For two weeks now there have been massive demonstrations in Iran, not only in Tehran but also in a huge number of provincial towns and cities. It took until a few days ago for the BBC to report, with film, the insurrection that is under way in Iran. John Swinney has not sent a message of support, to try to show that he is a world leader. An estimate by Scottish Joint Council for Local Government Employees shows this would increase the annual cost of just three services, pupil support, care homes and home care by £7.41 million. But at a time when many Scots struggle to pay rent, energy costs etc, who would think this sensible?

Source: The Herald January 12, 2026 07:00 UTC