CommonSpace columnist and Common Weal director Robin McAlpine says there is a lot of bluffing going on in Scottish politics

YES, we're in the middle of an election, but does it seem to you that Scottish politics is dominated by 'confidence tricks' even more than usual? And, importantly, whose confidence is up and whose is down as a result – and why?

CommonSpace columnist and Common Weal director Robin McAlpine says elections will make little difference when local government is fundamentally broken

I DON'T think there will be many of you out there who feel immersed in a rich and detailed national debate about our local democracy or spoiled for choice with visions of localism.

So, on the day we vote in Scotland's local elections, can we ever expect local democracy in Scotland to really matter?

CommonSpace columnist and Common Weal director Robin McAlpine says Labour may have lost its way, but its values still matter

CommonSpace columnist and Common Weal director Robin McAlpine says the independence movement is the only thing that can rid Scotland of 'Total Tory Rule' 

NONE of this is how I'd like it to be. I don't want Scotland's future decided in animosity. I want a genuine, open, considerate and positive national discussion about our hopes and dreams and all that stuff.

CommonSpace columnist and Common Weal director Robin McAlpine says Yes campaigners must pay close attention to how unionists are trying to frame ScotRef vs Brexit

IF WE listen carefully to the noises coming out of the pro-UK camp just now, there is reason to believe that independence campaigners may have to recalibrate our thinking a little.

CommonSpace columnist and Common Weal director Robin McAlpine says GERS figures are put together in good faith but they aren't capable of representing Scotland's true financial position

SO unionists really, really want to talk about GERS and deficit? OK then, let's talk about GERS and deficit.

And let's cut to the chase – if France or Germany or Belgium or Italy were to have their fiscal deficits calculated through the GERS methodology, their deficits would spiral too.

CommonSpace columnist and Common Weal director Robin McAlpine says it's important for the independence movement to set the tone of the #ScotRef debate and challenge the lazy old frames

SO as far as I can make out the UK Government's official position is now "no Scotland, you can't leave – this suicide pact won't work without you". (To which the only sensible response is 'you first'.)

CommonSpace columnist and Common Weal director Robin McAlpine outlines some key points for Yes campaigners as plans for a second independence referendum take shape

IF anyone else happens to be feeling a little guilt that one of their reactions to Monday's news was not elation but a bit of anxiety and a touch of fear, I suspect there is quite a big club you can join. I'm certainly a member.