Closer

We’ve been a working on a special project which goes to press today. It’s our new journal Closer which will be launched at The After Party on Sat 21 Sept  at the Bongo Club, Edinburgh.

It’s a limited edition newspaper format with some of the best commentary around as we mark the milestone of ‘one year to go’.

The writers were invited to respond to the challenge of imagining a new Scottish democracy. What changes will help transform Scottish society when we get the powers to control our own affairs? How can we get closer to democracy, closer to land, closer to nature, closer to a way of living that isn’t so distorted by the economics of exploitation? It’s an amazing snapshot of hope, potential and vision.

Isobel Lindsay asks what would a demilitarised Scotland look and feel like? Lucy Conway explores the Eigg electricity model writ large across Scotland. José M. Ramos examines how new peer to peer practices are shaping a new politics.
Andy Wightman looks at how we can extend the idea of self-determination down to a local level.
Fraser Macdonald questions ideas about wildness and wilderness. Dougald Hine on how DIY and hacker culture can help a new country when state and market have failed. Lesley Riddoch on what Scotland needs to flourish …
Kevin Williamson on why we need a new digital democracy. Douglas Stuart Wilson on ‘maximum cultural diversity’. Robin McAlpine on moving away from an economy based on low income low skilled jobs. Cat Boyd on union laws and social justice. Elaine Morrison on an alternative to polluting rip-off energy systems that are staring us in the face. Iain Mackinnon on language, culture(s) and ‘large scale solidarity’.

We have 100 copies set aside for people who can’t make the launch but want to order a copy. It’s £5.00 including p&p anywhere in the UK. Go here to donate and we’ll post you out your copy.

Special thanks got to Pat at Product magazine for proofing and editing assistance and Kieran McCann for very lovely design ideas and patience and to Momus for allowing us to use his image for the cover.

 

Comments (28)

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  1. I will make the march,with help from my wife pushing me (around as usual) got a new wheelchair so keeping it for the march to “christen it”.I cant make any of the “parties” but hope it all goes well,at them,if you notice me say hello please,I can be a bit shy.Here’s hoping we get some publicity this time.

  2. Grasshopper says:

    Oh I’d like to read that! I’ll be at the march, but not the After Party. Donation coming right now, thank you.

  3. I’ll get my order in shortly. I’m just waiting for a PayPal payment coming in. It sounds a fascinating read!

  4. wanvote says:

    Order going in now. Can’t miss what looks like an un-missable read. I’m not likely to make the party but hopeful about getting to the rally.

  5. Murray McCallum says:

    Interested to hear about scaling up the Eigg community power generation model to other areas. This really could contribute to a wide range of issues – from energy security to regenerating rural areas, let alone sustainable energy.

    1. bellacaledonia says:

      Yeah Murray its a pretty amazing story – the core idea – beyond the technical – is reconsidering energy demand as a collective responsibility not a private ‘need’ and as a public service not a private utility.

      1. cjenscook says:

        Scaling up requires a 21st century legal framework, and instruments for financing development and funding operation. Interestingly, these are to be found in updating those which pre-date modern capitalism, and indeed, by about a decade, Scotland itself.

  6. Perfidy Prober says:

    Eager to read a journal with positive ideas and enthusiasm in contrast to the depressing lies and rubbish coming out of the No campaign.

    1. bellacaledonia says:

      This is for you. : )

  7. Juteman says:

    This sounds pretty good, but £5?
    We need thousands of these printed off, and left in pubs and cafes all over Scotland.
    Why not try crowdsurfing something like this?

    1. bellacaledonia says:

      You think £5 is expensive for a 32 page full colour journal posted anywhere in the UK?

    2. bellacaledonia says:

      It’s not Metro

  8. Juteman says:

    I didn’t intend any criticism of the journal. It will probably be worth every penny, but who will buy it, apart from the already motivated?
    It needs to be read in pubs and cafes by folk that NEED to read it.

    1. bellacaledonia says:

      Agreed and if and when we have the resources we’ll publish more. We’ll also be publishing it online. If I had a magic wand I’d publish 100,000 copies.

    2. bellacaledonia says:

      I think in terms of the ‘already motivated’ – we’d hope that the approach – which is drawing on a much wider pool of people and a much deeper pool of ideas will have an appeal beyond the already-committed.

  9. wanvote says:

    I really love the image of Scotland in reflection. Every time I see it I spot something new in it. Can’t wait to read it !

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  13. Webcraft says:

    Are copies still available?

    1. bellacaledonia says:

      Very limited numbers yes. I’ll put up a notice when they’re all gone. We are considering a re-print.

  14. jason gall says:

    lol….so closer…….not….aye

  15. Are there any copies still available? And would it be possible to collect one rather than post? I am doing research on the new wave of independence focused ‘alternative’ Scottish media and it would be very useful if I could get my hands on a copy this week.

    1. bellacaledonia says:

      Hard copies all sold out. Send me an email and I’ll send you a PDF? I’m at [email protected]

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