The Longest Day
In the end the four-hour session ran for almost exactly six hours, and Alex Salmond looked like he could have done another six standing on his head. Now, it would be only fair to acknowledge that this site was on his side before the start, but by any rational objective assessment the former First Minister delivered the performance of his life.
(We use “performance” there in the Lionel Messi sense, not the Laurence Olivier one.)
The contrast with every other witness who’s appeared before the committee was night and day. With Salmond there was no evasion, no hesitation, no forgetting, no “I’ll get back to you on that in writing”. (We recommend the Twitter feed of Scotland Speaks for some choice clips.)
Every question was answered fully, directly, fluently and immediately, without recourse to notes, and the content was never less than devastating from his opening statement to the final surprise bombshell. We were exhausted just watching it.
His words, tone and body language all absolutely radiated candour, solemnity and honesty. When the SNP members tried to trip him up on some arcane point or other, he was on them like an extremely calm hawk, methodically tearing their assertions to ribbons with the correct fact or quote at his fingertips, and ice in his veins.
Salmond came across like a man who’d been planning this day for almost a year and wasn’t going to mess it up. And he didn’t. Heavens, how he didn’t.
It would be a hopeless task to try to sum up even a tiny fraction of what was covered. Goodness knows how many articles we’ve already written detailing the events of the last two years, and it was all gone over again blow by painstaking blow today in the Robert Burns committee room.
The SNP members of the committee, mainly with the exception of Linda Fabiani, were a disgrace. They constantly tried to smear Salmond and to run down the clock with an endless series of questions – mostly actually just the same question over and over – on the previous Fairness At Work policy which the inquiry isn’t even about.
In the two-hour first session Alex Cole-Hamilton made a stupendous idiot of himself along the same lines, having to be told FIVE times by Fabiani in the space of about 10 minutes to stick to his remit rather than re-running the criminal trial.
In fairness, Cole-Hamilton redeemed himself in the second half (which was itself split in two by an unscheduled rest break), and the other three Unionist members of the committee all performed strongly throughout, a relatively easy job as they were at least actually trying to get to the bottom of the inquiry’s brief – even if for their own reasons – rather than running interference for Nicola Sturgeon.
Andy Wightman, too, deserved credit for some pretty good forensic questioning in the second half, but the strangest moment came from Murdo Fraser.
And that one was just left hanging in the air like a weird smell.
Something else that was notable was how few Scottish political pundits could be seen talking about the session. The likes of Kenny Farquharson, Alex Massie, David Leask, Davie Clegg, Gerry Hassan, Euan McColm and many more were conspicuously silent for the entire afternoon, or made only a couple of snide tweets.
Because the truth was that Salmond didn’t put a single foot wrong. In all six hours there wasn’t a solitary misstep, stumble or misjudgement. It was an absolute tour de force, and all the leadership wing could muster as a distraction was a toe-curling series of tweets of various loyalists posting pictures of themselves with Sturgeon.
This site has long been of the view that the Fabiani committee was a mere circus, a bit of theatre for the masses with no chance of producing any sort of meaningful findings while the real meat would be delivered by James Hamilton QC in his own separate inquiry. But Alex Salmond’s evidence today has made a whitewash very considerably more difficult, so who knows?
But what we can say for sure is that – not for the first time in her life – Nicola Sturgeon has an incredibly tough act to follow. We’ll be watching most avidly next week to see what sort of a fist she makes of it, but even with McMillan, Watt and Allan bowling her softballs for all they’re worth (as they surely will), we don’t fancy her chances.
Well done Alex, you held your head high today
Well summarised Stu.
Definitely a difficult act to follow for NS.
I hope the committee learned from the master.
I had assumed with the Murdo Fraser point that maybe he felt it was straying into jigsaw ID territory re the Aberdein evidence.
What a performer, sorely missed in either parliament. Can’t describe the feeling of elation from his final comments … brilliant
BBC News website’s front page would have us all believing that Alex Salmond was wearing a black suit today and not a blue one.
They haven’t learned, have they?
Thank you Alex for reminding me why you should still be our leader.
Been waiting non your summary, all day. Cheers.
It was simply faultless without the slightest hint of bravura.
A Masterclass in 6 hours
Most impressive, dignified and restrained. And I am for the Union. I truly hope he and his family and friends can recover, whatever this circus may bring forth
If he needs help with his legal fees I would gladly contribute in the same way I signed up for the Spectator
“Non” ? that was, “on”, of course!
A very good day’s work today Mr Salmond well done.
Stu,
Whats your opinion, will the committee request the evidence from Alex’s lawyers ?
Alex Salmond what a legend. I hope the committee take his advice and seek the truth from the redacted and missing evidence.
When watching it at the time I almost thought murdo fraser was sort of teeing that one up for AS but seeing it back it more looks like he’s been hanging on the goal line, the ball’s hit him on the back of the head and it’s taken him a few seconds to realise that AS shot has actually gone in off him and he’s scored!
Has she resigned yet ?
McMillan and Allan are hoping for re-election. On that performance it ain’t gonna happen.
And her fan club are in for a shock.
As a whitewash seems a lot less likely – I wonder what the lord advocate will do now ?
And finally how long do you think Evans will spend in jail ?
It was a superlative performance.
This is a fighter who has been out the ring for years, subjected to the most deleterious of ordeals to his physical and mental health.
So he was ring rusty and they deliberately targeted him early on for that reason with a very aggressive early attack led by the first four questioners (you were real dickheads by the way) that lasted about 90 minutes.
After the Salmond got stronger and stronger. (The cough break really marked the turning point but it started a little before that.)
He gradually at first threw off his ring rust and got into his stride. He got better and better and as said by wings looked like he could go another 6 hours by the end.
It was an extraordinary effort. He is an extraordinary man. Today was different level. Really amazing.
I was emotional watching a brave Alex Salmond giving knowledgeable and dignified answers in response to hostile questioning from third-rate SNP committee members.
Sturgeon going for the ‘Situation Room’ photo lookalike?
link to en.wikipedia.org
I’m exhausted so god knows how Alex feels! He’s made me remember what our Scottish Parliament used to be & can be again!
Spot on Stu. Many times I have identified myself as an Alex Salmond man. I was proud of him today. Head and Shoulders above the rest.
A masterclass from the master.
Outstanding marathon performance. How fucking pish is Maureen Watt? Like a scowling wee wumun whose garden you kick a ball into as a wee boy.
Oh, Baby!
We won that one – easily!
The Scottish Parliament have already issue notice for the documents
link to t.co
I thought the Murdo reaction was hard to decipher.
Did it mean he has seen it but can’t comment or hasn’t seen?
I think you mentioned previously only 4 members had seen? Was he one?
Can anyone answer this:
Salmond asked the Committee to issue an order to his lawyers for the evidence he wasn’t allowed to give, and which the Crown Office won’t disclose. What is the lawyers’ plan? Do they think they are exempt from prosecution in some way? Do they think the Crown Office won’t have the stones to prosecute them? Do they secretly want the Crown Office to prosecute them so they can exploit the trial in some way? What’s going on?
Have a good rest Alex and thank you for reminding us what a statesman should look like and sound like.
I think Murdo Fraser oddness was to emphasise the denial of Aberdein evidence to the committee. I’m a yoon but fair play AS absolutely smashed it…SNP members were embarrassing….who’s the Allen guy – just laughable…..let’s see what NS has to offer….but it will be pathetic emotion not fact based like AS..
Listening to Alex Salmond during the Indyref campaign I realised he was an intellectual.
Alec was brilliant from start to finish he made the committee members look like pygmies beside a giant and Nicola will find this a hard act to follow!
Eh, where’s the fookin social distancing and masks in that last pic!
AS is the Jedi Master of Scottish Politics.
Looks like I still have an MP as I was starting to doubt it as Brendan the invisible man O Hara has been doing what he does best nothing. Now he has surfaced I can confirm my estimation of the man as a trougher and a waste of a vote.
Dan says:
26 February, 2021 at 7:58 pm
Eh, where’s the fookin social distancing and masks in that last pic!
It’s a meme!
What’s with that Pic of Sturgeon and “friends”?
Please tell me it’s a photoshop job. We’re in level 4 lockdown and I can’t visit my wife in hospital.
She’s having a laugh, otherwise.
Still the statesman. No vindictiveness towards Nicola, unlike her crass comment about his ego. Very easy for Alex to be calm and collected, he was rebelling the truth. Not once did he say, ‘that is not my recollection’, unlike many others. He won’t need to be called back to clarify or restate anything.
Evans has a lot to answer for. Her fingerprints are all over this, right from the start when she devised a policy to ‘wage war on Alex’, instead of telling the complainers to inform the police. Unfortunately, she was assisted by others!
Mr Salmond sliced through the dross with the precision of a skilled surgeon. Calm, measured, authoritative and truthful demeanour on display throughout. He was able to present the evidence permitted straightforwardly without bluster and thanks to some pretty obvious attempts from the Sturgeon loyalists was able to get some evidence in which they were stupid enough to leave open to him. After today if we lived in honourable times there would be at least six resignations being prepared – four from the Scottish Government, Evans, Lord Wolffe, Sturgeon and Lloyd plus two from the SNP, Murrell and Ruddick. Unfortunately we do not live in honourable times…
I loved the few times Alex was able to spear Murdo along the way ?
Someone of his calibre in general is missing from Scottish politics today sadly. He reminded us today what a good politician is supposed to act like.
Yes Alex Salmond is the most accomplished politician in Scotland, not only did he set the standards that the committee couldn’t match, he even told them how procure evidence that they don’t have, it was nothing short of a masterclass from the seasoned maestro.
And the response from some.
“In response to the Salmond session, a ScotGov spokesman says Leslie Evans will not be resigning – says civil servants “have acted professionally throughout on behalf of ministers” and in line with codes, & that Perm Sec has “addressed the issues raised today on several occasions”
link to twitter.com
Cheers, Adam, it’s a bit Cold War Steve then. If we ever get out of lockdown I’ll book an appointment with an optician…
@Adam
Cheers. I’ll calm doon a wee bit then.
Next-up is James Wolffe – on Monday I think. Then Sturgeon on Wednesday.
Alex Salmond not only survived, but thrived in the bear-pit of Westminster for years.
I didn’t detect any ring-rustiness at-all. In fact Channel 4 News broadcast the first few minutes in full.
We should all take our hats off to Alex Salmond today. Easily one of the most accomplished parliamentarians in the UK. If he says that we are currently led by crooks, then we probably are.
For me the most important point, for which the ground was laid again and again, was the ‘offer that cannot be refused’ bombshell at the end.
Either the Scottish Parliament is superior to the Scottish Government and demonstrates the fact by ordering Salmond’s lawyers to disclose their evidence, or they are not and stand condemned.
It’s a variation on the Westminster prorogation stooshie.
I think Wightman, who is a very wise legal bird, recognised that while the corporate body is subject to Crown Office direction, a Parliamentary Committee is not, and I have no doubt which way he will vote if and when it comes to a Committee vote on ordering disclosure.
Finally, I have to say, how consistently magnificent Alex Salmond was, with some of the brittleness tempered by adversity. I have long said he is one of the finest politicians of his generation.
@Chenchos
My thoughts exactly when I saw it!
Is the picture of cabinet members etc watching Alex Salmond give his evidence genuine. I ask because surely if it is, someone should report them all for failing to follow covid regulations. Where is the social distancing. Where are the masks. What is the excuse that allows them to operate under a different set of rules?
quote of the day ” i must commend you on your research” or translated you have been prepped by the advocates office to ask a question from procedure in 2010 .I actually applauded sat at home
I had so much to say..
I’ll just settle for Minnesota Fats & Fast Eddie, after an already gruelling stint.
A wash and brush up, a clean shirt and some fresh cologne:
“Fast Eddie…let’s shoot some pool”
This really was the longest and most exhausting day, Alex was on top form but what he did do in my opinion was show Scotland just how badly we need someone of his caliber in our parliament. what a giant of a man. he surely must feel a sense of relief today.
No chance of Nicola Sturgeon being willing to appear for six hours. I doubt she’ll stay for one minute longer than she’s been scheduled for.
That was amazing. The placemen and woman were pretty obvious, and very stupid in their attempts to avoid the truths that A.S., laid out for all to see. Crumbs; I could not in conscience vote for any of these spineless cretins. Well done, Mr Salmond.
Evans’ CV will need A lot of polishing after this. Possibly the mothership will beam her back to Whitehall.
An entirely credible and creditable performance and still not one word against his successor save a statement of fact that the ministerial code has been broken. Not even a call for her to resign (contrary to Sarah Smith’s BBC report). Certainly no shrill, hysterical statements about sacrificing anything on the altar of anyone’s ego.
I take my hat off to Alex.
Interesting photo at the end there Rev. They look like they’re kind of enjoying it. My main question is who took it and sent it on? Anyway, Alex carefully never implicated Nicola in anything. So it will be interesting to see what she comes with next week.
Poised, relaxed and full of grace. Yet underneath you could tell that this was a man on a mission. What a guy. Cheers Alex 🙂
Lovely photograph of the family watching the telly together
I had forgotten how good Alex Salmond was and is. That was a joy to watch. Always the smartest guy in the room.
His closing comments on how the parliament could get the evidence was just a thing of beauty. Perhaps replaces his “Merry Christmas” to Nicol Stephen on how to win an argument.
I thought Maureen Watt showed herself up today. Reading from a script and didn’t have the mental capacity to comprehend how many rings Salmond was running around her. If she is the standard of SNP MSPs the SNP has more problems that I appreciated.
Please, please God can we have an Alex Salmond led party with Kenny MacAskill, Joanna Cherry and Angus McNeil to vote for in May? Salmond’s comments on MacAskill today makes me better appreciate how capable a justice secretary he actually was.
Alec Salmond An absolute Hero of a man.
Shouldn’t Elsie and her bunch of misfits be masked up and socially distanced?
Reading some tweets while I was watching it live made me wonder if I was under a Mandela effect. Didn’t seem as if we were watching the same thing! Thank you for posting this so quickly, confirming what many of us saw and heard
It’s an old picture, just been shopped to put Alex in the TV.
Situation Room similarity still stands, though.
A real tour de force from AS. I never truly realised how much he and he alone has been missed from the Independence movement, until now.
I watched about 4 out of the 6 hours of testimony and I just wished that someone might have asked the question:
Why do you think, Alex, that no-one, absolutely no-one has resigned or been sacked in the past 2 years of this debacle?
AAARGGGGGGGGGGH!
That’s it for me. Come May 6th the constituency loo roll gets the word CORRUPT writ large across the paper and duly spoiled with glee and the ISP gets a valid cross in the appropriate box in the regional list.
I have never felt so betrayed in my entire 63 years.
You are and always will be a star Alex Salmond.
@revstu I think you should submit your work on this to Private Eye’s Paul Foot Award 2021.
Been an outstanding piece of journalism from you.
laukat says:
Please, please God can we have an Alex Salmond led party with Kenny MacAskill, Joanna Cherry and Angus McNeil to vote for in May? Salmond’s comments on MacAskill today makes me better appreciate how capable a justice secretary he actually was.
———–
Lets hope pray for such.
Alex is a different breed from the current lot of chancers. He towers over them. You forget what a fantastic intellect and outstanding statesman he was. It was a joy to see him in action again, barring the circumstances. If they don’t demand the documents from his legal team… everyone knows the reason. Well played Sir. Well played.
I think NS will need to spend a (mortgage worth) on coaching to come close next week.
The Rev was to quick for me – following just posted on previous topic:
The SNP contingent on the enquiry panel today were a disgrace. They were primed to ignore the enquiry remit and try to further smear AS. Their discomfort at being told the truth was very apparent. If I were constituents of any of them, and had watched that, I would have severe doubts about voting for them again, particularly that repulsive garden gnome Maureen Watt and slimy Alistair Allan. How on earth can anyone vote for that!
Why has Mhairi Hunter posted a picture of Nicola Sturgeon and Jon Ronson?
Christopher McClaughlin Mr Salmond said in his evidence that the committee had powers Under the Scotland act to demand the evidence from either the Crown Office and if they were not forthcoming his soliciters.
-Cenchos-
No fucking doubt that was what she was going for, Clinton is her hero.
You know, the over-hyped media creation, married to a sinister power-broker, who never accomplished anything concrete, assumed she was entitled to the leadership, and when tested was found so wanting that she was defeated by a certifiable lunatic.
Eeeeerrr…
I don’t mind admitting that I was tearful with pride at the end of that – an absolute masterclass in precision, calm restraint, honour and dignity. The last time was the morning after the referendum watching AS’s resignation speech.
Not only did he uphold his duty under the remit within the imposed legal constraints, but he showed them all up for the shower they are, reminding them of their own duty and responsibility – to the country and the parliament they supposedly represent, with unmistakable emphasis on the heavy weight seriousness of the issues at stake, and then placing the ball firmly in their court with his closing statement.
As you say, what a performance – better than Maradona’s epic move from the halfway line to the opposition’s six yard box. And then the finish. GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL.
Excellent. You’ve earned a dram tonight Alex. Now rest and re-arm for the next phase.
To the committee members who tried to establish facts and timelines – well done. To the others, “so long and thanks for all the fish”. I’m sure your constituents and party officials noted your efforts and will judge/vote accordingly.
Meanwhile – plastic boxes for Evans et al office contents.
That “Murdo moment” was Salmond getting his point across about Aberdeen’s statement no longer part of the committee’s publication. It was redacted by Crown Office. You HAD it!
An exhausting day for Alex S.
But he has been waiting for ages to speak.
Like others have said, what a giant he is
We have lost a great talent from Scottish politics.
We now have minnows in his place.
The Scotsman has gone with the narrative that Alex Salmond’s central claims went unsubstantiated. I mean what proceedings were they watching? Is their reporter having a larf?. At a minimum, and probably more, a Prima Facie case was established today. Over to Police Scotland for further investigation. Criminality in all of it’s forms needs to be addressed. If I stole a Mars Bar my feet wouldn’t touch the ground.
Alex Salmond was never going to do anything less that make everyone else look like complete amateurs today … that’s his strength. That’s how he got to the position he was in (in 2014) in the first place. It doesn’t however mean he’s right, or wrong. He’s just literally the best when it comes to this part of the job.
Mr Salmond was professional, articulate, calm and demonstrated integrity at all times. It was absolutely exhausting and distressing to witness (namely the abysmal dereliction of duty by SNP members of the committee). My household have no confidence that the responsible people will resign or be sacked as they should be, nor that the committee will provide any robust outcome.
Dan. The First Minister and her colleagues know that covid is bullshit
Cath says:
26 February, 2021 at 8:07 pm
Interesting photo at the end there Rev. They look like they’re kind of enjoying it. My main question is who took it and sent it on?
I’m guessing his reflection has been caught in the painting above the TV.
Painting themselves in a mirror is something painters in the past.
Las Meninas by Velázquez is the only one I remember at the moment.
That is a very interesting photograph. I’m wondering what some find so funny on their phone and if it’s the same thing that others find upsetting.
Do you think these people spend 6 hours watching TV at Bute House?
Who is the woman at the door laughing at something on her phone is that Liz Lloyd?
@Ian says:
26 February, 2021 at 8:05 pm
“No chance of Nicola Sturgeon being willing to appear for six hours. I doubt she’ll stay for one minute longer than she’s been scheduled for.”
She’ll need to leave for her daily briefings. Although after watching that political masterclass she’ll need a change of briefs.
THAT “situation room” photo ; I made it – you can even see my watermark in it, hidden away on someone’s arse. Don’t worry folks, dozens have been taken in by it.
( Original image is from them watching a Supreme Court ruling on BREXIT from September 2019 )
And don’t worry Stu, I’ll let you have this one for free Lol
A magnificently powerful show. The Lord Advocaat, Mr Murrel, Sure Riddick, Leslie Evans, all dropped into the pot.
Alex was quite careful not to drop Nicola in, too. Even a fool could see that losing Nicola could damage the pro-SNP/Indy lead aquired over the last couple of years.
He’s given her quite the gift – take a wee bollocking for breaking ministerial code & give up the rest, and she’ll likely be able to continue as FM. It’ll be interesting to see if she sticks to her guns or accepts the lifeline…
For a moment I thought the last photo was a ColdWar Steve thing
re The Murdo clip –
At the time I thought it was Murdo giving Salmond a sort of nod/wink that yes, they had seen Aberdein’s statement and yes, he understood the implications, even though he couldn’t state them.
But now, looking at it again, has Murdo accidentally revealed that the committee has seen documentation which it has decided *not* to have seen because, perhaps, it was retrospectively ‘redacted’?
Hmmm…
*INSERT GIF OF BAFFLED CAT-MONKEY CREATURE HERE*
I think the Murdo Fraser oddness was to make sure the public new that the commitee had the Aberdein document, they can’t ignore that next week.
Wightman appearred to have an epiphany moment where he realised that he would like to be as astute as Alex Salmond.
The final picture in your article shows a whole team of people watching Mr Salmond I presume on TV today. I do hope we are not paying these people to watch the telly, I presume they are meant to be at work.Nah, what am I thinking, they don’t give a monkies.
I am not an SNP supporter ,and still will not vote for them in the coming elections, but I have to say I was tremendously impressed by Alex Salmond the man and the way he delivered his responses to the questions..he oozed statesmanlike quality from the very beginning and puts every Holyrood politician in the shade..he easily outshines Sturgeon from what I’ve seen of her in the last few years ..any party would be crazy not to have him as a member of their party..you would be mad not to have him as your leader over Sturgeon…again very impressed.
I had forgotten how good a voice he had and how relaxed his delivery – despite provocation.
Viva Alex Salmond – I want Scotland scraped clean and ready for a fresh start as an independent country of which we can all be proud.
Sorry about the typos & omissions in earlier post.
I’m relying on you all being clever enough to fill in the gaps.
Cheers
Brendan o’hara says ‘be in no doubt, I stand with nicola’.
Be in no doubt sunshine…. You Are A HUNT!!!
How did you get hold of that photo!? Is it real? Were they really all sitting around watching it?
Alex Salmond, A True hero of Scotland
ANYONE who can advise safe candidates for the SNP list? I know,I know and I am no longer a member but good people I know want to know after their eyes were opened today.
Please help them!
Lenny Hartley – Yes, I know. But surely the Crown Office could then prosecute Salmond’s solicitors, in just the same way they threatened to prosecute Salmond himself. Salmond’s solicitors either don’t care about being prosecuted, don’t think they will be prosecuted, or think such a prosecution would work to their advantage in some way. But which is it?
In any event Salmond could surely get McAskill or one of his other MP mates to read out whatever he wants to say in Westminster where there is Parliamentary privilege.
His recollection of dates and who did what, where and when without reference to notes was incredible.
We shall of course compare and contrast to Mrs Blinky when she appears next week.
2022 in Scotland will be like 1945 in Germany. No one will want to have known the Führer and all selfies with the Führer will be destroyed.
All that was missing was the mic’ drop.
As for that photo of ‘Team Nikla, a handy ‘Wanted Poster’ if ever there were…
All in one picture…
Undesirable No.1
Undesirable No.2
Undesirable No.3
Undesirable No.4
Undesirable No.5
I bet you could smell the fear oozing out of Bute House from the south side of Charlotte Square when AS suggested the Committee could source all the additional evidence directly from his legal team using powers under the Scotland Act, thereby effectively bypassing the COPFS.
To all in the team photo…
You have been weighed and measured and have been found wanting.
Am I being thick? Must be photoshopped ; )
@Runner118 (8.17) –
Sorry, I hadn’t seen your comment when I posted mine.
😉
The news:
Alex Massie is still a fud
Kenny FarquarQwarkwar is in hiding
and Leasky
Tiny Clegg needs a wee cuddle from Liz
Alyn’s eyebrow has run off for a better life (and who can blame it)
God alone how Maureen Watt ever got elected
Cole Hamilton still a nasty piece of work
Jackie bloody Baillie and Murdo oh for F***s sake actually asked sensible questions. Shoot me now
Linda Fabiani was decent in the chair
Salmond is still head and shoulders above the rabble of toadies and backstabbers who are holding us back
This masterclass by Alex Salmond had me on the edge of my seat . He recalled things so easily and so willing to oblige. He really did light the blue touch paper at Holyrood today. The king is back . Love live the king ! And his critics in the msm and Sturgeon at al know it.
I’m no surprised Mhairi Hunter has difficulty finding that selfie pic ?
Well I’ll be writing to the local greenock tele letting them know exactly what I thought of the useless McMillan. He should hang his head in shame after Salmond supported him when he was being bullied by other MSPs. McMillan doesn’t deserve to hold onto his seat – he’s been in Parliament since 2007 and achieved the grand total of fuck all! Well, except for a big house and a good pension – lives good for that swine while everyone else suffers; tic toc mcmillan your time has come!
Viva Alex 🙂
Damn shame if serious politicking ie being FM or PM of an indy Scotland cannot be realised. He’s still a young man compared to Biden/Trump!
Hey folks, whatever happened to the Lindsay Bruce that used to man Wings stalls? He’s become a St Nicola luvvie, accusing me of being a unionist because I disagreed with his version of St Nicola.!
Citizen Alex, former First Minister burned as brightly as ever today. What a day ! Only improved by your picture of his enemies bricking it as they watch him divulging his arresting testimony.
If As returns to clear out the SNP I will rejoice and rejoin, vote for them, and support them to the hilt. If Sturgeon survives I will actively campaign against them and vote Tory to get them out of my constituency. I refuse to be governed by such lies, criminality and corruption.
What about it people. How much more can you stand? We need rid of these crooks.
Completely agree that this is Outstanding journalism from Stu!!!
Coldwar Steve would be proud of that last picture.
Has the Crown Office demanded Scotland Speaks to remove Alex Salmond’s Final Statement from their website?
I can only see an empty page.
And yes, I know that there’s a link to the full video.
Graeme says:
26 February, 2021 at 8:20 pm
THAT “situation room” photo ; I made it – you can even see my watermark in it, hidden away on someone’s arse. Don’t worry folks, dozens have been taken in by it.
( Original image is from them watching a Supreme Court ruling on BREXIT from September 2019 )
And don’t worry Stu, I’ll let you have this one for free Lol
Ruby replies
When you say you made it did you just photoshop the image on the TV?
Did you take the original photo? Is that your reflection in the painting above the TV?
It’s a very good photo & the photoshop job is fun!
You had us fooled!
That was a magnificent performance by Alex. His preparedness, his sharpness, his delivery, his honesty and his dissection of his opponents showed him as the giant we know him to be. Despite early Twitter protestations I think he has ended, or at least begun the process of ending, a few careers today. His legal offer to the committee has increased the pressure on the conspirators. A truly great day and evidence, if it were ever needed. that Alex belongs in a central poistion in the Indy movement. A giant among pygmies. His evidemce must be seen.
AS referenced Lord Hope the day as have others. What has he said and where is it as I cannae find it?
Given that last photo, are Krankie’s cabal exempt from covid regulations then?
My take for what its worth. AS only managed to put a little bit of pressure on NS. His main thrust seem to be on Murrel, Ruddick,Mccann & Lloyd with AS concentrating a lot of his ammo on post August 23rd.
Stu I think you need to make people aware that the last pic is a meme.
I have a lot of faith in this blog for delivering facts and truths but I feel that last pic is not clear that it is infact a meme and may be believed to have been taken today. Certainly by a few comment made here and I also at first thought as much.
Cheers, Boab
I found Alex Salmond very impressive too
Seeing AS today and comparing it to NS , all that was missing was Jim Bowen wheeling out a speedboat and “saying here’s what you could have won”
Haste ye back AS.
I don’t like Salmond. I’ve always thought he was an egotistical ass who while speaking eloquently/fluently was in a way to talk down rather than embrace and share.
Today however what I saw was a man in complete control. Eloquent, fluent and factual. Never wavering from that belief in them that what they are saying is true. The hours spent researching and rehearsing clearly paid off. The detail setup to invite further questions was marvellous to watch. He was a chessmaster 5 steps ahead and dropped hints to encourage the direction he wanted it. And when the plan changed he took full advantage when it was needed. Asking him for his opinion on other peoples decision / rationale, expecting to trip him in via an attack on that person resulted in him responding with a much more powerful response. Not rising to the bait made it more impactful.
Its a shame that there isn’t really another politician in Scotland at his level. Ruth D (I’m getting grief for this no doubt) isn’t at his level but is better than most. Too many in the SNP want prepared sound bites without the power or charisma behind them.
This horrid event hopefully shows the aspiring politicians how to handle themselves. Confidence, eloquence, intellect and knowing your subject matter will get you places.
All those in the “Warroom” picture are in Alex’s Deck of Cards!
Alex Salmond is a giant amongst politicians, a true international statesman, a great ambassador for Scotland, a master strategist and tactician, and not only that, he makes it look effortless! – because he’s the real thing.
I’ve been busy today, so have only seen snippets of today, but truth be told, I find hard to watch. It makes me very angry, because I find it insufferable that such a father figure for Scotland’s Independence movement has been compelled to address any of this petty and vindictive garbage, dreamt up by nasty and vindictive non-entities who aren’t fit to walk in Mr Salmond’s shadow.
One Alex Salmond is worth a dozen, a dozen tenfold, of any of Sturgeon’s grubby wee cleeks, busy pretending to have integrity when they’re really just stirring the shit and orchestrating misery to be suffered upon anybody they don’t like.
Haste ye back to the front line Mr Salmond. Scotland needs you, and we need you. Scotland’s Independence clock stopped ticking when you stood down.
An exemplar of Grace under Pressure.
Sorry, I should have realised that last photo was photoshopped as I’m sure I’ve seen it before. It was the Joanna Cherry prorogation case, right? Not really taken today. Explains why they all look so happy.
Something really strange that I’ve just noticed. I’m currently corresponding with a chap called David McGill, not about the enquiry of course, personal business, but I wonder if it’s the same guy?
Now that I’ve found out that ‘Six Hour Tea Party at Bute House’ was a ‘gotcha!’ I wondering about the selfies with Sturgeon!
‘Six Hour Tea Party at Bute House’ isn’t a very good name for the photo. It’s all I can think of at the moment.
I’m looking forward to some better suggestions.
Perhaps Graeme has already named his ‘work of art’
As Stu says this was a masterclass by Alex. There are no present day politicians who could have handled 6 hours of aggressive questioning with such ease. It gives me great hope that he is not finished with mainstream politics.
It was not just about Salmond’s obvious skills and integrity and extraordinary ability as a leader..
He was saying so much stuff over the course of six hours that is explosive.
Once the transcripts of it all start getting dissected and reported it in the MSM, it is firecracker-dynamite material.
It was so perfect today. AS spoke efficiently, so fact packed.
I have no idea how someone can be in command of so many facts and be able to recall them all so eloquently and on demand.
This is the man to lead Scotland to independence. Which is quite obviously why they tried to destroy him or exhaust him to the point he gives up.
I fully understand if he cant do it. What a shift for the Independence movement he has already put in already.
Salmond was helped by the fact he had nothing to hide. Roll on next week and we can see how others cope, while they try to hide and deflect. Let’s hope it’s made clear that the committee is investigating the actions of the Scottish Government, not anyone else.
Salmond’s performance also highlighted the complete lack of talent amongst the committee.
It was worth the wait. Fantastic performance today.
Bravo Alex. You have been sorely missed as a man of integrity, fierce intelligence, humanity and honesty, who will always be cherished for everything you have done for the people of Scotland and your passion and belief in restoring our nation to Independence. He wiped the floor with most of them and not once did he go into attack mode on Nicola Sturgeon, the architect of the evil conspiracy to destroy him. He kept his cool.
I can’t see Nicola Sturgeon keeping a cool head when she appears. She’s become increasingly out of control, calling Alex a liar, unable to accept his innocence of all the criminal charges against him, prepared to manipulate and coerce the complainants to go to court, against their wishes because she didn’t give a fuck about their needs and wishes, has caused immense harm and distress and spent vast amounts on money from the public purse, denying those in need etc etc. All she’s got are endless lies and personal, vindictive and malicious attacks on Alex, with a few crocodile tears thrown in for good measure, for the women she failed abysmally. I wonder if she’s still relishing her appearance now and able to lie under oath.
Very good summary and a great appropriate photo (Messi) to highlight a superb performance by Alex Salmond.
That fanny Brendan O’Hara picks up more expenses cash than almost any other MP at Westminster.
McMillan is my msp and I can categorically state unless he redeems himself by may he will not be getting my vote
Yeah, the ‘perhaps we should move on’ moment. Really strange. It looks like they are not allowed to refer to the reason Aberdein’s evidence is not there. Surely there must be some other interdict that no one is supposed to know about.
Some performance indeed.
I’m not sure what the Sturgeonistas were expecting, some appeared to think AS would produce a WhatsApp from NS saying ‘this is how we get him’ or something so it may have all gone over their heads as they are none too bright.
What he did provide was a step by step breakdown of the failure of NS leadership and governance. In addition, he told of the presence of messages that incriminate the people he accused. He told where the committee could find them. That has driven some people apoplectic with hubris and delight that he failed.
We will see how NS responds.
That picture by the way… so many people that disappoint in one room. So many people who have chosen the wrong hill to die on and whose loyalty has blinded them to what is right.
He was brilliant. He is so sadly missed.
You can see why he is so feared by many on both sides.
Can’t imagine him sacking Joanna or pandering to the trans cult cry babies.
Come back Alex. Your country needs you.
Chris McLaughlin.
I think you misinterpret the request re his lawyers.
If his lawyers receive a legal submission from parliament they can’t not follow it.
I think AS and lawyers have at the last minute skewered the crown office.
From the parts I watched, I wholeheartedly agree, an outstanding, engrossing, performance from Alex Salmond.
It puts if in stark relief the lack if talent in the SNP. I was also also relieved that Fabiani managed to stretch to being a decent human being, unlike the other SNP members of the committee. (Two of whom seemed to be shitting it as they read out their scripted questions, when normally they can’t even figure out what day it is, let alone ask a pertinent question. Not that they asked anything pertinent this time either right enough).
(Glad other people have said they were getting emotional too, I’m not a particular Alex-fan, so thought is was just my age!)
I’ve still to catch up with the bits I missed. Saw that Murdo Fraser bit though, a weird one. We should all remember that he’s thick as mince though, but what he put his foot in, I’m not too sure.
Mr Salmond, making us proud to be Scottish and knowing where the line is.
And WoS, ensuring we all saw past the BS.
Thanks to both
The whole world will take notice of that session today, and the ‘new’ audience will now be aware that the ‘story’ isn’t over. So there will be millions, at home and abroad, tuning in next week…
…and…
…Nicola’s testimony will be variants of…
‘I didn’t know about it because I wasn’t allowed to know about it.’
Aye, that’s gonny go down a treat hen.
Yes, I was very impressed with Alex Salmond today. It was obviously very emotional for him with everything he has been through, but he kept his composure, held his head high, and spoke humbly and honestly like the great statesman and patriot that he is.
Along with injustice, the one thing I can’t abide is to see a good man treated badly, and Alex Salmond has been treated very badly.
“Scotland has not failed – its leadership has failed.” And Nicola Sturgeon is the biggest failure of all, along with her coterie of corruption depicted in the last picture.
Bursting with pride over Alex’s performance today, a Scottish hero through n through. And as for that mic drop at the end 🙂 Hope the end is near for NS & co.
Lawrence @8:47
“IN SALMOND’S HOUR OF NEED, THEY DON’T HAVE ONE WORD TO SAY IN HIS DEFENCE”
To paraphrase Judge Judy, do you think he needs their help?
Lawrence eegit.
What the fuck are you on about now ya fanny? You really haven’t a scooby have you?
Bangs head many times on table.
Lawrence at 8.47
AS showed how dignity and intelligence is the way to go.
Watch him again and learn. Having left the SNP over a year ago I have no reason to support Sturgeon.
I left because there was no independence policy,no land reform policy and no poverty action policy but there was GRA and hate and clowns.
Ha ! picture filename of spewhendry. Childish, but very apt description of a very embarassing SM attempt of teamNicola coordination. Mesmerizing 6hr display from Mr Salmond this afternoon.
Lollysmum says:26 February, 2021 at 7:55 pm
The Scottish Parliament have already issue notice for the documents link to t.co
Sadly, they have not taken the suggestion to approach Salmond’s solicitors. This has the appearance of action but will be declined by the CO, with enough time wasted to prevent applying to them.
Thus, appearance of action but actually, more obfuscation.
If this was a serious request, they would apply to both in parallel.
I salute you Mr Salmond I couldn’t have had the grace or manners to withold from SKEWERING Watt ,McMillan, Alan or Cole Hamilton even Whitman at times
Watt,McMillan and Alan were a complete disgrace and hopefully their voters will show them how disgraceful they have been by NOT voting for them
The STATESMANSHIP, INTEGRITY AND HONESTY of a GENTLEMAN was on display today , there was no need for deflection,dishonesty,obfuscation or lies to PROVE the TRUTH
She’s allocated 3 hrs, I bet it’s 3 Hrs.
That delicious moment of shared knowledge and intent between Murdo and Alex …the real mike drop moment ..
An incredible Statesman. Such a joy to watch him today, his integrity has been sorely missed the last years!
That’s an extraordinary final picture in the article, apparently of Sturgeon and her chums watching Salmond’s testimony to the inquiry, where did it come from?
Salmond was a class act today…and I say that as someone who has never supported independence or the SNP in my life. What a contrast with the current incumbent.
link to wingsoverscotland.com
“Graeme says:
26 February, 2021 at 8:20 pm
THAT “situation room” photo ; I made it – you can even see my watermark in it, hidden away on someone’s arse. Don’t worry folks, dozens have been taken in by it.
( Original image is from them watching a Supreme Court ruling on BREXIT from September 2019 )
And don’t worry Stu, I’ll let you have this one for free Lol”
There have been a number of comments after Graeme’s, asking about the pic.
Here’s a hint (Works in Firefox onnyhoo).
When you’re reading comments on a page and you get to the latest comment, don’t close the tab. Go and do whatever you want to do in the kitchen, bog or elsewhere on the web – but just leave that tab you were reading as it is.
When you eventually get back to it, it’s just sitting as you left it. All you have to do is right-click on the tab heading and select “Reload tab”.
The page will reload but all the latest posts will be a scroll down from the last one you read which should be visible.
That way, you’re not reading from the latest comment scrolling up, until something makes you want to comment, rather you’re catching up on what has been posted in the time you were away, thus missing nothing.
That fawning was so bad he should be blushing…Scarlet O’Hara.
Watched it all, Salmond utterly brilliant.
Did you all see this?
link to thescottishsun.co.uk
I trust Leslie Evans Line Manager in Westminster was watching today since any disciplinary action against her, in the event she is found to be guilty of bringing her position into disrepute, will be taken in England under the terms of the Civil Service Code.
Brendon Ohara – Someone I used to have a lot of respect for, but he lost all of that today. Not just because he put a picture of NS up with “I know where my loyalties lie”. Just to remind you Mr OHara your loyalties lie with independence not a wee settled slippers on, good pension cushy number. Stand up Brendon you used to have integrity.
I was expecting Alex Salmond to get these folk telt and wasn’t surprised that he did. But Perhaps the most refreshing thing about this was the sheer calibre of the guy. I’m not some uncritical groupie but Jesus, you really don’t see that level of command of detail, confidence and ability to keep on top of what’s being said in politics any more. A proper politician. Compare that to the pure state of a thing who’s prime minister; his jibbering wreck of a predecessor, the clueless old halfwit who’s president of the US and his surrealist-art-project predecessor, and the over-promoted parking warden who is the current FM. It was actually almost a pleasure to watch (in my case not live as I was working) just for it’s own sake.
I wasn’t intending to watch the whole thing as evidence sessions can be really dull (I’ve watched previous ones of this committee and not lasted the full 2 hours) so thought 4 hours would be unwatchable. Ended up totally transfixed for the full six hours. And that was purely Alex. He really is a different league to everyone else. If there is a new generation ready to takeover, they need to produce a match for him rather than destroy him.
Lawrence eegit
Another thing ya fanny. I’m not in the SNP.I’ve never said anything ever against AS . I thought he was outstanding today.
I haven’t seen the last hour and half because parliament tv on Sky cut off as I had to put on record, so I lost last 1-2 hrs with all delays and stuff.
Any link folks to full clip?
-Ayrshire Rob-
Ignore Ronald Fraser or whatever he’s calling himself this week!
For me, the jaw-dropper is
Documents were NOT disclosed to the judicial review under “duty of candour” and neither complying to a “search warrant” in the criminal case.
Amidst all the stooshie, surely heads must roll for this. Isn’t failing to comply with a “search warrant” in a criminal case a criminal offence in itself? How can this not be investigated?
Ruby – thanks for the kind comments – and that’s a great title for the image – Thank you
-Stella-
Another example of the Sun turning against Sturgeon.
Not a good sign for her as it is a paper designed to reflect the instincts of the average Scot. There’s a reason old Rupert is so successful.
Donald Raymond says:
26 February, 2021 at 8:58 pm
That’s an extraordinary final picture in the article, apparently of Sturgeon and her chums watching Salmond’s testimony to the inquiry, where did it come from?
Them vs the Rest of Scotland, what a rabble!!
Enjoy your Dram Alex.
Award for rev Stu? see this list:
link to en.wikipedia.org
For me the Orwell seems appropriate.
zebedee says:
26 February, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Agreed
There must be some other Interdict(Injunction) extant, which would also maybe explain the Lord Advocates odd statement in parliament yesterday.
Not only was there an Elephant in the room but it farted before it left.
The performance of his life indeed.
“The information I would like to bring to the committee goes way way beyond that” (referring to the interference of those who tried to ‘parallel investigate’ with the Police investigation once it was underway).
AS left nobody who listened in any doubt he has and has seen evidence of clear wrongdoing by quite a few high heid yins. Any he has already named, he can back with publicly available evidence. If more evidence can be released, he can back up even more allegations of wrongdoing. And he told the committee at the end the simplest way to do so.
All things considered, I thought Mr Salmond looked in pretty good shape. Very heartening. He doesnt look anything like a beaten man. Regarding his performance; to see one man facing a Parliamentary Inquiry, with each member and the chair completely against him, without lawyers or advisers present, he was absolutely masterful. He was quite sensationally mentally sharp. His knowledge of the case, the dates, what was admissable, what wasn’t, what his legal obligations were, names, his recall of arcane historical parliamentary processes, legislation and documents was something to truly behold. In a room of intellectual pygmies he reminded me of Neo at the end of the Matrix picking bullets out of the air. He met both good and bad and honest and reprehensible questions with calmness, respect and patience of which a saint could only aspire.
I missed the first hour or so, joining amid a period when it was clear the SNP MSPs were solely trying to get him to say ‘former ministers should not be subject to investigation’. Time and again they all kept asking questions trying to get him to say that. Exposing their pathetic ulterior motives in the process, Salmond again and again turned their idiocy on themselves. At one point with the comically wet A Allan, Salmond handed out the verbal equivalent of getting out of his chair, crossing the floor and patting the poor chap on his head. Nice try son, but theres an adult in the room now. Any and every time their rehearsed and researched attempts to trip him up were lobbed, Salmond cushioned the question, cited or quoted the relevant meeting, name or piece of past legislation and sent the questioner scurrying away blinking.
This is the first time Ive watched the Inquiry. Fabiani was embarrassing. Childlike. Unable even, months into proceedings, to properly draw a session to a close. Whatever the opposite of gravitas is she exudes it by the bucketload. How much time was wasted reminding folk not to waste time?
I thought Fraser (con) & Baillie (lab) were actually quite good. Their lines of questioning allowed Salmond enough room to make his points clearly. I thought Mitchell (con) was fair & Cole-Hamilton (LD) reasonable (I missed the early bits Stu mentions). Wightman was ok. He might be seen as a bit hostile, but I just read that as him respecting AS. If AS could handle unfriendly robust questions, which he could, that makes AS’s case all the stronger. I felt the non-SNP members were interested in making headway towards code breaches and the like.
I thought the SNP members were appalling. Just rotten. And Im a pro Indy SNP voter!!! The aforementioned collusion of their repeated one line attempts at getting AS to trip up over investigating previous ministers was just risible. A complete waste of time & space. Childs play for AS to deal with & he still treated each puerile regurgitation with respect.
There was bit near the end when AS, yet again recalling some date or meeting instantaneously and putting an SNP questioner in his place said something like ‘and I wont need to write to you after this correcting any of the things Ive said under oath’. I dont like swearing on here, but that was just fucking majestic.
We now have a weekend of shrill hyperbolic accusations by Sturgeonistas to endure. Misrepresentations, straw men and downright lies. But AS has finally had her day & I look forward to seeing NS bluff & bluster her way thru her response.
Sorry folks but Alex’s evidence will still fall foul of the same procedures that are being used to suppress it through the Crown Office.
Disclaimer: I’m English and I never liked Alex Salmond and his loud, shouty politics however, today he played an absolute blinder – I followed the earlier stuff on a Guardian text feed but tuned in when I got home at 3:30, just for a look see and I couldn’t turn it off! He was the very antithesis on Nicola Sturgeon – calm, collected, unshakable, no real “tells” (maybe the odd arranging of papers) and an instant recall. Of course the final “ask my lawyers to produce” is the real bombshell – they can’t refuse without appearing derelict in duty, if it is blocked it can be said to reinforce his points and if it is produced it will certainly be the end for the Nicola’s “most wanted” pack!
Jackie Baillie is trending 2nd on The Twitter…
What a guy, what a leader, and above all what an immense human being. Today was a master class in dignity and integrity and Alex should sleep well tonight, I certainly hope so. It’s now time for Nicola, Woolfe, Murrell and the rest to fuck off, I’m sick of the sight and sound of them. The SS Independence is cruising in rough seas right now, but the weather will settle and with a fair wind in her sails and a new Captain at the helm, the final destination will be on the horizon once more. Huzzah!!
@ Graeme at 8:20 pm
We may hold differing views with regard to our preferred future for Scotland, but fair play for creating the pic as it resonates with both Indy and Unionist folks alike, especially after what many on both sides have observed over the past few years.
Your watermark makes it look like yon lass has sat on one of Boyd Tunnock’s products! 😉
I watched most of it in bits, hey i’ve got a pause button.
Six hours of high pressure grilling without a hiccup, the man is a hero.
It’s all been said already but here’s my piece, in different words from everyone else, so i didn’t cut and paste.
It’s noticable that people were trying to re-try him and catch him out with a loose answer yet he maintained focus and patiently brought them back to the remit of the committee.
Love that Murdo moment ‘maybe we should move on’ (looking down): ‘oh shit i’ve got no answer to that’, especially as any answer would lead to govt censorship.
And the closing remarks, delivered deadpan, no threat involved, laying responsibility on parliament: awesome.
After 2 1/2 years of HELL, to be able to answer without anger or resentment and not get distracted, that’s a masterclass.
It is grimly amusing that Alex had to school these infantile nonentities in what it means to be a politician and what basic skills and knowledge we should expect of them. None of them, needless to say could demonstrate anything close to that, just petty agendas and posturing.
He actually had to tell them what questions to ask, what evidence they should have, and where to get it. You can lead a horse to water, but you can bet these pocket tyros won’t have the integrity or the nerve to look for the truth, and drink the stuff.
The pathetic bleating about ‘lack of evidence’ from people who have co-operated in making sure the evidence can’t be presented or discussed is a hideous insult to justice and the people of Scotland. They are so meek and feeble, the pay cheque remains their only excuse for their timid, fearty attitude.
They have no idea what the term ‘public service’ means. They have gerrymandered the whole thing, just as the SNP is gerrymandering the lists to elect people to cushy jobs who will toe the party line and ignore the wishes of the electorate. The SNP is a disgrace and not fit for purpose, but what do they care when they zealously exploit the independence movement for their own agenda.
It’s clear that MF and JB have read and understood the letters from Levy & MacRae that have been made public. Good on them.
The proceedings are complicated. It takes a higher than average attention span to understand what’s going on. It isn’t yet cutting through to most SNP voters. But certain people in the party and the Scottish government and the Crown Office will be very, very worried.
How can Police Scotland not investigate the Record leak now?
How can the Committee credibly not order Levy & MacRae to produce evidence?
Fabiani’s attitude was different today. I think the tide is turning. She knows that the performance of the committee she convenes will be subject to great scrutiny, perhaps judicial scrutiny.
Parking warden ?
McMillan is my MSP, and I can tell you that guy is certainly a nipple as I have found out for myself, as welcome as a fart in a spacesuit
That last photo struck me as strange during a pandemic. Nicola won’t let families meet for tea & biscuits but it appears Nicola’s cabinet can meet for a good old knees up.
I felt emotional watching Alex. Jeez I’ve missed him he’s a wonderful man & reminds me of the early days of snp. Their’s no political tactician like him on earth.
I watched the full Meeting and what struck me was Alex’s phenomenal Power of Recall.
A Statesman.
Re the Salbutamol inhaler, Alex had a chest infection last week.
Mr Salmond gave the committee a polite, but firm lesson in how to do their job.
Now they have no choice.
He remains a giant in Scottish politics.
Re tonight’s request to the Crown Office for the text messages. I believe that the LA is now under the spotlight to such an extent that I’ll stick my neck out and predict they will comply this time.
Stu,
I’m not wanting to detract from the impressive session given to the committee by Alex Salmond today.
It was such an outstanding evidence session that every single other person who has appeared before the committee should be ashamed of thier own performances and subsequent corrective statements each and every one one of them has had to submit after they had already given evidence in person.
The committee minutes from the 24th of February are now online, previously the agenda sat online all by itself until earlier tonight when the minutes were published:
link to parliament.scot
In an unusual almost 2 hour long meeting, the consistent voting along party lines with the exception this time that Andy Wightman has clearly only now got up to speed with issues relative to the committee and is now voting with some common sense in mind into forcing the surfacing of evidence which has been deliberately withheld from the committee, evidence which is vital to their remit.
Even Fabiani put her head above the parapet and voted for seeking clarity from Lady Dorrian on Alex Salmond’s evidence (the published, unpublished, then redacted 7 republished evidence everyone has read!).
Quoting the relevant parts of the meeting minutes for brevity (emphasis mine):
Alex Cole-Hamilton proposed that the Committee invites the SPCB to approach the High Court as a matter of urgency for specific guidance on how Lady Dorrian’s Section 11 Order in the case of HMA v Alex Salmond in March 2020 applies to the publication of Alex Salmond’s submission of evidence on the Ministerial code aspect of our inquiry.
The proposal was agreed to by division: For 6 (Jackie Baillie, Donald Cameron, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Linda Fabiani, Margaret Mitchell, Andy Wightman), Against 3 (Alasdair Allan, Stuart McMillan, Maureen Watt), Abstentions 0.
Alex Cole-Hamilton proposed that the Committee agrees to issue a Section 24 order under the terms of Section 23 of the Scotland Act to the Crown Office to obtain all documents it possesses that represent correspondence involving the Chief of Staff to the First Minister and Peter Murrell, Ian McCann and Sue Ruddick respectively for the period November 2017 to January 2019.
The proposal was agreed to by division: For 5 (Jackie Baillie, Donald Cameron, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Margaret Mitchell, Andy Wightman), Against 4 (Alasdair Allan, Linda Fabiani, Stuart McMillan, Maureen Watt), Abstentions 0.
Jackie Baillie proposed that the Committee agrees to invite the Lord Advocate and the Crown Agent to attend a meeting of the Committee inadvance of hearing from the First Minister.
The proposal was agreed to by division: For 5 (Jackie Baillie, Donald Cameron, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Margaret Mitchell, Andy Wightman), Against 4 (Alasdair Allan, Linda Fabiani, Stuart McMillan, Maureen Watt), Abstentions 0
Eck might just have succeeded in making grown up politics fashionable again.
Alex Salmond showed today why he is the consummate stateman that he is.
Six hours of absolute skill and excellence. It was not difficult to understand why he is is as respected as he is. A true patriot.
And the political pygmies masquerading as SNP nationalists. They were exposed for what they were. And the cabal shown in the photograph from Bute House watching the proceedings they will soon be gone.
Sturgeon, Swinney and the gang. Gone, gone gone. Their time has passed. They will be gone.
Well done Mr Salmond. The respect and admiration for you among honest, decent Scots has been founded on strong foundations. And when we get our independence, as we will, and maybe sooner that we think, I trust you will be the first President of our new Scotland.
@Frazerio (9.14) –
Totally missed that, and I was watching it!
Thank you, much respect goes to Alex and well done Stu for keeping on going with this, the truth has to be shown to be understood.
What this afternoon proved is that Salmond towers over every other politician in Scotland and the UK. We need him back fighting for independence ASAP
I salute you, the Right Honourable Alex Salmond. You are right. And an honourable man.
I don’t think I can ever forgive what they have done to you. And our fight for independence. As that was the reason they went after you (plus a dose of ego driven paranoia). They’ve gone after Joanna Cherry too. And this site. Join the dots. The hierarchy of the SNP is no longer working for Indy. And what’s more some have committed such grave acts that I think will cause some of them to be up in court themselves at some point.
We won’t give up. Not on you, not on Scotland, not on the dream.
So thank you again for all you have done. If you do decide to return thousands of us will be there for you.
Alex Salmond is Scotland’s Vaclav Havel.
(What they tried to do to Salmond was worse IMHO.)
He is a once in a lifetime leader to seize independence.
Don’t waste him Scotland.
Salmond is clearly no coward, least we can do is match him.
Mr Salmond was pure class today. I hope Scots see what they’re missing. We need him back asap. He is head and shoulders above any UK politician.
@Graeme 8.20 pm
Good one. Found the original. As others have said. No masks or social distancing and looks like Bute House which is not in action.
From my point of view glad that some of the faces there are not cosying up to her.
Cosyfeet has just changed his twitter profile pic to one of himself and ….guess who?…yep.
As a soft “ no “ voter but a supporter of integrity and truth I was very proud of Mr Salmond today . It was also painful at times and the depth of the ordeal he has been out through was evident . I do hope his health is intact . It takes a person without conscience to put their fellow human being through that . The selfie culture speaks volumes . It’s embarrassing and lacks credibility. Blind loyalty is not fit for politics . We must always hold to account for the safety of everyone .
“The competence and professionalism of the civil service matters. The independence of the Crown Office acting in the public interest matters. Acting in accordance with legal advice matters. Concealing evidence from the courts matters. The duty of candour of public authorities matters. Democratic accountability through parliament matters. Suppressing evidence from parliamentary committees matters. And yes, ministers telling the truth to parliament matters.”
Alex Salmond, 26/2/21.
Just put that on the front of every Scottish newspaper followed by a question of why Sturgeon and co do not think so. And pin it to every MSP’s office door. Most of them do not know the meaning of the word integrity. They should all hang their heads in shame for not having the slightest idea of what it means.
We should never pin all of our hopes on any one politician, but Salmond may prove to be a worthy historical exception in light of his peerless performance in Hollyrood this afternoon.
Every possible combination of superlatives have already been used, above—I agree with every last one of them.
Damn the utter mediocrity of Scottish politics and politicians, today!
Whilst we are all collectively trying to do our bit and point out all the injustices Alex has faced we have to simply solute Alex Salmond’s quite magnificent performance today. He is badly missed and the sooner he is back in the Indy camp the better. Rest easy and get well soon (chest infection) Alex as you gave the best performance you could have ???
I watched the whole thing as living down south without WOS wouldn’t have had a clue, just the inate ramblings of the MSM down here.
My impressions for what its worth are as follows:
(1) I have never seen such a masterful performance from ANY politican in all my years, was really that good!!
(2) The “masterful performance” in my view was because AS was telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”
(3) The pathetic “pygmies ” who were just obeying their masters orders hadn’t a clue especially that Watt woman, never seen such incompetent, clueless “questioning ” ever, isn’t she embarrassed? If not she funking should be!!
(4) I was born in Scotland, all my relatives are Scots my dad worked at the Roots plant and moved us all to the West Mids in 1966 (of all years!!!). Anyway I digress, however for most of my life I just “assumed” my beloved country would be better off in the Union ( down to non religious but more fitba reasons) Listening to AS today I’m now of a different mind. To me if a man of such integrity and honesty who has been hounded unmercifly can still be so true, so strong and so honest is 100% genuine about independence then I can believe in his Cause!
There seems nowadays no room for people to change their minds about the issues of the day, everything is so pro or anti…AS for me personally for me tore that to spreads, what an inspiration to the rest of us. Alex if your looking in you are a credit not only to Scotland but politicians the world over
We may hold differing views with regard to our preferred future for Scotland
That was one of my favourite lines from Alex today. I think he was responding to Jackie Baillie and he said something about the how institutions need to be strong and accountable, ‘whether you believe in them as devolved or independent’.
Oh weird. It’s true that if you mention a certain female Labour politician who sits on the committee your comment goes into moderation.
Brilliant performance. Watched the last three hours, entirely mesmermised. ()If only he’d been so well prepared in 2014… but enough of that.)
Agree almost entirely with Stu’s analysis. I thought Watt’s ‘contribution’ in particular was absolutely disgraceful, and that Murdo Fraser was abusing the committee’s purpose in trying to elicit answers he could use for later point scoring rather than establishing the facts about the affair. But on the whole it was an example of a parliamentary committee working exactly as it should.
To all those wishing he’d come back: he won’t, and he shouldn’t. The allegations around his behaviour will always be there. But his performance today, and his commitment to properly democratic legal and parliamentary procedure, sets the standard for whoever follows.
Nicola: alas, you’re gone.
Alex Salmond is a class act, cool, calm and collected.
A man of integrity, lost the referendum & resigned with honour. Because that’s what people do.
Current mob, try to get an innocent man jailed. Screw up a Parliamentary investigation and try to nail him with retrospective policies. All hang on for dear life. None of them have a shred of decency between them.
Any party with an ounce of seriousness and integrity would be using such a heavyweight statesman’s experience and intellect to help and guide them towards their goal. That they didn’t, and instead tried to put him in jail on confected charges, just tells you everything about their small-minded and self-obsessed poverty of intellect or ambition. And they think kowtowing to the very small TRA lobby is a better strategy, what deluded muppets.
laukat says:
Please, please God can we have an Alex Salmond led party with Kenny MacAskill, Joanna Cherry and Angus McNeil to vote for in May? Salmond’s comments on MacAskill today makes me better appreciate how capable a justice secretary he actually was.
Comment of the day laukat. Could I also nominate Phillipa for your party? Oh and since getting a new party off the ground is a very onerous task maybe best to have Jo for leader and AS as chief strategist.
The committee notice to the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service under Section(s) 23 & 24 of the Scotland Act 1998, into producing evidence which they hold relative to the committees remit has been published on the committee websites written evidence section.
link to parliament.scot
David of Caledonia at 9:18pm
Aye, he’s my MSP as well.
But for all his many faults, when it comes to having a photo taken standing next to some pot-hole in the road, there’s nobody to touch him.
A breathtaking, bravura performance from The Great Man but then it’s easy when you’re just telling the truth.
Contrast this with the blinkfest of deception, bluster and smear I am expecting next week.
To think I risked a physical assault from a mad Orangeman while going round the doors in September 2014 because he had a bee in his bunnet about Brendan O’Hara.
Lots of sleeless nights tonight in the SG.
Oh dear, how sad, never mind…….
Ian Brotherhood @ 9.24
It might have been to Wightman.
When the time comes a lot of us will be cueing up to restore your retirement nest egg Alex & Family.
We are not having it that this lawfare pish you have been subjected to is going to work and bleed you dry and into silence.
We are going to reverse it. Just ask. Whenever you need it.
I watched the whole thing. Who would have thought that a Holyrood Inquiry would turn out to be so entertaining and gripping. Salmond was superb and I am not even a fan of his.
I think Sturgeon has to go but she has the backing of large elements of the Brit Nat Press and Media. I expect that several individuals will have to commit hari kiri before Sturgeon goes.
Since following Scottish politics I always thought that Salmond, Mckaskill and Macneil were truly dedicated to independence and rare upstanding politicians. Current events have borne that out. It is clear from today that these three should be leading not the nitwits in government. Clearly the witch will not go unless pushed and independence under her wouldn’t be worth having. Either we need Salmond at the helm of the snp or another independence party. Today revealed also why Westminster fears him. It is not just pure hate but they know a great politician when they see one!
Struan Born…
link to wingsoverscotland.com
Hi Stella.
Here’s your “SUN” link archived. I didn’t click on the link to give the Sun a visitor. I right-clicked your link, selected “Copy link location”, then went to
link to archive.is
and pasted my copied link into the “My url is alive and I want to archive its content” box, then clicked on “Save”. Took ages, mind you, because there’s a lot of spurious content on a SUN story page.
link to archive.is
A candid and statesman like performance. The coup de gra was his advice in the closing statement to use the Scotland Act to request all the evidence his lawyers have and to use it to demand any other evidence being withheld. “It will be with you by Monday morning” There was a stunned silence in the room. The honesty of the inquiry to get to the bottom of this will soon be known.
Set my alarm for 4am (Pacific) and glad I did, I’ll catch up on my sleep when I’m dead.
It was like watching the first Lunar Landing, the World Cup Final or the Berlin Wall coming down, rolled up in my previous 58 birthdays, just as emotional and it was that important.
When an SNP MSP struggles to read a question from her notes, it’s obvious she didn’t write it.
Any would-be John Curtices out there? Just say for sake of argument that if, as some commenters above are suggesting, Jo and AS ran a party on the regional vote and we held our noses and voted for the SNP in the constituency(just over a million in 2016) how many seats would be indy?
Studhog says: 9.59pM
Those weren’t notes, I lost the will to live, more like a bloody essay. Shambolic fool.
A peerless presentation by Alex Salmond.
Next week i expect a hand jive – sincere generalities – my team – due procedure – performance from Ms Sturgeon.
Wolfe should be kind to himself and take early retirement.
Just a thought. If Alex Salmond were FM just now, do you really think that he would be standing up every day to read out the Covid deaths ?
@mac 21:29
Salmond is clearly no coward, least we can do is match him
Wonderful sentiment that is.
In addition, Cameron Archibald’s assertion that Salmond et al are not for independence makes me angry. The man put his life and soul into getting us all the vote, and then put it all in again during the referendum. Nicola’s efforts more align with Cameron’s opinions.
People have gone down too deep into rabbit holes on this issue; seeing Alex out there, in person putting his side to the people in a far more assured and convincing manner than all against him I hope acts as a reset to some folks opinions on this. Once again, I’m gutted at where we are at this point, but today convinced me once again that we’re missing a behemoth and unparalleled politician at the head of Holyrood.
Alex did well today, through WoS mainly and others blogs we must be racking up well over a hundred hours as individuals on this issue, tell you what must be hundreds of hours. Back to Alex, he must be a one in a generation politician, we witness history today. We read in history about outstanding Scottish people, today I got to watch 6 hours of a man who they couldn’t crush. Trying to think of a politician in my time who can match him.
Alex Salmond was amazing today. He deserves a good rest to recuperate from that marathon day.
Get well soon Alex, can I be in your team please?
A master craftsman at work. Spellbinding stuff and yet we only tickled the surface. The absolute truth must be horrific.
Chris McLaughlin And others,
Did you notice Alex also recommended that the committee obtain and publish the Crown Office legal advice stating the reasons the suppressed info from Aberdein and others should not be published?
He and his team must believe the reasoning will not stand up to public scrutiny. In other words, “committee members, show some backbone and do your job”.
NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. PEOPLE DON’T CARE
Sad but true. Salmond played a blinder though, the most dignified and articulate political figure in years, such a great orator. The voice of Scotland.
Expect NS to get an extremely gentle time of it next week with lots of helpful leading questions to do with care and consideration for complainants being her first priority. Amnesia will take care of the rest…
Ha anyone seen an MSM headline that speaks to the truth of Mr Salmond’s work today? I find nothing but lies.
John H. says:
26 February, 2021 at 10:06 pm
Just a thought. If Alex Salmond were FM just now, do you really think that he would be standing up every day to read out the Covid deaths ?
—-
I think if Alex Salmond were still the First Minister today that he would leave the daily breifings up to the Health Secretary, since it is within the remit of that ministerial role to be the prime voice in informing the public of rolling and changing government health policies relative to the pandemic.
I also think that Alex Salmond would only appear at such meetings when it would be required, for example, if and when the public would need to be informed any changes to restrictions imposed in them by legislation, because that would fall squarely under the ministerial remit of the First Minister upon them recieving informed advice from the Health Secretary and the Chief Medical Officer.
Hi Glen Clova at 10:01 pm.
You asked,
“Any would-be John Curtices out there? Just say for sake of argument that if, as some commenters above are suggesting, Jo and AS ran a party on the regional vote and we held our noses and voted for the SNP in the constituency(just over a million in 2016) how many seats would be indy?”
I crunched numbers while I was furloughed during Summer 2020.
I should stress that they are NOT a prediction. Rather, they are an indication of what could have happened in the 2016 Holyrood election, if 25% or 40% of the SNP’s regional vote had switched to a single “Pro-Indy” party.
A quick summary of my home region.
North East Scotland.
Quick summary…
2016 actual result in the regional vote:-
Tories 4 MSPs
Labour 2 MSPs
Lib-Dem 1 MSP
2016, if 25% of SNP regional votes had gone to a Pro-Indy party:-
Tories – 3 (-1)
Labour – 2 (no change)
Pro-Indy – 1 (+1)
Lib-Dem – 1 (no change).
So, Pro-Indy has taken a Tory scalp…
2016, if 40% of SNP regional votes had gone to a Pro-Indy party:-
Tories – 3 (-1)
Pro-Indy – 2 (+2)
Labour – 1 (-1)
Lib-Dem – 1 (no change).
And we’ve lost 1 Tory and 1 Labour.
I only did the regions where the SNP won NO MSPs but am now working on the last two, South Scotland and Highland & Islands.
You can see how the figures were worked out for NE Scotland at the link below, then scroll down for the other regions I completed.
I would stress once again – they are NOT predictions; they are what COULD have happened in 2016.
link to wingsoverscotland.com
I get the feeling that IF Alex Salmond was FM right now we may be independent already. Is that what’s behind all this?
Re photo name.
Something big.
Graham’s number?
Great summary Stu and wow what a guy I was rooting for him and shouting yes! every time Alex scored yet another goal. It was a walkover he outclassed the SNP guys they looked pathetic. They are not fit to clean his boots. Salmond is in a class of his own. Sturgeon is an amateur compared to the man. I really do think Alex should make a political comeback and lead us to Independence.
One really good thing has come out of today is the knowledge that Scotland has great men and one of them nearly led us to victory in 2014 and there are others who will emerge after this shower of wasters have been dealt with.
Show me another politician in the whole of the UK who can hold a candle to Mr Salmond? Scotland can be proud and go forward in expectation of better things to come.
@ John H. 10:06 pm
“Just a thought. If Alex Salmond were FM just now, do you really think that he would be standing up every day to read out the Covid deaths?”
No, I think he’d leave that to his Health Minister. He’d only appear when there was a statement of national importance.
The situation room tribute act ha ha very good
It was too bad Alex wasn’t aware of the esteemed audience all friends together he might have turned to the camera and said I know you are lying Nicola and that fkr next to you the baldly one with the glasses he will stab you in a second, Evans looks like she making a bolt for the door
Nothing short of brilliant, well done Alex! There can be no doubt now! Thank you!
On reflection, today for six hours I watched and listened to a dignified detailed account of a less than wholesome series of actions by politicians and civil sevants against a man, Alex Salmond, in his sixties who has served has country well.
In the course of the week leading up to his presentation I have witnessed the First Minister of our country accuse Alex Salmond of ‘pursuing his ego”. I also witnessed the First Minister question the integrity of jury trials.
I for sure do not want to live under the future governance of Nicola Sturgeon.If she resigns I’ll will vote SNP, otherwise absolutely no.
Just a thought. If Alex Salmond were FM just now, do you really think that he would be standing up every day to read out the Covid deaths
No. He would have delegated to health and public health ministers while standing up *against* the “four nations approach” which saw so many dead. He would have closed borders and insisted on a different way of handling it from the abysmal UK one which has seen the most deaths in the world. Sturgeon has just gone along with the government which has handled this worse than any other, but “presented” it better. Big fucking wow.
Pity a seemingly decent man after a lifetime in the SNP- and his family’s life- have been blighted
Still-wheesht for Indy, eh??
Alex Salmond
AKA
TFGOAT
The fucking greatest of all time…
Lesley Evans should not resign!
She should be dragged out of her office in handcuffs.
Her lap top, phone and personal effects should be seized.
Hold her in custody until her trail.
She can reveal the names of those she colluded with and
if not then she can die in jail, just as she would have prescribed
for an innocent man.
I worry that Westminster May now have ordered her taxi
to head through a tunnel with concrete columns.
It really puts into perspective Sturgeon’s pathetic jibe about ego. Here was a man who didn’t display the kind of petulant ego Sturgeon did, but for six hours gave a calm, measured, detailed and forensic explanation of what has happened, and put it in the context she doesn’t even understand – the integrity of Scottish institutions and governance. The one with the petty ego here is clearly Sturgeon and her narcissistic need to be on TV every day acting as the prim little head schoolteacher of the nation, while disguising her piss poor record on covid and a whole series of topics. Would that she would demonstrate an ounce of the dignity and intelligence of Salmond, and show some respect to him, what he built in Scotland, and the legacy she is poisoning with her wildly egotistic manipulative behaviour.
It’s the Sith-uation room.
SAS, note, always gets to be on the leader’s sofa.