
“It is said the purging was overseen by the last leader, Alex Salmond. Previously, Catholic Labour voters would have given the SNP a wide berth, seeing it as a force likely to turn Scotland into another Northern Ireland, where Catholics would be a permanent minority. But the SNP, it seems, is no longer a cold place for Catholics. It would be interesting to learn the details of this transformation. If the Catholic working classes of Scotland are backing the SNP and independence, they must not be worried that an Independent Scotland will reduce them to second class citizens.”
“This election was nothing short of catastrophic for the Labour Party across the United Kingdom. We failed to have a clear position on the two biggest constitutional issues facing our communities – Brexit and Scottish independence. Clearly Jeremy Corbyn needs to resign. If our Party is to survive we need to take a long hard look at ourselves and the verdict of voters.
Johnson has won a strange kind of victory. It has created a stable majority for a very unstable character. Johnson will not become any less of a chancer. The focus groups of Labour voters in those battleground constituencies that so accurately foreshadowed the result showed them using words like “liar”, “buffoon” and even “idiot” about Johnson – but still saying they liked him and would vote for him.

Brendan O’Hara has been elected as the Member of Parliament for Argyll and Bute in the UK general election. He swept to victory in Cardross, Helensburgh and the Lochside on the crest of an SNP wave of results which surprised even Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland.

Church of Scotland statement on General Election: The Rev Dr Richard Frazer, convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council said: “This General Election has been one of the most challenging of modern times, with the UK poised on the brink of exiting from the EU. The political log jam of the last few years […]

The Lennox Heritage Society’s season continues at the Concord Community Centre at 7.30pm on Wednesday 18th December Dave Carson will present an illustrated talk on SCOTLAND’S FORGOTTEN GREATS. Admission £2 for non members. Tea and coffee and Christmas nibbles available from 7pm

The Musicals season continues at 1.30pm on Wednesday 18th December in the Concord Centre, Dumbarton, with the screening of LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME (1955) starring Doris Day, James Cagney and Cameron Mitchell. Non members admitted for £3 where seats available to include tea and buns after the film. Sweet Success Café open from 1pm. Then the Classics season continues at 7.30pm on Friday 20th December with the screening of CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) starring Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan. Non members admitted for £3 where seats available. Sweet Success Café open from 7pm.