Sceptical Scot

David Gow Memorial Archive

David Gow Memorial Archive

Writing, tributes and reflections from David Gow’s Sceptical Scot archive.

David Gow was co-founder and co-editor of Sceptical Scot from March 2015 to October 2025. This page gathers David Gow’s work for Sceptical Scot, alongside tributes and reflections published in his memory. Over time it can also expand to include selected work from beyond the site.

Featured from the archive

A different David Gow article is highlighted each day.

Culture

A very Scottish spy

May 16, 2020

'His life-story has contemporary resonances, with the resurgence of the far right and what the French call fascisant mentality along with nativist protectionism in response to both pandemic and economic collapse. From his school days, Cairncross was a firm believer in (Scottish) Enlightenment values; he remained an exemplar of Davie's Democratic Intellect.'

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David Gow on Sceptical Scot

A running archive of David’s published work on the site.

  • Build, baby, build

    The Scottish Parliament has just passed a new housing bill that, inter alia, removes the council tax cap on second homes but we need a much more consequential approach to solve the housing polycrisis. Read article

  • Make Europe Great Again

    Ultra-conservative central European thinkers among others are joining forces with MAGA protagonists to work for the break-up of the EU as we know it Read article

  • A coalition willing and delivering change

    “That’s why – in the middle of tectonic turbulence geopolitically – a progressive coalition that can see off Reform with or without the shrunken Conservatives in its pockets would be the most desirable outcome of Holyrood 2026. A coalition of the ready, willing and able set on initiating reforms that will usher in transformative change… Read article

  • We’re allowing the Far Right to set the pace

    The rise of remigration rhetoric in Europe, notably from figures like Alice Weidel, echoes past atrocities, while mainstream political discourse adopts increasingly extremist views. A surge in racism and antisemitism is reported, reflecting broader societal unrest. The liberal left struggles to counter these trends, facing challenges in forming effective coalitions against the far-right’s rising influence. Read article

  • Paying the price for net zero

    European nations are retreating from climate commitments, exacerbated by rising costs and societal resistance. The new UK government and Scotland have reduced climate targets amid challenges posed by defense spending and economic demands. Both the UK and Europe face crucial decisions about investing significantly in a green transition, requiring a comprehensive strategy beyond current proposals,… Read article

  • A new way to govern Scotland: co-opposition

    Labour and Plaid Cymru ran Wales pretty successfully for three years (2021-24) without a formal coalition. Could Swinney and Sarwar take a leaf out of the same boat? Read article

  • Welcome to a dark future under Trump 2.0

    Donald Trump said in his White House meeting with Joe Biden “it’s a nice world today” but the incoming 47th US President will preside over a dark world he blackens daily Read article

  • Eurosclerosis makes an unwelcome return

    “Mario Draghi, former central banker turned technocratic premier, is warning the EU of a “slow agony” if it fails to invest in modernisation and catching-up on the US and China. That is no exaggeration. It means renewing its political class and leadership to one that focuses on delivery, not radical surgery. Nor doom and gloom.” Read article

  • An alarming Alternative for Germany

    “There is renewed talk, too, of “Ossifikation” or reasserting a specific east German identity rather than adopting a pan-German One after 34 years of unification. All of these factors but, most notably, xenophobia – the Ausländerfeindlichkeit I reported on from east Germany in the early 1990s and the emergence of a small but ultra-violent neo-Nazi… Read article

  • Is Scotland heading for an early election?

    The parlous state of UK public finances and spillover impact of the October 30 Budget could mean Holyrood refuses to pass next year’s Scottish Budget, triggering the government’s resignation Read article

  • Political posturing over child poverty

    Over 4m British children live in relative poverty and they are four times more likely to suffer mental health issues than better-off kids. Ending the two-child benefit cap is just one remedy. Read article

  • Blowing up the transatlantic bridge

    The imminent advent of a Trump 2.0 presidency is concentrating the mind of Europeans as they confront more tumultuous instability at home and abroad. More Europe is, with all its attendant risks, the only preferred option Read article

Tributes and reflections

Articles written in tribute to David Gow and his editorial legacy.