This one is for my American friends. I know how you love hearing about all things Scottish, so here is a little political tale for you. As you probably know, the Scottish National Party is currently in power in the Scottish Parliament (albeit by a very thin majority). Naturally they are doing all that they can to advance the cause of Scotland against the perfidious English.

Well, the town of Berwick, in the far north-east of England, has long been a bone of contention between the two countries. It has apparently changed hands at least 13 times. And it may do again. According to the BBC there are moves afoot to encourage the good burghers of Berwick to secede from England and re-join Scotland. This would have a number of advantages for them. Firstly they would be able to choose to be ruled by a proper Socialist government rather than a bunch of Margaret Thatcher wannabes masquerading as the Labour party. Also they are a good deal closer to Edinburgh than to London, which would probably mean that being Scottish would be of economic advantage. Naturally English nationalists are up in arms. Thankfully there is no suggestion that the matter be decided on the field of battle at Murrayfield on March 8th, because the way the Scots have been playing the poor people of Berwick would be surrendering already.