RGU students prefer Scotland staying within the United Kingdom

listen to ‘RGU Scottish Independence Opinion Polls’ on Audioboo

Source: RGU:Union

Most Robert Gordon University students, who took part in two opinion polls last night during the Scottish independence debate at the Riverside East campus in Aberdeen, would prefer Scotland to stay within the United Kingdom, according to the results published today on the RGU:Union Facebook page.

An opinion poll was taken before the debate commenced and another opinion poll took place after the debate. The poll was based on the wording of the actual question that is expected to appear on the ballot papers of the actual referendum on Scottish independence: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

Out of the 162 voters in the first poll, 78 of them said 'No'. Only 36 people said 'Yes' whilst 48 didn't know what way to go. In percentage figures, just under 50% of voters preferred Scotland to remain within the UK whilst only just over 22% would back Scotland becoming independent. Just under 30% of voters were unsure about which way to go.

In the aftermath of the debate, 167 people took the second poll. Both sides of the debate gained voters whilst less people were undecided about what stance they preferred to take. 'Yes' went up to 48 but 'No' went up to 98, whilst 21 didn't know. As far as percentages are concerned, the 'Yes' side gained approximately 6% from the last poll. But the 'No' side gained an increase of approximately 10% from the poll before the debate. The number of people who still weren't sure was more than halved, with a figure of approximately 12.5%.

Now a few factors have to come into play here. The student population of Robert Gordon University is over 16,000 (2012/2013) so we are talking a small minority of people who took part in last night's debate. Also, the polls taken last night were not secret ballots. They were simply opinion polls just to measure what the opinion was like amongst those who attended the event.

And the other thing to take into account overall is that the real vote has still not taken place. Many things have already happened during the debate on Scotland's constitutional future and there is no doubt that there will be more twists and turns prior to September 18th 2014. Yet, it is nevertheless interesting to see what people think about this dominant political issue that keeps coming up in news bulletin after news bulletin.

RGU:Union's Paul Greene delighted with success of Scottish independence debate

listen to ‘Interview with rgu:union President for Communications and Democracy, Paul Greene, about RGU's Scottish independence debate.’ on Audioboo

The panellist table prior to the start of last night's debate

The RGU:Union President of Communications and Democracy, Paul Greene, has expressed his elation at the successful turnout of last night's Scottish independence debate at The Robert Gordon University's Riverside East campus in Aberdeen last night.

Approximately 200 students attended the much publicised event which was broadcast on RGU's brand new television and radio stations. Topics of discussion that featured in the debate around the issue of Scotland's constitutional future included currency, education and foreign affairs.

It was a highly energised and engaging debate with many points and questions being made by audience members and other people on social media. Paul, who oversaw the whole organisation of last night's proceedings was delighted about the attendance: "I'm absolutely thrilled about the numbers. I remember when we had our AGM in here, the first time we didn't even have 60 people and couldn't have it. The second time we had about 90..."

Paul is delighted with last night's out turnout and also is happy about the positive reception received about last night's debate: "...we are absolutely thrilled about the result and we got a lot of really great feedback, so we are really pleased."

Panellists who featured in the debate included an eclectic mix of campaigners from both sides of the debate, including Christian Allard MSP from the Scottish National Party and Richard Baker MSP from the Scottish Labour Party. Earlier on in the day, staff of the university took part in a Q & A session with Scottish Education Secretary, Michael Russell MSP.

List of organisations and sources of information: dementia

Following on from my interview tonight with dementia campaigner, Tommy Whitelaw, which was broadcast on Victoria Radio Network, I have decided to give a list of organisations and sources of information where more help or information regarding the whole issue of dementia can be located:

ALLIANCE SCOTLAND - http://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/

ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH UK - http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/

ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY - http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

CARER'S TRUST - http://www.carers.org/

DEMENTIA UK - http://www.dementiauk.org/

My special thanks to Tommy Whitelaw for his precious time in coming to speak on VRN in Kirkcaldy for my show tonight and best wishes to him in his important work in raising awareness of dementia.

My interview with dementia campaigner, Tommy Whitelaw, on VRN this Sunday

Tommy Whitelaw and I in the VRN studios.

Join me this Sunday (23rd February) for a specially prepared programme at 8pm on Victoria Radio Network. I will commence my show as normal with the best music and chat from myself.

But the main reason I'm blogging on this entry is that Tommy Whitelaw, who is a campaigner raising the awareness of dementia, will be featuring on my programme at 9pm this Sunday for a special interview. He was up at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy giving a talk to health professionals and I was absolutely delighted to have him come into the studio to talk about his story and his campaign.

This is an interview I would strongly recommend to listen to, particularly to anyone affected in any way by dementia. You can tune in on 1287 AM in the Kirkcaldy area, in hospital services across Kirkcaldy where there is a facility available to tune in and online at www.vrnkirkcaldy.com (through your smartphone or laptop for instance).

Two weeks on after that advert launched...

My advert has been on display at Glasgow Queen Street
for two weeks now.

It's been a mixed two weeks since I took the unusual step of appearing on my own advert in one of Glasgow's busiest stations. You might well be surprised at the fact, but honesty is the best policy and I think this is a good time to reflect on where I stand in my quest to be recognised for my talents and given an opportunity to flourish north of the border.

One of the biggest benefits and success' to date is that my advertising campaign featuring in the press. The Fife Free Press, The Courier and the Metro newspapers have mentioned my story in some way or another. I thank them for the coverage and show my total gratitude for recognising the significance of my story and situation in their publications.

However, I am disappointed that the story hasn't spread it's wings any further. I was honestly hoping that other newspapers and the broadcasters would have featured my story on their platforms. So far, they haven't either seen my situation as a significant story, other stories may have come out more of a priority or they may not have known about it in the first place. That said, however, when you do something as unusual as I have done then you frankly don't know what kind of a reaction you are going to receive.

But most people have been very positive about what I have done and applauded me on showing initiative. That is something I am delighted about especially, because I do think if there is one thing I want people to recognise me for, then it is for my entrepreneurial spirit. This is a personal quality that I cherish and I believe appeals to employers, regardless of what area of work we are talking about.

My advert will continue to stay on display at Glasgow Queen Street train station until early March. More details about why I even decided to take such an unconventional step in opening myself up to the rest of the world can be found in this blog post I made two weeks ago. You can also click on the link of myself standing beside my advert on the right hand side of the page on my website. To take a look at my skills and experience, please head to the CV page on my website (I do other things in my life as well as journalism after all).

Reflecting on my fourth audience appearance on The Big Questions

The Big Questions on BBC One took place today in
the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.

Wow. Four appearances on BBC One's The Big Questions. It hasn't frankly sunk in, but I still love coming back to the show when it comes to Scotland. Yet today's programme proved to be the most difficult one yet in terms of the topics discussed.

The show took place at the Leith Academy, the very same venue as last year's programme in the Scottish capital. I made a contribution to the debate on assisted dying in today's programme. Last night, I informed you that Margo MacDonald MSP (Independent in the Lothians region) is relaunching her assisted suicide bill in the Scottish Parliament for the second time.

Hearing Lesley Close's story (from 18:42) about her brother John at the beginning of the debate on this issue was a very potent experience and I can certainly show sympathy with her and many others who have suffered from the fact that members of their family or friends have had to face up to the difficult reality of living with a deteriorating condition resulting in diminishing the quality of life. But I stated (from 36:37) my opposition to enabling assisted dying, because healthcare professionals, like myself, have a duty of care to protect the health of patients.

I fear that enabling assisted dying through legislation will contradict the principles of the code of ethics, for pharmacists and nurses, and good medical practice for doctors in terms of the care of patients (the list of healthcare professionals/healthcare professions is not exhaustive). Yet some people have pointed out to me that a patient's autonomy and decision making is also vital (and that is something I totally respect and agree with also). I certainly agree that a patient has an absolute right to be enlightened appropriately on issues surrounding their health, but does this necessarily equate to enabling assisted suicide when it can be argued that such a measure could be acting in contradiction of the general principles of protecting health and ensuring appropriate care.

This is a very difficult issue for everyone and should not be approached lightly. I deeply thought about the details of the bill that Margo has brought to Holyrood late last night and into the early hours of this morning, but yet if I were an MSP voting on that bill then I wouldn't be able to support it for the reasons outlined above. 

However, I shall continue to follow the latest developments and, despite my disagreements, have to commend Margo MacDonald MSP for her effort and the way she has put her arguments forward. Genuinely, she is a very much valued member of our public life here in Scotland, regardless of what stance you take on this debate.

On another note, it was absolutely wonderful to meet so many familiar people from last year's debate in Edinburgh. What I love about programmes like this is that you tend to find many like minded people, despite the difference in opinion on a variety of issues. That is what I find so appealing about programmes like The Big Questions and it's a very much valued programme on our television screens which really gives everyone, audience member of viewer, the opportunity to really discuss and explore the issues that really affect all of us in this world, let alone here in Scotland.

I'm hoping to come back once again to this show's audience. But next time, I really would love to gain a front row seat, because I genuinely feel that I can offer a lot more to those debates. Yet I genuinely don't know how I can specifically achieve this, other than just continuing to engage with the issues through this blog and in other ways. 

I encourage people to try and attend shows like The Big Questions. You will be more than welcomed by the whole team from Mentorn Scotland (who produce the programme) and you will be looked after well especially by the show's presenter, Nicky Campbell. It's important to hear a variety of people's views. Once you attend for the first time, you will want to come back. It's a unique experience.

Preview: The Big Questions in Edinburgh on BBC One, 16/02/14

Nicky Campbell and I share the same home city.

Tomorrow will mark my fourth appearance on the ever popular BBC programme, The Big Questions. Hosted by Edinburgh born Nicky Campbell, the show explores religious, moral and ethical issues where a studio audience take part in the debates that take place.

I keep coming back, because this show has somewhat become a major fixture in the weekly TV schedule and this is also a programme that provides the opportunity for those taking part to come out of their comfort zone and assert their views and opinions. And I'm not just talking about the audience, but I'm also talking about those who comment on the show through social media, blogging or even those who shout at the TV screen.

Most of you will probably be enjoying your Sunday morning sleep (unless you are working early in the morning) whilst I will be in my car driving over the Forth Road Bridge to head to where the show is taking place within the Scottish capital. Without a doubt (and with honesty), I still really wish for the chance to take a seat as one of the main speakers in the front row on the show, but know that I'll have to settle once again for a spot somewhere else in the audience (it's not a bad thing, I'm just being a little too ambitious!).

But then again, I am asking for a little too much by being pushy and no doubt will try to put in a meaningful contribution once again on the programme, particularly on the debate regarding assisted dying which is a topic that has caused much debate here in Scotland. Independent MSP for the Lothians, Margo MacDonald MSP, has recently relaunched proposals to make assisted suicide a legal right for people who are terminally ill.

To conclude, I'll let you know that despite the passionate views many of us will hold under the studio lights and with many people watching, all of us will be friendly enough with one another and feel lucky and honoured to be in the audience. And, on another lighter note, one or two of my friends will be trying to guess what colour of tie I shall be wearing - last year I caused quite a stir with my bright green tie. Should I go for another extravagant colour or just return to a cool blue or purple? Or should I even wear one at all?

You'll have to tune in tomorrow from 10am on BBC One (across the UK) to find out.

Why I choose not to celebrate Valentine's Day

I am no advocate of negativity nor dourness. Yet, personally, I can only find today a day which is nothing more special than any other day. Many people will enjoy the festivities of Valentine's Day, but it isn't for me.

I cannot take away the joy, happiness and feelings of romance that Valentine's Day brings to many people, nor would I ever want to. But, despite my happy go lucky personality, today is the kind of day when my stiff upper lip and my conservative sense of being really prevails. 

I also get really worried and intrigued about the whole commercialisation of a day like today. Everywhere you go, things spring up everywhere with connotations of love, red and roses. Shops, stalls, posters - you name it - there's bound to be a mention of Valentine's Day somewhere. It's in your face, whether you approve of it or not.

Love is a 365/366 day a year thing, not just for one day in the year. I just cannot subscribe to the idea of reserving my purchase of a bunch of roses, chocolates or a card to just one day, not that I need to anyway. If love is so important to couples, then why can't this be continuously and unambiguously shown and celebrated throughout the year? 

Not that all of this bothers me anyway, because my independence remains in tact. I don't doubt for a moment that many couples live up to the magic of love, without failure. But as far as Valentine's Day is concerned, I just cannot and, dare I say it, want to live up to the hype of a day like this.

Pound Sterling, Scottish Pound or the Euro?

What currency will us Scots be using if our
country becomes independent?

Tomorrow the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, is expected to rule out any currency union between an independent Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. He hasn't made his expected speech yet in the Scottish capital, yet the political reaction towards this expected move has gone into overdrive.

It leads anyone to ask the question as to what kind of money we'll all be having in our pockets north of the border if Scotland approves of independence. What amazes me especially is as to why Yes Scotland have never committed to any plans to form a brand new and distinctive Scottish currency. Let's not forget that the Republic of Ireland had the Irish Pound for a long time up until 2002.

I don't see an independent Scotland joining the Euro anytime soon. In all honesty, the whole issue over prospective membership of the European Union is another ball game of it's own. And I cannot see any move towards the Euro being a popular one amongst fellow Scots either. If George Osborne goes ahead and confirms any ruling out of a currency union, then he cannot really be blamed by supporters of the union for taking such a position as Scotland would no longer form part of the United Kingdom. In fact, he is brave to declare such a position just a few months before the vote in September. Because, potentially, he could end up scoring a spectacular own goal.

Scots value Sterling a lot. Anyone who dismisses the idea of an independent Scotland will not be swayed one way or another. But those who do support a vote towards independence will, without doubt, be totally infuriated. And I suspect that those who aren't sure of what way to vote may view the Chancellor's position as antagonistic and one that could give a negative impression of how Scotland might be dealt with in future. It is worth noting though that Sam Bowman from the Adam Smith Institute has stated today that Scotland may not even need the approval of a Westminster Government to use Sterling.

Time will tell and, without doubt, both sides of the independence debate will be having a war of words over this particularly important issue. It must also be remembered that business will most definitely and generally take a strong position on the currency as they will be affected by any potential change. In fact, we will all be affected.

Do you need a journalism qualification to make it in the media?

In the hot seat at STV News in Aberdeen last year

It's one of my worst kept secrets that I have an ambition to make it in the media north of the border. People look at me baffled when I tell them that my university degree was a science one and ask me why I didn't complete a degree in journalism or the media. But there is something beautiful about the world of journalism that appeals to me particularly.

It is the fact that, unlike in other professions or other fields of work, there is no official prerequisite for a journalist or broadcaster to have an educational qualification in that field. That said of course many go on to gain a qualification and build their careers in the aftermath of graduation. For many years, I was playing around with the idea of completing an MA in Broadcast Journalism (there are many successful journalists who have gained this qualification, or a similar one, and utilised it to beneficial effect in their careers).

But I'm more open minded now, for two reasons. Firstly, I am now aware of journalists who have never completed a qualification in that field and have managed to get into the media with the existing qualification that they have gained. For example, I know of journalists who have completed a degree in the law and yet they decided to become broadcast journalists instead, going on to fulfilling successful careers to date.

And secondly, the questionable cost effectiveness of going back to university to gain a second qualification. I've heard of many stories of people gaining their second qualification and heading to little or no success. Approximately £10,000 (tuition fees, living costs and other costs) is not pocket money to many and parting with that cash might not be the best idea in the context of things.

That said, there are many other options someone can pursue in order to gain some sort of a respect qualification in the field of journalism. Yesterday, I was discussing this issue with a friend of mine at the hospital radio station I currently present at. I came to the conclusion that my skills, experience and confidence was what mattered the most. The fact that I have now completed two successful work placements with STV and Kingdom FM is a major boost in my favour and something that I deeply value. I think I managed this because of my deep interest in journalism and my enthusiasm for what I do. It's vital that I keep this up.

I'm very engaged with what is happening in Scotland right now - not just in terms of current affairs, but culture, sport and many more issues. To me, what matters is that I keep my finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest developments across the country.

I reckon that I may be one of those journalists who did go to university, but not to do journalism instead becoming a graduate with a pharmacy degree. But that's no waste of time or money, because I had to do a lot of writing assignments during my studies anyway - whether it was writing my thesis, reflective commentaries or laboratory reports. And you couldn't just write an informal few lines and leave it there - you had to put an appropriate style and be concise in your writing.

I shall carry on gaining experience and building my growing skill set. I've learned so much over the last while and, in reality, know my self-worth (also knowing that it must increase at the same time). The only thing I need now is for someone out there to be won over and turn my life long passion into a fulfilling career.

Calcutta Cup 2014 Preview: Scotland v England

Let my blue suede shoes come out and be worn. Let the saltire be wrapped around my torso. Let my vocal chords be warmed up, ready to sing "Flower of Scotland".

The 2013/14 international rugby union season for Scotland continues as we play our biggest game from 5pm tonight against England in the key Calcutta Cup fixture. It is set to be a volcanic occasion. And the context could not be more friskier. 

Last week, defeat was bitterly tasted north and south of the border to Ireland and France respectively. Both teams will be angry and full of passion for this key fixture. Scotland have only won this trophy three times since after 1990, so nobody can doubt that our neighbours will be the firm favourites to win.

But they won't walk to victory. Last year, we may have been beaten badly by them at Twickenham in the opening fixture of the Six Nations. Yet we roared on to an impressive third place with famous home wins over Italy and Ireland at Murrayfield. This is a Scotland side that is improving and they have proven that they should never ever be written off, especially when times get tough (just like last week).

The fans will play a very key role, as ever, in this evening' proceedings. Scotland do not have to dominate the match. Scotland do not have to do anything clever. Scotland only needs to show complete resilience and frustrate the visitors. If they do this, then there's every chance that we may seal, quite probably, our most famous sporting victory in recent decades. Especially (dare I say this in a wider context) in what is this nation's most important years in centuries.

Did Alex Salmond really tell David Cameron where to go yesterday?

Yesterday proved to be another interesting soap opera in the ever continuing debate on Scottish independence. Prime Minister David Cameron made a speech from Stratford in the east of London, pleading to Scotland not to walk out of the United Kingdom later this year. 

I initially thought yesterday that he was unwise to make such a speech when he was located approximately some 300 miles south of the Scottish border. Then again, to put things into context, it needs to be understood that this was more of a speech aimed at England, Wales and Northern Ireland - the importance of people in the rest of the UK's input (albeit by voice) could not have been more emphasised.

Around under half an hour after the speech, First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond gave quite probably one of his strongest performances in months as he condemned the Prime Minister live on the BBC News Channel for making the speech and at the same time criticised him for not being willing to come up to Scotland to debate him. But it was his disapproval of the fact that the Conservative Prime Minister wasn't in Somerset instead to deal with the ongoing problems with the flooding situation there.

I must admit that when it was announced later in the afternoon that he would be heading over there to see how the floods were affecting people there, I was thinking that this was a visit that wasn't initially planned by Downing Street. I might well be wrong, but let's put it this way. Wouldn't it have been public knowledge in advance if the Prime Minister was planning to go to the south west of England in the first place? I think many people would have seen the common sense in that.

Finally, the reaction on social media is always worth observing in the aftermath of major speeches or political events on the independence debate. Albeit many people will have already taken a stance in public and stated opinions to assert their political assessments, I would be very intrigued to see the upcoming opinion polls. Many people took to social media to dismiss the Prime Minister's speech and some may view the message coming out of the Olympic Velodrome yesterday as nothing more than a patronising lecture.

Nobody can doubt that independence is closing the gap on the union but could more speeches like yesterday's backfire and just be a fuel for more votes to the side who want to leave the UK?

New advert launched at Glasgow Queen Street

Anas hopes to reach out to prospective employers to enhance
his career opportunities. He also writes a blog.

An underemployed graduate from Fife has commenced a brand new advertising campaign at Glasgow Queen Street train station to seek new career opportunities.

Anas Hassan has followed in the footsteps of other people such as Adam Pacitti and Féilim Mac An Iomaire by renting advertising space (which set him back by over £300) in order to reach out to prospective employers.

It is believed that Anas could well be the first person in Scotland to use such an unconventional method to stand out in the employment market. But it won't be the first time that Anas has been in the public eye. 

Anas featured on the STV News at Six in January 2013 where he struggled to find work. But he became self-employed the following month. Whilst his working activity picked up as the year went on, it has quietened down again in the early stages of 2014.

Anas said: "To many people, launching an advert for yourself to reach out to prospective employers in one of Scotland's busiest train stations is unconventional. But I am not the first person on this planet to rent advertising space and promote yourself in such a way. I was inspired by what some other people like Adam and Féilim did in order to stand out within a crowded employment market. And, to their credit, both of them were successful in finding new opportunities for employment. I, myself, hope to reach out and find new opportunities in order to take my career forward here in Scotland."

His advert consists of the phrase, "Made In Scotland For Scotland", summing up the fact that he was born and educated in Scotland and wants to continue to build his life north of the border. The advert also contains his web address (www.officialanashassan.com) and his Twitter page @OfficialAnasSCO.

Anas is currently registered as a pharmacist, but also has a natural flair for the media. He also takes an interest in order areas of work such as medical or science writing and is relatively open minded about how he can take his transferable skills into other areas of work. However, he is keen to take his career forward within his home country. 

He visited Glasgow on Thursday and expressed his gratitude to Scotrail on Twitter yesterday after he was able to fulfil some photo opportunities. The advertising campaign will run for the next month up until the start of March. Anas has a LinkedIn profile where details about his career to date so far are available. For press enquiries or enquiries about Anas' search for more work, please contact Anas by e-mail here.

Chris Tarrant's Final Answer

Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire

Tonight, the final ever edition of quiz show, "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?", will broadcast to the whole of the United Kingdom after over 15 years on British television. Although tonight's episode is the final edition, I was honoured to be at the live celebrity edition of the programme two months ago which, technically, was the final ever recording of the show.

Last week's episode and tonight's programme were recorded on the day before the live broadcast on the 19th December 2013. I still recall a lot of it despite it being many weeks ago. It was my fifth time in the studio audience for that particular quiz show and I look back now with deep pride and delight that I was able to spend money and time, where available, to take part in the show through that way.

Nobody can rule out a return for Millionaire in the future and even Chris Tarrant himself has made comments in recent weeks about this. But, alas, tonight will see this famous show make it's exit from our screens. The contestant line up in the show that I was at before the New Year was the best I've ever seen in action. I don't mean to be biased but Sir Alex Ferguson and Eamonn Holmes were just awesome especially. I am looking forward to tonight's line up and being the proud Scot that I am, I am looking forward, especially, to watching Sir Chris Hoy and Kevin Bridges in action.

It is of massive credit to Chris Tarrant and the whole production team at Elstree for maintaining a high quality of programme to viewers and credit is also due to Celador, 2waytraffic, Victory Television for producing the show. Also, Elstree Studios has proven to be the perfect home for the best quiz show ever produced anywhere in the world and ITV deserves much respect for allowing the show to keep going on their station for so long.

When the credits came to it's conclusion on the live Millionaire programme in December, the audience did something I have never seen before happen in a very long time. A standing ovation prevailed for Chris Tarrant across the whole of Studio 9 at Elstree Studios. We all knew how significant the occasion was back then and all of us Millionaire fans will recognise how significant tonight's programme will be. There is a special programme at 8pm next Tuesday where Mr Tarrant will take a look back at some of the best moments from the show's 15 and a half year history.

But, alas, the title of next week's programme sums up the occasion ahead of us: "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? Chris' Final Answer.". For now though, tonight is the last ever episode of the actual quiz show itself.

Thank you Chris for being a terrific host. Thank you Elstree for the memories. Thank you Millionaire for being entertaining.