There’s a misconception that still permeates across the public consciousness that Scotland doesn’t vote Tory and, more broadly and in direct comparison to England, people don’t vote for right-wing parties here.

Neither statement is true. 

Mercifully, we haven’t seen the rise of Reform to the same extent as we have seen in local councils across England but we’ll hold that thought until our council elections next year.  But even by their own standards, their breakthrough at the Scottish Parliament fell short of their numerical expectations.

Despite that there isn’t much weight to the argument – if there ever was – that ‘Scottish Exceptionalism’ is still alive and kicking.

We have our share of right-wing zealots; we have our proportion of anti-migrant race baiters – some of them even have ‘MSP’ after their name now. Scotland has a problem with racism – as the family of Sheku Bayoh can painfully attest too and you merely need to look to the history of anti-Catholic discrimination that blights Scotland and our repugnant, historical ties to the slave trade to know that our hands have been stained.

Why working-class struggle stories still matter in film and theatre

Warm words at STUC Congress, but no bold plan for Scotland’s future

Nationalised industry is good for workers and good for communities

Where democracy still works: inside the STUC Congress in Dundee

We have always taken a stand against prejudice and division. Trade unions have done so, day in and day out, both within and outwith the workplace.

In Scotland much of that work has been led by our fantastic trades’ councils, supported by local union branches, leading........

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