Alastair McIntosh
@alastairmci.bsky.social
Human ecologist and Quaker, I share on social justice, environment, land reform, nonviolence and spirituality. Books include Soil and Soul, Poacher's Pilgrimage & Riders on the Storm. Honorary prof Glasgow Uni.
Hebrides and Govan.
www.AlastairMcIntosh.com
Hebrides and Govan.
www.AlastairMcIntosh.com
Few things I like better than when the Quakes and the Papes get it together over liberation theology! This is about Pope Leo’s “apostolic exhortation”, as appreciatively reported in the Quaker weekly. “It is not possible to separate the worship of God from concern for the poor.“
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Few things I like better than when the Quakes and the Papes get it together over liberation theology! This is about Pope Leo’s “apostolic exhortation”, as appreciatively reported in the Quaker weekly. “It is not possible to separate the worship of God from concern for the poor.“
On “the co-opting of the cross” by the political right. But wait until they find that central to Christian theology is “the quartet of the vulnerable”: the widow (or bereaved), the orphan (or bereft), the “alien in your midst” (or refugee), and the poor.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Why Tommy Robinson supporters are turning to Christianity
The Church of England is grappling with what to do about followers of the far-right figure embracing faith.
www.bbc.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:52 AM
On “the co-opting of the cross” by the political right. But wait until they find that central to Christian theology is “the quartet of the vulnerable”: the widow (or bereaved), the orphan (or bereft), the “alien in your midst” (or refugee), and the poor.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Looks like LLMs are *very* vulnerable to attack via poetic allusion: "curated poetic prompts yielded high attack-success rates (ASR), with some providers exceeding 90% ..."
https://arxiv.org/html/2511.15304v1
https://arxiv.org/html/2511.15304v1
November 20, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Reposted by Alastair McIntosh
Addressing Conflict amongst Friends – Canadian Friends Service Committee
https://quaker.ca/educational-resources/addressing-conflict-amongst-friends-canadian-friends-service-committee/
https://quaker.ca/educational-resources/addressing-conflict-amongst-friends-canadian-friends-service-committee/
Addressing Conflict amongst Friends – Canadian Friends Service Committee
Addressing Conflict amongst Friends (PDF) is a resource jointly produced by Canadian Friends Service Committee and Continuing Meeting of Ministry and Counse ...
quaker.ca
November 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Addressing Conflict amongst Friends – Canadian Friends Service Committee
https://quaker.ca/educational-resources/addressing-conflict-amongst-friends-canadian-friends-service-committee/
https://quaker.ca/educational-resources/addressing-conflict-amongst-friends-canadian-friends-service-committee/
“Greene had turned on Trump over his refusal to release the Epstein files. What unfolded was both a lesson in authoritarianism, and how authoritarianism can be ended…. That’s when the master gets brought to heel, and the servant takes power”
www.heraldscotland.com/politics/vie...
www.heraldscotland.com/politics/vie...
Epstein is Trump’s breaking point – and Greene shows where MAGA’s limits lie
The power dynamic in the Trump movement has shifted, Neil Mackay argues, with his most loyal supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene turning on the…
www.heraldscotland.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:04 AM
“Greene had turned on Trump over his refusal to release the Epstein files. What unfolded was both a lesson in authoritarianism, and how authoritarianism can be ended…. That’s when the master gets brought to heel, and the servant takes power”
www.heraldscotland.com/politics/vie...
www.heraldscotland.com/politics/vie...
This is the kind of high animal welfare farming within which Scotland should distinctively position itself, and work to raise the level of the level playing field on which the industry operates.
@JimFairliemsp.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
@JimFairliemsp.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The pioneering dairy farmer keeping calves with their mothers
David Finlay is calling for the Scottish government to fund a pioneering dairy development programme.
www.bbc.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:13 AM
This is the kind of high animal welfare farming within which Scotland should distinctively position itself, and work to raise the level of the level playing field on which the industry operates.
@JimFairliemsp.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
@JimFairliemsp.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Right. Whodunnit???
November 17, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Right. Whodunnit???
Vérène and I are heading up Ben Lomond, a wee quiet celebration of my 70th.
November 16, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Vérène and I are heading up Ben Lomond, a wee quiet celebration of my 70th.
Reposted by Alastair McIntosh
Eight Quaker Organizations Draft and Sign Statement Saying Genocide Is Occurring in Gaza
https://www.friendsjournal.org/eight-quaker-organizations-draft-and-sign-statement-saying-genocide-is-occurring-in-gaza/
https://www.friendsjournal.org/eight-quaker-organizations-draft-and-sign-statement-saying-genocide-is-occurring-in-gaza/
Eight Quaker Organizations Draft and Sign Statement Saying Genocide Is Occurring in Gaza
After long periods of discernment, eight Quaker groups signed a joint statement calling Israel’s war in Gaza genocide. “We believe…
www.friendsjournal.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Eight Quaker Organizations Draft and Sign Statement Saying Genocide Is Occurring in Gaza
https://www.friendsjournal.org/eight-quaker-organizations-draft-and-sign-statement-saying-genocide-is-occurring-in-gaza/
https://www.friendsjournal.org/eight-quaker-organizations-draft-and-sign-statement-saying-genocide-is-occurring-in-gaza/
Reposted by Alastair McIntosh
'Silence Through the Ages'
Max Ernst, 1968
Oil on canvas
The Albertina Museum, Vienna, Austria
Max Ernst, 1968
Oil on canvas
The Albertina Museum, Vienna, Austria
November 13, 2025 at 1:06 PM
'Silence Through the Ages'
Max Ernst, 1968
Oil on canvas
The Albertina Museum, Vienna, Austria
Max Ernst, 1968
Oil on canvas
The Albertina Museum, Vienna, Austria
Reposted by Alastair McIntosh
Creative Tension 2 – Communal Order and Individual Freedom
There is a dynamic tension within the Quaker way between the spiritual freedom of individuals to follow their own leadings, and the need for an ordered community with discernible boundaries and a clear identity.
The Quaker Faith, p.154.
There is a dynamic tension within the Quaker way between the spiritual freedom of individuals to follow their own leadings, and the need for an ordered community with discernible boundaries and a clear identity.
The Quaker Faith, p.154.
November 12, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Creative Tension 2 – Communal Order and Individual Freedom
There is a dynamic tension within the Quaker way between the spiritual freedom of individuals to follow their own leadings, and the need for an ordered community with discernible boundaries and a clear identity.
The Quaker Faith, p.154.
There is a dynamic tension within the Quaker way between the spiritual freedom of individuals to follow their own leadings, and the need for an ordered community with discernible boundaries and a clear identity.
The Quaker Faith, p.154.
This piece interests me as it suggests how Scotland can reclaim its historical reputation for managerial competence. If as reported by Donald Turvill, Lesley Hinds sought to “under-promise and over-deliver” in sorting out the mess with Edinburgh’s trams.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2561125...
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2561125...
I helped save Edinburgh’s disastrous tram project - here’s what city should do now
A former Edinburgh transport chief credited with helping to save the city’s troubled tram project on a 'turning point' in latest expansion debate.
www.heraldscotland.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:32 AM
This piece interests me as it suggests how Scotland can reclaim its historical reputation for managerial competence. If as reported by Donald Turvill, Lesley Hinds sought to “under-promise and over-deliver” in sorting out the mess with Edinburgh’s trams.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2561125...
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2561125...
Reposted by Alastair McIntosh
I worked as a literacy tutor in the BSU, 1980-82. Very strong agreement
November 7, 2025 at 6:40 AM
I worked as a literacy tutor in the BSU, 1980-82. Very strong agreement
Reposted by Alastair McIntosh
A lesson in compassion and innovation from 1973
Treating prisoners with human dignity - insights from the Barlinnie Special Unit and reducing the need to have prisons. My Thought for the Day today on BBC Radio Scotland. Can also be heard about 1:24 in (0723) at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
November 6, 2025 at 8:09 AM
A lesson in compassion and innovation from 1973
Reposted by Alastair McIntosh
Apologies for being late to this news, but it seems we have found ourselves a Muslim gentleman that no one can find a reason to hate on.
Doesn’t that feel grand!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Doesn’t that feel grand!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Samir Zitouni named as train hero who saved lives during attack
The family of rail worker Samir Zitouni say they are
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Apologies for being late to this news, but it seems we have found ourselves a Muslim gentleman that no one can find a reason to hate on.
Doesn’t that feel grand!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Doesn’t that feel grand!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Treating prisoners with human dignity - insights from the Barlinnie Special Unit and reducing the need to have prisons. My Thought for the Day today on BBC Radio Scotland. Can also be heard about 1:24 in (0723) at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
November 6, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Treating prisoners with human dignity - insights from the Barlinnie Special Unit and reducing the need to have prisons. My Thought for the Day today on BBC Radio Scotland. Can also be heard about 1:24 in (0723) at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
"The Bog Shaman: Manchán on Moriarty" an Irish RTE broadcast where the recently late Manchán Magan rifles through the audio recordings of the poet and writer John Moriarty. I met Manchán at St Ethelburgas in London in June. We deeply hit it off. A sad, early passing. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
The Bog Shaman: Manchán on Moriarty
A celebration of the wild and wonderful Co. Kerry philosopher John Moriarty. Manchán Magan rifles through the audio recordings of this great prophet and deep-thinker.
www.rte.ie
October 30, 2025 at 10:18 AM
"The Bog Shaman: Manchán on Moriarty" an Irish RTE broadcast where the recently late Manchán Magan rifles through the audio recordings of the poet and writer John Moriarty. I met Manchán at St Ethelburgas in London in June. We deeply hit it off. A sad, early passing. www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...
Pope Leo on the “martyrs for dialogue, who stood against violence and hatred… Dialogue is not a tactic or a tool, but it's a way of life – a journey of the heart that transforms everyone involved, the one who listens and the one who speaks.” www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
Pope Leo: The message of 'Nostra aetate' remains as urgent as ever - Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV presides at “Walking Together in Hope,” a celebration of 60 years of “Nostra aetate”, the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on ...
www.vaticannews.va
October 29, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Pope Leo on the “martyrs for dialogue, who stood against violence and hatred… Dialogue is not a tactic or a tool, but it's a way of life – a journey of the heart that transforms everyone involved, the one who listens and the one who speaks.” www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
Claim: “In the broad sweep of land reform history, this Bill marks a watershed moment” says minister Mairi Gougeon.
More like a platitudinous trickle: see andywightman.scot/2025/10/stag...
Timid and disappointing stuff from @snp.org and @scottishgreens.org
www.heraldscotland.com/politics/hol...
More like a platitudinous trickle: see andywightman.scot/2025/10/stag...
Timid and disappointing stuff from @snp.org and @scottishgreens.org
www.heraldscotland.com/politics/hol...
'The Land Reform Bill marks a watershed moment' says minister Mairi Gougeon
Scotland’s new Land Reform Bill could mark a historic shift in how land is owned and managed, says Land Reform minister Mairi Gougeon.
www.heraldscotland.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Claim: “In the broad sweep of land reform history, this Bill marks a watershed moment” says minister Mairi Gougeon.
More like a platitudinous trickle: see andywightman.scot/2025/10/stag...
Timid and disappointing stuff from @snp.org and @scottishgreens.org
www.heraldscotland.com/politics/hol...
More like a platitudinous trickle: see andywightman.scot/2025/10/stag...
Timid and disappointing stuff from @snp.org and @scottishgreens.org
www.heraldscotland.com/politics/hol...
Reposted by Alastair McIntosh
Pope Leo to Jubilee of Education: “Today, we have become experts in the smallest details of reality, yet we have lost the capability of an overarching vision that integrates things through a deeper and greater meaning.” www.vatican.va/content/leo-...
October 27, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Pope Leo to Jubilee of Education: “Today, we have become experts in the smallest details of reality, yet we have lost the capability of an overarching vision that integrates things through a deeper and greater meaning.” www.vatican.va/content/leo-...
The problem with Scottish Greens nailed by Hassan: “The party’s trajectory in recent times has seen it over-identify with the most enthusiastic part of the electorate which is pro-Green – the student vote.” Won’t regain my vote ‘til folk they’ve ejected can come back.
gerryhassan.com/blog/can-the...
gerryhassan.com/blog/can-the...
Can the Green Surge come to Scotland? - Gerry Hassan - writing, research, policy and ideas
Can the Green Surge come to Scotland? Sunday National, 26 October 2025 Gerry Hassan Zack Polanski’s recent election as leader of the Greens in England and Wales was a major moment in UK politics. It h...
gerryhassan.com
October 27, 2025 at 10:29 PM
The problem with Scottish Greens nailed by Hassan: “The party’s trajectory in recent times has seen it over-identify with the most enthusiastic part of the electorate which is pro-Green – the student vote.” Won’t regain my vote ‘til folk they’ve ejected can come back.
gerryhassan.com/blog/can-the...
gerryhassan.com/blog/can-the...
Reposted by Alastair McIntosh
"I have never once feared the devil, but I tremble every time I enter the pulpit" - John Knox. Now we know why.
October 26, 2025 at 5:14 PM
"I have never once feared the devil, but I tremble every time I enter the pulpit" - John Knox. Now we know why.
Prof Henry Maitles: “As a Scottish, Glaswegian Jew who has been on many of these marches, sometimes as part of a bloc under a loose heading of “Scottish Jews stand with Palestine”, I’ve found no hostility whatsoever towards me or indeed any Jewish people.”
www.thenational.scot/politics/255...
www.thenational.scot/politics/255...
I am a Scottish Jew. This is the truth about pro-Palestine 'antisemitism'
THERE has been unease among British Jews about our major cities, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, being “no-go areas” ...
www.thenational.scot
October 25, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Prof Henry Maitles: “As a Scottish, Glaswegian Jew who has been on many of these marches, sometimes as part of a bloc under a loose heading of “Scottish Jews stand with Palestine”, I’ve found no hostility whatsoever towards me or indeed any Jewish people.”
www.thenational.scot/politics/255...
www.thenational.scot/politics/255...
Liberation theology: “Pope Leo XIV said popular movements grow out of the peripheries of society, so as to seek justice and find solutions for people dominated by unjust systems.” In the “poor Church for the poor … Jesus has hidden His face in that of the poor.”
www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
Pope: Popular movements must fill void left by society’s inhuman indifference - Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV meets with participants in the Fifth World Meeting of Popular Movements, and criticizes inhuman social structures that sow death and ...
www.vaticannews.va
October 24, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Liberation theology: “Pope Leo XIV said popular movements grow out of the peripheries of society, so as to seek justice and find solutions for people dominated by unjust systems.” In the “poor Church for the poor … Jesus has hidden His face in that of the poor.”
www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...