You Don't Get It Mr Gray!

We've heard it all before, a string of so-called 'promises' or 'pledges'. A grand 'to do' list to be delivered if Scottish Labour comes to power in Edinburgh.

But maybe you missed the key-note speech delivered by Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray? Hardly surprising. His speech at the party's Scottish conference in Oban was completely overshadowed by the "ginger rodent" jibe fired by Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman at Lib Dem Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

A media frenzy followed, as did a swift apology from Ms Harman. Much more entertaining and noteworthy as far as the rest of the UK is concerned.

Perhaps it was just as well. If anyone outside of the venue had bothered to take note of what Mr Gray had to say, they would have heard the same old and worn-out tactic.

Bash the SNP. Hit them at every opportunity. Belittle everything they've done in the past, are doing now, or will do in the future. Just for the sake of it.

Make sure, too, there's always a hint somewhere anyone supporting, or even contemplating the idea of Scottish independence is in need of some mild psychiatric counselling at the very least.

The poor so-and-so. Not quite the full shilling. Lost a marble or two. More to be pitied.

And promise the people the world without telling them how you're going to pay for it all.

You don't get it Mr Gray. We've heard it all before. And we're sick of it. It's time for some grown-up politics.

Scotland - Some Facts

I'm not one for huge numbers because, let's face it, they're really hard to visualise. I instinctively know what a hundred pencils looks like, even although I've never seen a hundred pencils all in one place.

When it comes to millions, well, I'm way out of my depth. The word billions just freezes the old grey matter and some kind of curtain of mist descends in front of my eyes. The numbers become meaningless.

I'm sure it's the same with you. But politicians? They're a totally different species of human being. They seem to revel in such numbers, using them to back this or that political point.

I am sure they, too, can't really visualise £2.6 billion, for example. But what they're skilled at is manipulation, using one set of mind-numbing figures to batter the opposition with, or to convince us they have the real handle on the economy, or whatever.

A fact or two...

Now don't switch off, although I wouldn't blame you if you did! By the way, many thanks to the General Register Office for Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, Scottish Development International, the British Council and others for the information.

Bagpipes and kilts and incredible scenery, all symbols
of Scotland. Photo: elainemac

Did you know Scotland's population reached the five million mark only in the 1950s? I didn't either. Scotland's population first hit the 2 million mark in 1821. In 1861 it was 3,062,294; and in 1891, 4,025,647. But it wasn't until 1951 that it reached over 5 million for the first time.

Scotland's population is 5,194,000 (according to the latest estimate in June 2009), an increase of some 25,000 over the previous year. The figure is the highest for 30 years. Scotland's population reached a recent low in 2002 of 5,054,800.

Let's take a look at Scotland's cities. And, yes, we don't have that many. Officially, Scotland has six cities; Glasgow (population 577,980), Edinburgh (446,110), Aberdeen (179,950), Dundee (141,930), Inverness (42,400), and Stirling (33,060).

Most Scots regard Perth as a 'city' but in actual fact it has no such official recognition. Other 'aspiring' cities include Ayr, Brechin and Paisley.

Scotland's industries

Is it surprising, given Scotland's scenery and history, tourism accounts for something like nine out of every 100 jobs? The actual figure is around 200,000 jobs and the sector is worth nearly £5 billion to the Scottish economy. There are an incredible 27,000 tourism businesses in Scotland.

Banks, these days, are hardly the flavour of the month. Yet 150,000 people are employed directly and indirectly in the financial services industry which brings in around £7 billion every year into the Scottish economy. However, I'm sure that figure will be reduced in forthcoming statistical offerings given the present financial climate.

Think of Scotland and whisky and Aberdeen Angus beef and Scottish lamb all spring to mind. The food and drink industry, which includes Scottish farming and fishing, is another big earner, with some 1,500 companies employing a total of 250,000 people. More than £7.5 billion is generated by this sector every year. Whisky exports alone amount to £3 billion annually.

Electronics is another major sector in Scotland employing in the region of 55,000 people. Education provides employment for 85,000, both directly and indirectly, while the aerospace industry generates over £2 billion and employs over 30,000 people.

More than £3 billion is generated by a chemical industry every year which employs over 13,000 people while life sciences generates a further £3 billion, employing around 30,000 people. The textile industry employs more than 20,000 and Scotland's 300 contact centres employ a further 60,000 people.

And finally...

Scotland covers an area of around 30,000 square miles. The coastline measures a little over 7,300 miles. The highest mountain is Ben Nevis, near Fort William, with a height of just over 4,400 feet. The River Tay is Scotland's longest river, running for some 120 miles.