Gavin Williamson
@soosider3.bsky.social
Glaswegian, life long Indy supporter, long suffering Scotland fan. 40+ years working finally discovered my true vocation - retirement.
Politics, family, Pugs x 2, DIYer & woodturner.
We can do better than this
Far is tainne an abhain ‘s ann is mò a fuaim
Politics, family, Pugs x 2, DIYer & woodturner.
We can do better than this
Far is tainne an abhain ‘s ann is mò a fuaim
Pinned
Gavin Williamson
@soosider3.bsky.social
· Sep 13
My latest blog piece. Independence will only be achieved when it is the settled will of the people of Scotland, but we are closer to that than many think.
weegingerdug.wordpress.com/2025/09/05/t...
weegingerdug.wordpress.com/2025/09/05/t...
The settled will
This week First Minister John Swinney unveiled details of his plan for independence, which rests upon the SNP securing a majority in Holyrood after next year’s Scottish elections. An opinion …
weegingerdug.wordpress.com
A terrific summary of where we are
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Today’s figures show real progress in our schools:
✅ Record literacy and numeracy
✅ Higher attendance
✅ More teachers, with smaller class sizes
Huge credit to pupils and staff. We will keep driving improvement for every young person in Scotland.
✅ Record literacy and numeracy
✅ Higher attendance
✅ More teachers, with smaller class sizes
Huge credit to pupils and staff. We will keep driving improvement for every young person in Scotland.
December 9, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Today’s figures show real progress in our schools:
✅ Record literacy and numeracy
✅ Higher attendance
✅ More teachers, with smaller class sizes
Huge credit to pupils and staff. We will keep driving improvement for every young person in Scotland.
✅ Record literacy and numeracy
✅ Higher attendance
✅ More teachers, with smaller class sizes
Huge credit to pupils and staff. We will keep driving improvement for every young person in Scotland.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Did you know that whilst Scotland accounts for more than 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity, it received less than 8% of Westminster’s fishing sector funding? And we swallowed it. Hook. Line. Sinker.
indyposterboy.scot/hook-line-si...
indyposterboy.scot/hook-line-si...
Hook. Line. Sinker. - Indy PosterBoy
Did you know that whilst Scotland accounts for more than 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity, it received less than 8% of Westminster’s fishing sector funding?
indyposterboy.scot
December 8, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Did you know that whilst Scotland accounts for more than 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity, it received less than 8% of Westminster’s fishing sector funding? And we swallowed it. Hook. Line. Sinker.
indyposterboy.scot/hook-line-si...
indyposterboy.scot/hook-line-si...
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Also worth noting, the Tribunal found that Sandie Peggie had harassed Dr Beth Upton in a "hate incident".
December 8, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Also worth noting, the Tribunal found that Sandie Peggie had harassed Dr Beth Upton in a "hate incident".
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
She won her case like you won the general election.
December 8, 2025 at 5:36 PM
She won her case like you won the general election.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
My thread earlier focused on the discussion re. FWS - but I just want to draw this out really explicitly:
The press absolutely monstered Dr Beth Upton in the most appalling way – only for the Tribunal to find that Beth had done nothing wrong, but that Sandie Peggie had harassed her.
The press absolutely monstered Dr Beth Upton in the most appalling way – only for the Tribunal to find that Beth had done nothing wrong, but that Sandie Peggie had harassed her.
Also worth noting, the Tribunal found that Sandie Peggie had harassed Dr Beth Upton in a "hate incident".
December 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
My thread earlier focused on the discussion re. FWS - but I just want to draw this out really explicitly:
The press absolutely monstered Dr Beth Upton in the most appalling way – only for the Tribunal to find that Beth had done nothing wrong, but that Sandie Peggie had harassed her.
The press absolutely monstered Dr Beth Upton in the most appalling way – only for the Tribunal to find that Beth had done nothing wrong, but that Sandie Peggie had harassed her.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
British universities’ reliance on Chinese fees fuelling self-censorship, say academics on.ft.com/48YhMxh
British universities’ reliance on Chinese fees fuelling self-censorship, say academics
Lecturers call for improved safeguards against Beijing’s influence on UK campuses
on.ft.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:15 PM
British universities’ reliance on Chinese fees fuelling self-censorship, say academics on.ft.com/48YhMxh
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
This is a very important thread
Decision in the Sandie Peggie case.
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
Sandie Peggie -v- Fife Health Board and another (judgment and summary) - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Case number: 4104864/2024 Employment Tribunal, Scotland 8 December 2025 Before: Employment Judge A KempTribunal Member L BrownTribunal Member C Russell Between: Mrs Sandie Peggie -v- Fife Health Board...
www.judiciary.uk
December 8, 2025 at 3:46 PM
This is a very important thread
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
The ruling panel said the trans doctor’s account of the confrontation was “more reliable and cohesive” than nurse Ms Peggie’s.
Beth Upton evidence on Kirkcaldy hospital changing room row ‘more convincing’ than Sandie Peggie account
The ruling panel said the trans doctor’s account of the confrontation was “more reliable and cohesive” than nurse Ms Peggie’s.
dlvr.it
December 8, 2025 at 5:22 PM
The ruling panel said the trans doctor’s account of the confrontation was “more reliable and cohesive” than nurse Ms Peggie’s.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Two ways to read this. One is “she lost on every substantive claim, completely failed in her attempts to ban trans staff from the workplace, and won mild procedural victories against her employers handling of her case”.
The other way is, I guess, “point one is longer so it must be more important”
The other way is, I guess, “point one is longer so it must be more important”
December 8, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Two ways to read this. One is “she lost on every substantive claim, completely failed in her attempts to ban trans staff from the workplace, and won mild procedural victories against her employers handling of her case”.
The other way is, I guess, “point one is longer so it must be more important”
The other way is, I guess, “point one is longer so it must be more important”
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Perhaps the key point to consider
This is a real disaster for those - pretty much the entirety of the British media - advancing a maximalist reading of the For (Some) Women Scotland decision.
December 8, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Perhaps the key point to consider
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Someone print this off and pin it to Anas Sarwar's office door in parliament: the sight of a national party leader effectively falling in behind a campaign of personalised bullying of Dr Upton was so utterly grotesque that it should be one of the biggest stains on his reputation for life.
December 8, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Someone print this off and pin it to Anas Sarwar's office door in parliament: the sight of a national party leader effectively falling in behind a campaign of personalised bullying of Dr Upton was so utterly grotesque that it should be one of the biggest stains on his reputation for life.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Staggering to watch pretty much every news outlet in the country report that Sandy Peggie has won her tribunal case despite her losing on almost every count, and despite the ruling stating that the Supreme Court FWS judgement does *not* require trans women to be excluded from women's spaces.
December 8, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Staggering to watch pretty much every news outlet in the country report that Sandy Peggie has won her tribunal case despite her losing on almost every count, and despite the ruling stating that the Supreme Court FWS judgement does *not* require trans women to be excluded from women's spaces.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
"[The Tribunal held that] Mrs Peggie had in some of her remarks impermissibly manifested her gender
critical beliefs"
So there *is* a floor on this thing. They *can't* just say whatever the hell they like under the banner of protected beliefs. That'll come as a shock to some of them, I'm sure
critical beliefs"
So there *is* a floor on this thing. They *can't* just say whatever the hell they like under the banner of protected beliefs. That'll come as a shock to some of them, I'm sure
December 8, 2025 at 1:48 PM
"[The Tribunal held that] Mrs Peggie had in some of her remarks impermissibly manifested her gender
critical beliefs"
So there *is* a floor on this thing. They *can't* just say whatever the hell they like under the banner of protected beliefs. That'll come as a shock to some of them, I'm sure
critical beliefs"
So there *is* a floor on this thing. They *can't* just say whatever the hell they like under the banner of protected beliefs. That'll come as a shock to some of them, I'm sure
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
If the headlines spinning this as a win for Peggie seem pre-written, I guarantee it's because they were, however carefully couched they might seem after some hasty editing.
Sandie Peggie's claims against Upton dismissed & most of her claims against NHS Fife are dismissed. Questions remain for NHS Fife over the process they pursued, which led to Peggie's harassment claim being partially upheld.
The tribunal ruled Upton's use of female changing facilities not unlawful.
The tribunal ruled Upton's use of female changing facilities not unlawful.
Tribunal says Sandie Peggie was harassed by NHS Fife but dismisses all other claims
The nurse was suspended by NHS Fife after complaining about having to share a changing room with a transgender doctor.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
If the headlines spinning this as a win for Peggie seem pre-written, I guarantee it's because they were, however carefully couched they might seem after some hasty editing.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Decision in the Sandie Peggie case.
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
Sandie Peggie -v- Fife Health Board and another (judgment and summary) - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Case number: 4104864/2024 Employment Tribunal, Scotland 8 December 2025 Before: Employment Judge A KempTribunal Member L BrownTribunal Member C Russell Between: Mrs Sandie Peggie -v- Fife Health Board...
www.judiciary.uk
December 8, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Decision in the Sandie Peggie case.
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
She was not directly or indirectly discriminated against, her claim of victimisation fails entirely, her claim of harassment fails largely and her claim against Beth Upton fails entirely. www.judiciary.uk/judgments/sa...
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
BBC "We want Scotland's opening game, seeing as it's their first WC in 28 years."
ITV "We want to show it, seeing as it's crucial to win, being against Haiti. We'll bid top dollar!"
BBC "Whatever you bid, we'll double it."
* Game schedule for 2am GMT*
ITV "It's all yours!"
BBC "No, after you."
ITV "We want to show it, seeing as it's crucial to win, being against Haiti. We'll bid top dollar!"
BBC "Whatever you bid, we'll double it."
* Game schedule for 2am GMT*
ITV "It's all yours!"
BBC "No, after you."
December 7, 2025 at 6:20 PM
BBC "We want Scotland's opening game, seeing as it's their first WC in 28 years."
ITV "We want to show it, seeing as it's crucial to win, being against Haiti. We'll bid top dollar!"
BBC "Whatever you bid, we'll double it."
* Game schedule for 2am GMT*
ITV "It's all yours!"
BBC "No, after you."
ITV "We want to show it, seeing as it's crucial to win, being against Haiti. We'll bid top dollar!"
BBC "Whatever you bid, we'll double it."
* Game schedule for 2am GMT*
ITV "It's all yours!"
BBC "No, after you."
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
📺 🏴 Tomorrow at 10AM - tune in as the First Minister John Swinney MSP joins us for a landmark event on Scotland’s independence. Watch it live on all SNP social channels and be part of the moment shaping our nation’s future.
December 7, 2025 at 6:05 PM
📺 🏴 Tomorrow at 10AM - tune in as the First Minister John Swinney MSP joins us for a landmark event on Scotland’s independence. Watch it live on all SNP social channels and be part of the moment shaping our nation’s future.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
December 7, 2025 at 8:31 AM
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Scottish voters unlikely to embrace Reform UK talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2025/12/06/s...
Scottish voters unlikely to embrace Reform UK
Professor John Robertson OBA Dani Garavelli, not for the first time, in the UK media telling them things about Scotland that make little sense: Almost 13 years ago, at a press briefing to launch Uk…
talkingupscotlandtwo.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Scottish voters unlikely to embrace Reform UK talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2025/12/06/s...
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Update on the deep concern I raised with the Prime Minister about job losses in the Scottish energy sector.
We need a just transition but the UK Government must take different decisions.
We need a just transition but the UK Government must take different decisions.
Scotland’s energy industry facing ‘existential threat’, Swinney warns PM
The First Minister met with the Prime Minister ahead of a summit of the British-Irish Council in Wales.
news.stv.tv
December 6, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Update on the deep concern I raised with the Prime Minister about job losses in the Scottish energy sector.
We need a just transition but the UK Government must take different decisions.
We need a just transition but the UK Government must take different decisions.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Don't let anyone — not even the US Secretary of State — tell you that the European Commission's €120 million enforcement against Elon Musk’s X under the Digital Service Act is about censorship, writes Daphne Keller. It’s just the EU enforcing some normal, boring requirements of its law, she says.
The EU’s Fine Against X is Not About Speech or ‘Censorship’ | TechPolicy.Press
The €120 million fine under the Digital Services Act is just the EU enforcing some normal, boring requirements of its law, writes Stanford's Daphne Keller.
www.techpolicy.press
December 5, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Don't let anyone — not even the US Secretary of State — tell you that the European Commission's €120 million enforcement against Elon Musk’s X under the Digital Service Act is about censorship, writes Daphne Keller. It’s just the EU enforcing some normal, boring requirements of its law, she says.
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Slightly strange slant from The Guardian. Feels like it can't quite believe that Scottish voters really aren't the same as English voters.
Would pay them to get out of Westminster a little more often.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Would pay them to get out of Westminster a little more often.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
John Swinney defends immigration as Scotland faces rise of Reform
Exclusive: First minister mounts robust defence of diversity as SNP prepares campaign for Holyrood election in May
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Slightly strange slant from The Guardian. Feels like it can't quite believe that Scottish voters really aren't the same as English voters.
Would pay them to get out of Westminster a little more often.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Would pay them to get out of Westminster a little more often.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Will have to see if that 25% of Scots transpires .. but at least Scotland has actual leadership vocally opposing the xenophobes & racists .. the SNP have been consistently vocal about how Scotland benefits from migration for yrs .. Reform & the racists are fear mongers & haters
With a quarter of Scots voting Reform, and asylum protests in Scotland, first minister John Swinney says he will defend migration, engage with pressures and isolate prejudices in the SNP 2026 election campaign
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
John Swinney defends immigration as Scotland faces rise of Reform
Exclusive: First minister mounts robust defence of diversity as SNP prepares campaign for Holyrood election in May
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Will have to see if that 25% of Scots transpires .. but at least Scotland has actual leadership vocally opposing the xenophobes & racists .. the SNP have been consistently vocal about how Scotland benefits from migration for yrs .. Reform & the racists are fear mongers & haters
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
BREAKING: Malcolm Offord, the current treasurer of the Scottish Conservative Party and a member of the House of Lords, has defected to Reform UK
December 6, 2025 at 1:53 PM
BREAKING: Malcolm Offord, the current treasurer of the Scottish Conservative Party and a member of the House of Lords, has defected to Reform UK
Reposted by Gavin Williamson
Football fan friends: I want your opinion
How do you feel about going to America for the World Cup?
I’m not a football fan but I called off a major family holiday to America as I just didn’t want to put money into that country’s coffers. I don’t want to endorse what’s happening
What’s your view?
How do you feel about going to America for the World Cup?
I’m not a football fan but I called off a major family holiday to America as I just didn’t want to put money into that country’s coffers. I don’t want to endorse what’s happening
What’s your view?
December 6, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Football fan friends: I want your opinion
How do you feel about going to America for the World Cup?
I’m not a football fan but I called off a major family holiday to America as I just didn’t want to put money into that country’s coffers. I don’t want to endorse what’s happening
What’s your view?
How do you feel about going to America for the World Cup?
I’m not a football fan but I called off a major family holiday to America as I just didn’t want to put money into that country’s coffers. I don’t want to endorse what’s happening
What’s your view?