| | Hello, As I wrote to you last week, we were digesting the contents of Kwasi Kwarteng’s “mini-budget”. Seven days later, that digestion continues. The value of the pound has recovered today… but the stock of the Truss government is, in some quarters, in free fall. 
The Scotsman’s view was that the budget will prove to be “an historic, and costly, mistake”, and that’s a view we maintain. The impact on the UK’s credibility for sound management of its finances will last for years, and be felt by us all in higher prices, poorer exchange rates and - likely - more expensive mortgages. That last point alone could leave hundreds of thousands struggling to keep a roof over their heads. But this is certainly one of those occasions when we hope we are wrong, that growth emerges from this radical change, as is hoped, and that trickle down works, for once. Certainly there was a modest glimpse of blue sky today when the Office of National Statistics corrected a previous statement that the UK economy was contracting, and said it grew - albeit very modestly - in the three months to June. 
It’s not much, and it’s nothing to do with last Friday’s announcement, but it’s some good news. I’m sure we’ll all take what we can get, while hoping for more. Our Weekend package, tomorrow, will bring a little light into your life, we hope. Strictly Come Dancing sashayed back onto our screens last week, and in tomorrow’s Magazine Motse Mabuse, perhaps the most effervescent judge on the show, talks about her love of dance. Elsewhere in the magazine, Rose Murray Brown is selecting the best new wines from around the world, Allan Massie reviews The Romantic by William Boyd, and we’ve plenty to inspire you in our travel, gardens and food columns. Finally, in sport - a brilliant 0-0 “win” for Scotland midweek, under the inspired leadership of Steve Clarke, and one that sees us promoted to the top table of European Nations football. But it’s back to the league programme this weekend, so we’ll have a full preview of all the games, including the crunch match between Hearts and Rangers at Tynecastle, to get you in the mood. Whether you catch us online or in print, we hope you find it an entertaining and useful package, and that you have a wonderful weekend. Neil McIntosh Editor, The Scotsman | |
