Scottish veterans who served in Afghanistan and the families of their fallen comrades have questioned the legacy of Britain’s two decade-long engagement in the country, with one grieving mother fearing their sacrifice has been “for nothing”.
View email online
 
 
     
   
     
  Aug 17, 2021  
     
 
Sam Shedden
 
Sam Shedden
Engagement Editor

Good morning,

As the world watches the Taliban secure power in ravaged Afghanistan, we've been speaking to those in Scotland who have been directly involved in the 20 year conflict.

Scottish veterans who served in Afghanistan and the families of their fallen comrades have questioned the legacy of Britain’s two decade-long engagement in the country, with one grieving mother fearing their sacrifice has been “for nothing”.

Janette Binnie, whose son Sean, was killed in Afghanistan in May 2009 aged just 22, said the scenes of the Taliban clawing back power had “really taken me back” and left her unable to stop “sobbing inside”.

These are their stories and I'd urge you to read their words.

Subscribe to The Scotsman for unlimited access to all our stories. 

From just £3 a month, unlock a faster website, with 70% fewer ads, and daily puzzles. 

 
     
  'Everything we’ve done has been for nothing' - Scots veterans reflect on Afghanistan chaos  
     
  Scottish veterans who served in Afghanistan and the families of their fallen comrades have questioned the legacy of Britain’s two decade-long engagement in the country, with one grieving mother fearing their sacrifice has been “for nothing”.  
     
{$escapedtitle}
     
 

'Scandalous' as SNP's £10m tenant hardship fund pays out just £500k

The Scottish Government have been accused of a “catastrophic failure” to protect tenants after it emerged just £550,000 has been paid out from a £10 million hardship fund.

In response to a Freedom of Information request, it has been revealed just 207 tenants have benefitted from the Tenant Hardship Loan Fund that was launched in December last year.

The low uptake of the scheme was labelled as having “catastrophically failed”

 

Bob Dylan accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old in 1965

Bob Dylan is being sued by a woman who claims the singer-songwriter plied her with drink and drugs then sexually abused her when she was 12 years old.

The Nobel laureate, 80, is accused of befriending the youngster, named in court documents only as JC, over a six-week period between April and May of 1965.

A representative for Dylan denied the claims, which were filed at Manhattan Supreme Court.

 

Kenny MacAskill claims SNP members ignored in deal with Greens

A former SNP MP has criticised the negotiations between Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Greens for ignoring the views of “rank and file” members as well as those of elected representatives.

Kenny MacAskill, who quit the SNP for Alex Salmond’s new Alba party earlier this year, said the decision not to involve members in the “co-operation agreement” that is being finalised could spur more of the SNP membership to switch parties.

 
     
 
Article Image
What you need to know about the Taliban, Afghanistan and what Sturgeon said about Afghan refugees in Scotland
 
The Taliban’s sweeping return to power in Afghanistan and scenes of citizens trying to flee at Kabul Airport has shaken the world – here’s what’s happening in Afghanistan and where the country is
 
     
     
 
Article Image
Best dog beds 2021: stylish, comfortable dog beds for all kinds of dogs, and every owner’s budget
 
It can be a challenge buying your dog a bed they love - we’re here to help

Promoted by The Scotsman Recommended
 
     
     
 
Article Image
Kenny MacAskill claims SNP members ignored in deal with Greens
 
A former SNP MP has criticised the negotiations between Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Greens for ignoring the views of “rank and file” members as well as those of elected representatives.
 
     
 
Article Image
'Catastrophic failure' as Scottish Government's tenant hardship fund pays out 'shockingly low' amount
 
The Scottish Government have been accused of a “catastrophic failure” to protect tenants after it emerged just £550,000 has been paid out from a £10 million hardship fund.
 
     
 
Article Image
Reasons for leaving Cambo oil beneath the sea look strong – Scotsman comment
 
The decision over whether to allow the Cambo oil field to be drilled is one that needs to be taken based on science and reason, rather than ideology.
 
     
 
Article Image
Covid Scotland: Suicide figures cannot be blamed on Covid alone, charities say
 
The number of suicides in Scotland in 2020 cannot be blamed solely on the Covid-19 pandemic, charities have warned.
 
     
     
 
 
Dave Lewis
 
Why there is no better feeling than arriving in Edinburgh for Festival Fringe - Oliver Dowden
 
There is no better feeling than arriving in Edinburgh and experiencing the buzz of the city’s Fringe Festival.
 
 
Dave Lewis
 
The Scotsman Sessions #273: Marcas Mac an Tuairneir
 
Welcome to the award-winning Scotsman Sessions. With performing arts activity curtailed, we are commissioning a series of short video performances from artists all around the country and releasing them on scotsman.com, with introductions from our critics. Here, the Edinburgh-based poet Marcas Mac an Tuairneir reads two poems from his new collection Dùileach/Elemental, in both Gaelic and English
 
 
     
     
  Dave Lewis  
     
  Gary Mackay-Steven reveals Hearts' half-time frustration as winger notes Celtic Park crowd impact  
     
  Hearts star Gary Mackay-Steven admitted the team were left “kicking” themselves at half-time of the Premier Sports Cup clash with Celtic on Sunday.  
     
     
 
Dave Lewis
 
The former Scottish football attacker looking to end Aberdeen's European dream
 
When Aberdeen square off against Qarabag on Thursday for a place in the Europa Conference League groups, there will be a former Scottish football foe lining up for the opposition in the form of ex-Hibs attacker Abdellah Zoubir.
 
 
Dave Lewis
 
Gemma Dryburgh secures AIG Women's Open spot in Panmure qualifier
 
Gemma Dryburgh shook off the disappointment of missing the cut in the Trust Golf Women’s Open to secure a spot in this week’s AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie.
 
 
Dave Lewis
 
Here is when the 2021 Tour of Britain will take place, how to watch and route
 
The 2021 Tour of Britain sees a host of the world’s best cyclists race across the United Kingdom. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the race.
 
 
     
     
   
     
     
     
   
   
   
 
You have received this email as you are opted in to newsletters from The Scotsman, published by JPIMedia Publishing Ltd.
 
 
Alternatively you can update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive from JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, or unsubscribe from all future emails.

 
 
JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 11499982, having its registered address at 9th Floor, 107 Cheapside, London, England, EC2V 6DN, United Kingdom.

We will process your personal data in accordance with our privacy policy.