’s no invitation to members of the public to commit unlawful acts against you. McCaskill’s lawyers would likely argue that “sound” & “fury” are euphemisms for the type of heated language that is used during heated political debate amongst the public on the internet.

    Nevertheless, still a stupid, irresponsible message that is unbecoming of an elected member.

    Reply
  121. Slatanic says:

    Rev…………..I enjoy reading your articles and this is the 1st time I have felt compelled to post a comment as most posters have said what I would have said so there is no point in me repeating the same thing, it will be almost as bad as the Judean Peoples Front (Monty Python Life of Brian for those that didn’t get it)

    Anyway, I would strongly suggest you make an official complaint, that is clearly an intimidating threat that is designed to place fear and alarm, whilst you may feel you can brush it off is besides the point, this is from a person who has been elected into a public office and they must be held in the highest standards just the same as a police officer would be, if a police officer made that comment, he would face disciplinary action for such a tweet.

    Keep up the good work

    Reply
  122. Andy-B says:

    King William of Orange,issued a decree to all English colonies, from Canada to the Caribbean,there was to be no trade whatsoever with errant Scots, no assistance not even a clean barrel of water should be offered to the Scots,these orders were issued as Scots sailed home from the Darien Scheme.

    An interesting article and worth a read.

    link to bbc.co.uk

    Reply
  123. T222Deracha says:

    Where’s Jim Murphy when you need him??!!!!!

    Reply
  124. Andy-B says:

    The Bank of England will be the central bank of an independent Scotland,which will have an observer role,on its monetary policy committee (MPC) says Alex Salmond.

    link to thecourier.co.uk

    Reply
  125. Les Wilson says:

    Report on BBC that a property bubble is the biggest threat to the UK finances. Said by Carnie. The government, says the Bank of England has tools they could use.

    What I do know, from the last time, is that it will effect Scotland as well as counties in England where there is no bubble. All caused by greed in London.

    Reply
  126. Andy-B says:

    Scottish independence would harm Scotland’s security, says Nick Clegg. The Deputy PM will jet up to Scotland tomorrow, to tell the Scottish Chambers of Commerce in Edinburgh, that message. Another Westminster one day tourist,who’s trying to frighten Scots.

    link to huffingtonpost.co.uk

    Reply
  127. Kestral says:

    Here is a group that could do with some moral support

    link to facebook.com

    They have to put up with labour Councillor Terry Kelly

    Looks very much like Labour will vote down anything brought by SNP no matter the detriment to those they represent.

    But then one only has to read Terry’s blog to be utterly shocked at his utter hatred of the SNP

    link to paisleyindependent.wordpress.com

    Reply
  128. Derek Morison says:

    “it is a tale
    Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
    Signifying nothing.”

    [Macbeth]

    Reply
  129. pete says:

    I think that this man was drunk, 2:14 am early hours of Sunday??
    He was probably pished out of his face, Drink and f/b or twitter
    is never a good idea. Lol you just need to laugh at this, he is probably sitting with his head in his hands , thinking WTF did I
    do on that twitter last night, OMG. LOL

    Reply
  130. Ken500 says:

    No hiding place for Gordon McCaskill from the sound and the fury. Silly man.

    Nick Clegg again with the sound and the fury. Love bombing. Even more YES votes. Voters know him so well. Silly man.

    Reply
  131. pete says:

    I think he will be the one with soiled pants, when he sobers up,
    and sees what a foolish man he has been , full o the Dutch courage.

    Reply
  132. Jim says:

    Report him to the polis Rev. He made a clear threat.

    Its actually not necessary because he’s a blowhard but if you need a wee break you can work from here and do your own thing. We have a comfortable spare bedroom. Five months is fine!

    Reply
  133. Jim says:

    I should also have said no charge but make your own breakfast!

    Reply
  134. Stuart Clark says:

    Some societal role model for his young constituents!

    Reply
  135. Cactus says:

    Good evening pre-iScotland.

    With regards to Stu’s location being in Bath, remember.. in this life you keep your friends close, but you keep your enemies even closer.. perfectly placed, who do you think’s got his finger on the press pulse every-friggin-day for us all! Location ditto twice.

    So tell me (anyone) are there any good bars in Bath for a Wings meet-up?
    Stand-by with that coach Thepnr! Cheers 🙂

    Reply
  136. robert urquhart says:

    Do none of these people have advisors? Every time they tweet, they come across as petty and childish. Grow up for goodness sake.

    Reply
  137. fergie35 says:

    Has Mr Mccaskill been on the booze, or is he just a nasty bit of work, there are laws against social media intimidation

    Reply
  138. Charles Kearney says:

    Not in the Least Shocking to find McCaskill is Ex Police, the internal structure of that Lot are based on Bullying, which we all knew but has only recently been publicly acknowledged in Report after Report!
    The best put down to this sort of Animal is to Ignore it Completely!

    Reply
  139. Taranaich says:

    @Andy-B: Mr Stevenson, will also say, that the Spanish soldiers helped bring about the Act of Union in 1707, by driving starving and exhausted Scottish colonists out of Panama in 1700. Sounds to me as though Mr Stevenson, is proud of the Spain’s actions against the Scottish colonists.

    … You’re not serious, are you? Please tell me you’re not serious. He CANNOT be that idiotic to try and frame the Darien Disaster as a good thing because it brought about the Act of Union.

    He can’t. He simply can’t.

    Reply
  140. Brotyboy says:

    @fairiefromtheearth

    I find your language and attitude to human life disgusting.

    Reply
  141. JimnArlene says:

    Your lies betray you, not me.
    You hatred ensnares you, not me.
    You belittle your self, not me.
    Your threats scare you, not me.
    For I am free, of thought.
    For I am free, to live.
    For you have naught, to give.
    You are enslaved, not me;
    For I am free.

    Keep up the good work. Slings and arrows and all that.
    They are small, for they have bugger all.

    Reply
  142. Grant Taylor says:

    I’m going to have to disagree with Hugh Wallace about whether these tweets meet the threshold to be considered menacing.

    A while ago I emailed someone to notify them that I was intending on calling them as a witness before a statutorily consituted tribunal that was being convened to address a matter.

    As part of that email I advised them of the information published on the relevant tribunal service’s website which was that they did not have to attend as a witness, although it was expected that would, but that if they did not attend then the tribunal had the authority to cite them to appear and if they were cited to appear and did not do so then they would be liable to arrest and prosecution.

    Police Scotland and the Procurator Fiscal are alleging that this constitutes a threat and are prosecuting me for it.

    The reality is that the police and prosecution service could argue before a court that that tweet is criminal if they wanted.

    Reply
  143. joe kane says:

    Politicians publicly threatening journalists into silence happens in banana republics and states that have been sold off and taken over by oligarchs.

    Looking at today’s UK Rich List news, it’s hard not to see that Councillor McCaskill is merely engaging in the sort of political values and behaviour we can expect from the UK elite as they take their next neoliberal step towards eliminating any threats to their unaccountable, privileged rule from the public at large.

    Reply
  144. Roll_On_2014 says:

    Just a couple of lines for Cllr McCaskill.

    To A Louse

    O wad some Power the giftie gie us
    To see oursels as ithers see us!

    Reply
  145. X_Sticks says:

    Thomas Valentine says:

    “There does seem to be a certain expectation of “imunity” within the NO campaign supporters.”

    As Grousebeater says, an insightful remark. It seems to me that word from on high in the establishment is that there is carte blanch to attack and denigrate the supporters of independence and especially those (damned uncontrollable) cybernats. It tells me that we are winning.

    @fairiefromtheearth

    I cannot begin to understand what you have been through, but you are through it now. You are with friends here and together we will win the day. We have no need of assassins or 9mm anythings. We’ll win it by knocking on doors talking to people and with the incredible network that is the internet community.

    Chill, man. We’re big enough to take their harsh words and laugh in return. That really fucks them up 😀

    Reply
  146. Peter Macbeastie says:

    This may well have been said by someone else; I haven’t read through the thread to be certain, but if you’re hiding in Bath I would suggest the fact that he knows you’re in Bath kinda suggests you’re not going to be World Hide and Seek Champion 2014.

    I would suggest you are more likely to be simply lost somewhere in that nasty one way system in the centre of Bath, which once challenged my wife’s patience so much we found the first available car park and spent the day walking around instead.. on the grounds that it was faster than driving.

    Reply
  147. Capella says:

    Gordon McCaskill better hope that nothing threatening ever happens to Stu because his threat is on record and he would be the first person to suspect should anything happen.
    The link above posted by the former policeman seems pretty unambiguous to me
    link to legislation.gov.uk

    Reply
  148. Capella says:

    @ Grant Taylor
    How bizarre that you are being prosecuted for quoting the tribunal service website. Is it not the tribunal service who are making the threat?

    Reply
  149. Mr Vasey says:

    AH HA, so thats who Gordan Mccaskill is then, someone with that name started following me on twitter yesterday i did reply and ask who he was but no reply as yet.

    I bit strange why he would want to follow me since i have no more than a handful of followers, I wonder if it has anything to do with me following this site on twitter?

    I wont be following him back!!!!

    Mystery solved

    Reply
  150. Morag Graham Kerr says:

    I once checked 192.com to see how easy it would be to find Stu. My impression was that it would be a piece of cake to find him if I had been prepared to shell out a modest fee. (Since I didn’t actually want to find him I declined to part with any money.)

    I don’t really know what that man’s problem is. Hiding? Not by any normal definition of the term.

    Reply
  151. desimond says:

    I think you’ve pulled!

    Reply
  152. tigertiger says:

    Did a grown man and elected official just use the word ‘diddums’?

    Reply
  153. Robert Peffers says:

    What else do you expect of the councillor? He is, after all, the worst kind of Conservative – a Scottish one.

    Reply
  154. orri says:

    If by registered in Edinburgh you mean NO Borders Campaign then I wouldn’t their lie on their website and adverts fool you. They are registered in London, probably through a piece of incompetence. They can’t register anywhere in Scotland due to their lack of foresight. This will show the difference between honesty on WoS’s part and deception on their part and is something worth pointing out at the right time. If you look at the end of the their cinema adverts it’s clear where they are as far as the law is concerned.

    Reply
  155. Jason says:

    Speaks volumes that he felt the need to attack you.

    Reply
  156. Greg says:

    People could probably complain to East Renfrewshire council? That’s diabolical behaviour for any counsellor of any party.

    He SHOULD be ashamed of himself but will absolutely be not.

    Reply
  157. orri says:

    Thinking about it if it turns out McCaskill has connections to the local Orange Lodge (2013 apparently) and it subsequently transpires he knows of threats of violence towards someone which later turn out to be more than just drunken boasts it might be alleged that he is guilty of a form of conspiracy.

    On the other hand the last refuge of these people is they try to blame someone else. In this case he’ll claim he was twaped ( as in fraped but on twitter ) and someone had used his phone when he was in the loo or at the bar.

    Reply


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