Lesley Riddoch – författare

BCC approved (with endorsements)"How is it that two broadly similar countries, neighbours with roughly equal populations and similar natural conditions, can follow two very different development paths? The authors of Northern Neighbours claim that ‘politics matter’. In their comparative history of Scotland and Norway, key factors in each county’s development are thrown into relief. The result is a convincing explanation for their divergence and a significant contribution to development theory in general." Matthew Hoffman, Cornell University"In this important book we can read another exciting attempt to examine through the comparative lens the modern histories of Norway and Scotland. A team of interdisciplinary experts drawn from both countries and elsewhere in the UK have been assembled to consider the radically different historical paths of two small nations and the social, political and economic consequences." Professor Sir Tom M. Devine A topical, comparative study of the economic, social and political development of Norway and Scotland Northern Neighbours explores the reasons for, and outcomes of, the social, political and economic divergence between Scotland and Norway over a period encompassing 500 years, in an engaging and comprehensive way. This accessible comparative study takes a closer look at the links between suffrage, property ownership and the process of democratisation and distribution of political power, land use and reform, the relative movement of populations, the process of industrialization, and rights of access. It offers a thorough analysis of the history of religion, education and finance in both countries, and explores the exploitation of their rich natural resources, and the resulting contrast in their fortunes. The authors also pose timely questions about the future of both countries; whether the economic and social disparities between the two can be addressed, and if the Nordic model could provide a basis for a realistic and effective development strategy for Scotland, were it to become an independent nation.John Bryden is Emeritus Professor of Human Geography at the University of AberdeenOttar Brox is former research director of the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional ResearchLesley Riddoch is a freelance journalist, commentator and broadcaster

Riddoch on the Outer Hebrides is a thought-provoking commentary based on broadcaster Lesley Riddoch's cycle journey through a beautiful island chain facing seismic cultural and economic change. Her experience is described in a typically affectionate but hard-hitting style; with humour, anecdote and a growing sympathy for islanders tired of living at the margins but fearful of closer contact with mainland Scotland.

Why won’t Scots simmer down?Why batter on about independence when folk voted No a decade back?After all. Scotland’s not as populated as Yorkshire, nor as wealthy as London. But it’s also not as Conservative, as keen on Brexit, or as willing to flog public assets to Tory party pals.So does Nicola Sturgeon’s departure terminally damage the case for independence?The answer, with all respect to her legacy, is no.Scotland has bigger fish to fry.In this book, Lesley Riddoch makes an impassioned call to action, weaving academic evidence with story, international comparison and anecdote to explain why Scotland is ready to step forward as the world’s newest state.We need optimism. And contagious stories of inspiration. Told out loud. In the open. Repeatedly. So, folk can engage emotionally, dare to dream of better – and go get it. Scotland is a social democracy stuck in a Conservative state that’s preoccupied with its own lost imperial status. And stuck, Scotland cannae thrive.Let’s cast aside preconceptions. Whichever way you voted in 2014 – if you did – the world, Europe, the UK, Ireland and our Nordic neighbours have all changed. Scots need the freedom to change too – the freedom to flourish.

So stands Scotland where it did? Not on your nelly.The professional classes in Scotland may be busy with Commissions, vows, deals, submissions and General Election planning but the wider Yes Movement is busy with huge spontaneous meetings involving hundreds, even thousands of people – gatherings like birds flocking before winter or starlings swooping to throw shapes into darkening skies. Because they can.Wee White Blossom is a post-indyref, poppadom-sized version of Blossom for folk who’ve already sampled the full bhuna. It updates Blossom with a new chapter on Scotland’s Year of Living Dangerously. Lesley Riddoch shares her thoughts on the Smith Commission, the departure of Gordon Brown, the returnof Alex Salmond and the latest developments in land reform and local control. She considers the future of the SNP, the Radical Independence Campaign, Common Weal, Women for Independence and Scottish Labour in the aftermath of the referendum. This is a plain-speaking, incisive call to restore equality and control to local communities and let Scotland flourish.Wee White Blossom is the ideal companion volume to Blossom, whether you want an update on the first edition or an appetiser before delving into the pages of the original.

Victorian visitors had shooting lodges – Scots had trips doon the watter.Norwegian citizens had hytte – Scots had Butlins.Why have the inhabitants of one of Europe’s prime tourist destinations been elbowed off the land and exiled from nature for so long?Lesley Riddoch relives her own bothy experience, rediscovers lost hutting communities, travels through hytte-covered Norway and suggests that thousands of humble woodland huts would give Scots a vital post-covid connection with nature and affordable, low-impact holidays in their own beautiful land – at last.