Auld Toun Observer

[Auld Toun Observer @TounAuld89197]

@BALUCIAGA @InsightThobe This has got NOTHING whatsoever to do with race. Why use this awful incident to shoehorn in your issues around race? Get a grip.

[Auld Toun Observer @TounAuld89197]

@LivingStreetsEd @Edinburgh_CC The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 specifically outlaws A-boards. See below.

[Paul Embery @PaulEmbery]

Jason Arday’s death is tragic. But please spare us the sanctimonious complaints that he was merely an ‘obscure’ academic who was the victim of a racist witch-hunt. The probing and questioning and exposure were entirely legitimate.

Arday was plainly guilty of plagiarism. He had also made a series of fantastical claims about his life and career. He ended up being appointed as a professor at one of the world’s most august seats of learning – where his students, who had worked extremely hard to get there, were paying large fees for the privilege of being taught by him.

Far from being obscure, Arday had happily engaged with the media over many years, often repeating his false claims. He appeared on numerous TV shows and guest edited Radio 4’s flagship Today programme. He even carried the Olympic torch.

Moreover, he had secured a major publishing deal for his autobiography, which was set to be released in Britain and the US just as the scandal broke. By no measure was this man ‘obscure’.

When a fellow academic in Plymouth began to question his credentials, Arday (or someone close to him) made a complaint to the police. When a journalist from Times Higher Education started investigating, he was subjected to a police inquiry and also received a threatening letter from the leading libel solicitors, Carter Ruck.

Arday and those around him were clearly not averse to hounding others when they felt like it.

It’s very possible that Arday did not have sufficient support measures in place when he was finally exposed – but that’s on others. The investigation and questions amounted to legitimate journalistic inquiry.

This was never just about Arday’s fabulism. It was also about the increasingly controversial philosophy of DEI, the obsession of our political, corporate and educational institutions with pushing that philosophy, and how it might have led to someone with Arday’s subpar credentials being appointed in the first place.

These are all valid questions to ask – and, by asking them, journalists are simply doing their jobs.

[Barry Wall @HeadWarriorTWM]

Jason Arday is dead.

It's brutal, it's sad for those who loved and knew him, but it is not a tragedy, it is merely tragic.

The real tragedy is far more disturbing. https://t.co/nCq7LTh5dl

[The Scotsman @TheScotsman]

Harvey Nichols bought from administration by Mike Ashley’s Frasers https://t.co/VW01a3CGAt

[Rosslyn Chapel @Rosslynchapel]

Morning sunshine in the Lady Chapel

[The Figen @TheFigen_]

A Scottish Highland cow, just 2 hours old. 🤗🤗

[Simon Holledge @Holledge]

Dedicated HEDGEHOG RESCUE is seeking support. Please consider sharing or contributing. Every hedgehog deserves a chance at life. https://t.co/A0sdlfYA5h

[Auld Toun Observer @TounAuld89197]

@heraldscotland Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow were truly something. 2026 Commonwealth Games are a Poundland version of 2014😢
Can’t even find good coverage of the events on tv.

[Auld Toun Observer @TounAuld89197]

@pressjournal I met him several times over many years, I found him to be a lovely man; humble, grounded, polite, and he gave the best Christmas drinks parties ever. Condolences to his family.

[Sir Tom Hunter @SirTomHunter]

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Ian Wood – he was one of my heroes.

I first met Ian when we were doing a business programme for STV; I was in my early thirties and turned up in my fancy car to show off.

When we were leaving Ian got into an old taxi - he was getting the train back to Aberdeen and I’m sure he had a hole in his cardigan!

I learned a lot from Ian - firstly don’t show off; he wore his wealth lightly.

From humble beginnings to building a global empire, to being a great philanthropist, Scotland was lucky to have him. Our thoughts are with the Wood family.

Ian, I’ll see you down the road my friend.

[Auld Toun Observer @TounAuld89197]

@LivingStreetsEd Works have been underway for 6/7/8 years (?) now. Most of the time there are absolutely no builders there.

[freddie barss @BarssFreddie]

Taking a stroll, enjoying the views, Duirinish, Lochalsh .c.o.Beautiful photo by:Gerry MacDonald Artist🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[Auld Toun Observer @TounAuld89197]

@edinhelp Royal Mile tat shop appropriating even more pavement and impeding access up the Mile and through Ladystairs. This is a contravention of the Roads Act.

[Auld Toun Observer @TounAuld89197]

@EdinburghLive_ Some of the shop owners want to check their bad practices: tat blocking the footpaths, music blaring, using domestic bins for their commercial rubbish, opening businesses before they have permission. The people who really suffer in the Auld Toun are those who live there.

[Auld Toun Observer @TounAuld89197]

@Glasgow_Times Commonwealth Games choose to ignore the many comments about the sexualised mini kilt and heels. Is this how Scotland sees its sportswomen?

[John Pow @Johnpow1]

A beautiful morning at the Forth Bridge.

[John Pow @Johnpow1]

Royal Mile, Edinburgh 5:30am.

[freddie barss @BarssFreddie]

Thats me put the clock on the cooker forward 1 hour ! 👍

[Ms Marchmont 🏳️ @lucynorris1]

Spring colour in Princes Street Gardens