Despite deciding only to consider Scottish blogs (not much of a unionist, me!) my first attempt was a not-so-shortlist of 26, which while it shrank into the teens quite easily, stubbornly refused to be whittled down to the ten mandated by Total Politics. Anyway, for what it’s worth:
1. SNP Tactical Voting: Succinct, insightful and above all honest. My top Scottish blog of 2009.
2. Doctor Vee: Duncan’s relaxed style belies the rigour and subtlety which underpin each piece.
3. Planet Politics: Stuart Winton crafts highly readable, fair-minded and gently persuasive posts.
4. Two Doctors: Intelligent, rewarding analysis with copious linked references. Essential reading.
5. Lallands Peat Worrier: Lucid, erudite and elegant meanderings from a genuine freethinker.
6. Nationalist Mythbusting: Well-researched and effective deconstructions of nationalist dogma.
7. And Another Thing: Tom Harris writes by far the most eclectic, edgy and enjoyable MP’s blog.
8. Grumpy Spindoctor: Mike has the ability to challenge nationalism with pinpoint accuracy.
9. Caron’s Musings: Caron is a super blogger with a rare skill: the capacity to change my mind!
10. The Soapbox: Despite her hiatus, Kezia’s punchy, provocative writing secures her a ranking.
The usual disclaimer applies: use your vote as you see fit! And particular apologies to Stephen, Malc, Jamie, Yousuf, Chris, Jim and Shug — all cracking good reads. Ten just wasn’t enough.
60 years of TLC
52 minutes ago
There's no way the Blogfather will ever stop bloggers patting each other on the back. Thanks for your kind words - I really am tempted to get a Jeff/Tom H style "wot people have said about me" section, but I've not got any good hate mail to leaven it up.
James (twodoctors.org)
I could forward you some of mine, if you like! ;-)
I'm working up towards a post on the constitution, so perhaps that'll bring them out of the woodwork ;)
Ha! Or a “looniest unionist” feature? ;-)
Thanks a bunch good man. Much appreciated.
I'm glad you were just joking with your faux-concern there weren't even ten good Scottish blogs!
Richly deserved, Jeff.
Yep, the ;-) indicated a lack of seriousness. Simple fact: the Scottish blogosphere is buzzing. A proper national conversation, if you will!
It’s ludicrous that blogs of the quality of Malc’s and Stephen’s, for example, were edged out of my list — and I didn't even consider the professional blogs: notably Brian Taylor, Alex Massie and The Steamie.
Not to mention some of the well-written nationalist blogs that just don’t really float my political boat: Richard Thomson, MacNumpty etc. A lot of this is down to personal taste.
Anyone making the top thirty or so in Scotland is probably doing a great job.
I agree with your point about the difficulty of selecting ten in a bustling field. Although there are some areas in the blogosphere which could do with some filling out - whittling things down gets increasingly difficult the more one thinks about it.
Oh. And thanks for the inclusion! Not bad for 6 months.
Thanks very much, SU; third place is very flattering from such an estimable blogger!
The political balance in your selections is also commendable.
~*grabs SU by lapels*~
What do you mean Shuggy didn't make the top ten????
very pleased just to have been considered, thankyou.