For years I’ve written about little else but Scottish politics and more specifically the constitutional issue. Of late, I have become increasingly persuaded that this is now a pointless exercise. I have nothing new to say and nobody is listening anyway. I have tried always to present a particular if not a unique perspective. I have endeavoured to be always realistic and rational even when the urge to go with my anger and frustration has been powerful. The greatest compliment I get is when people tell me I’ve put into words exactly what they are thinking. But there’s only so long a person can go on banging their head against a wall.
I detest repeating myself. And now that is all I ever do. I’m writing the same things now as I was two, five and even ten years ago. There’s a reason for that. But I’ve also been writing about that for just as long. Too long.
I never wanted to stop being part of Scotland’s independence movement. I remain totally persuaded that Scotland’s independence must be restored as a matter of urgency and for reasons of constitutional justice which are perfectly sufficient without any further trappings. But there is no independence campaign to be part of any more. It has disintegrated and been replaced with a plethora of factional squabbles that do nothing for Scotland’s cause and which I want no part of.
I have only stuck with this so long because having done it for so long I’m at a loss to know what else I might do. But I know I have to do something else. And after getting my obesity issue under control in barely more than a year I know I am capable of making changes to my life – even as I approach my 71st birthday. A new year is always a good time for a fresh start. So that’s what will happen.
I’m closing down this blog until January when it shall return in a different form. I’m not entirely sure what that form will be. But I do know it will be less concentrated on the constitutional issue – which I’m increasingly persuaded is a lost cause.
This is not a flounce. Although I accept that some will inevitably portray it as such. I have taken a break before without giving notice and I’m aware that it isn’t a good idea – for a number of reasons. So this is just to advise anyone who might be interested that I’ll be gone for some time. Just not as long as I might if I were wandering off into the freezing polar void. In the meantime, it’ll be the meantime. That’s really all that can be said about it.
Peter A Bell 
Enjoy your wee break from the fray Peter and I look forward to discovering the content and direction of your ‘new blogs’.
Sadly, “Divide and Rule” is working all too well for the BritNats with our Yes cause seemingly irreparably split between warring factions.
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“I’ll be gone for some time. Just not as long as I might if I were wandering off into the freezing polar void.”
Whilst there is more certainty in that statement that the one uttered, apparently, by Lawrence Oates I do hope that your retirement from The Cause is not permanent.
The squabbling is hard to bear and the lack of progress on restoring Scottish statehood is enormously frustrating.
However, hopefully a battery recharge over the coming winter fueled by some warming spirit by the fireside will be all that’s required to reignite your fervour.
Thanks and Slainte!
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Have a good break Peter. See you in 2022.
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Very best wishes, Peter. You’re right to take a break. I’m with you every step of the way. There’s only so many times you can come up with new ways of saying the same thing. I’m taking a bit of a break too. Till beginning of February. I’m sure we’ve not seen the last of your bonnets and you. See you in the New Year. Slàinte.
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Damn, what am I going to do now when I need something thought provoking to read.
You’re right though, there’s little that can be done in this he-said, she-said environment. I think politics is a bit more like technological revolutions. There are only a few opportunities to shake things up and boy this stalemate, bickering and endlessly going round in circles needs to be consigned to the dustbin forever.
Perhaps an SNP wipeout in the local elections as millions of women take revenge on the purveyors of self-id would do it. Personally I have my doubts but it’s going to take something shocking to get us out of this tarpit of ineffectiveness.
Enjoy your break. I look forward to see what you come up with – we need it.
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There’s a lot of people around whose only contribution is “Don’t say this, don’t say that”, and after a time it’s like being a well endowed male dachshund walking along an uneven pavement. It wears your balls off. And the thing is they usually have feck all to actually contribute themselves, just snipe snipe, moan, whine.They don’t even know how to use a search engine, they just want to be spoonfed plop fiction or even pulp fiction and farley’s rusks and have their nappies changed. “Mama”. I think if something stops being enjoyable, then we should indeed just fu
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Dear Peter A. Bell, I’ve read your posted comments. on 12/12/2021, and Really understand and share your feelings! Furthermore, I’m unhappy with how the mainstream media tends to refer to individuals such as Nicola Sturgeon without clear reference to a political party or the policies involved!?
The failings of Mainstream Media, in general, is a problematic issue in their own right – and perhaps may need to wait until after our independence is regained? Otherwise, we could ALL be wasting valuable time (and sanity?), talking to ourselves?
Rather than allowing despondence to pollute our independence cause, let’s bear in mind: “No attitude immutable. No conclusion final”. Please enjoy your wee break from today’s political pantomime and I look forward to your new January Blog!
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Hi Peter.
As others have been saying, sorry you now feel despondent about the current situation.
Tho I’m sure we all get the same feeling, too.
The politicians on the Independence side have let us down very, very badly.
I wouldn’t blame the voters for that, entirely, tho I was bitterly disappointed we didn’t get a few ALBA MSPs back in May. The more pro Independence folks we have at Edinburgh, and less pro London ones, the better.
How it pans out, I don’t know, however, your political perspective will be missed.
But yet, still we hope Independence comes sooner than some imagine!
Anyhow, all the best for the future, and have a Happy Christmas.
Cheers!
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It’s not often I comment hear, however I read and check your blog most days. Aye at times it can be depressing as it confirms a belief that I may not see Scottish independence in my lifetime. I am a youngish 62 and hope to have many healthy years to come. I do hope to see independence but now don’t know how or if we can achieve it. I’m rambling now but don’t be away too long cos there are not many outlets if any to fill the gap you will leave.
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Sorry to hear that you are despondent but it mirrors my own feeling. I am perpetually saddened by many of my fellow Scots and their lack of pride. Goodness knows why they consign our young ones to groundhog day.
Have a good christmas and a better new year.
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Will miss you while you’re gone but look forward to your return in the not too distant future. Thank you for everything you have tried to do. Wishing you a restful and happy Christmas. All the best.
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Well, here’s a good thing that’s going on in the background.
“Trade union changes could help secure our independence”
letter from James Cassidy – Trade Unionists for Independence
https://www.thenational.scot/politics/19779769.trade-union-changes-help-secure-independence/
More power to their elbow or whatever the expression is. Sturgeon, love her, hate her or not care too whit too woo, did say that Scotland would become Independent when the people were ready (or something like that). Labour in Scotland – either join in, or get left behind in the rush.
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I think many feel the same way Peter. We have lost enthusiasm because we don’t seem to be moving towards or goal. Take the break mate, you deserve it. Come back stronger. The Independence movement need you and people like you. I remember in the run up to IndyRef1 you used to get a bus to speaking engagements all over Scotland. Your legs weren’t that great at the time either. A true Patriot and a good friend. Stay strong Peter, see you on the last furlong.
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“Every time a PBell resigns, an QAnon Incel gains his/his wings. Discuss.
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Have a happy festive time Peter.
I have wondered for last few years (at least since 2016 )
When were the wheels going to fall off the wagon.
And now they have.
I don’t know what the SNP are now, but it’s time for a name change.
What’s interesting for me now is predicting when the winds will pick up once more and defining definitely what a “generation” is.
My money is on late 2030’s.
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You’ve been preaching to the converted for years. If you are having a rethink, get some young techies to help you target my Liberal and Tory neighbours. Marketing is all in the algorithms these days. Time for a change Peter, have a nice Christmas.
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I wish you well and thank you for your stalwart work against the forces of unreason and stupidity.
For what it’s worth, I too will be stepping back, partly for reasons of health and partly because, like you say, there is no longer an independence movement to support.
It is time perhaps now simply to watch history unfold and to see what comes out on the other side. The future would appear to be a protracted period alleged devolution as Hollyrood melds into Westminster and the population is dumbed down even further by narcissistic ideologies and self interest.
Whatever else, I am likely not to be witness to any of it.
Once again thank you for all your work.
And hereby, my own farewell
https://duncanspence.blog/2021/12/17/the-last-munro/
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