Mock Orange

Recovery day.  Dinner last night with some old friends - it was good to catch up.

Inevitably, our conversation turned to the current political situation.  We were all unionists and remainers.  We were all appalled at what was happening at Westminster.  We found much amusement.  

It doesn't feel healthy that the way we are governed is a prime source of entertainment and hilarity.  I suggested the way forward is to built new political cultures and a good place to start was place nearest to us - our Scottish Parliament.  This was not a popular suggestion.  We are divided.

When I returned home, I checked the days proceedings at the opening of the Scottish Parliament.  (Videos available on the Scottish Parliament website).  I was heartened.  There was a thoughtful contribution from the Queen, an eloquent speech from the First Minister and lots of poetry and lots of contributions from young people.  There was little about what this parliament would be doing - that is well covered in manifestos and in response to the changing world around us.  It was more about HOW it should be done; the expectations of folk of the parliament and the expectations MSPs should have of themselves.  There is hope.

And the flowers of the mock orange in the bottle came out in celebration.