The University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Studies hosted a seminar by The Times’ Peter Riddell on Tuesday 27 November providing an English perspective on recent developments in Scottish politics.

The evening was part of a series of seminars at the university on identity and governance in Britain.

Mr Riddell commented: “I’m an atypical Englishman in that I’m interested in Scottish politics.”

Mr Riddell is Chief Political Commentator and Assistant Editor at The Times newspaper, a position he has held since 1991. He has also worked for the Financial Times and is a prolific author, having written books on the political leadership of Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher, as well as the “special relationship” between the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States.

Mr Riddell was in Edinburgh to receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the university the following day as part of the winter graduation ceremonies that also saw Lord Sainsbury and Professor Ian Howard receive honorary degrees.

In a short talk followed by a question and answer session, Mr Riddell discussed some of the constitutional problems caused by the devolution settlement, as well as the attitude of political establishment in Westminster towards the Scottish Parliament.

“One of the curious aspects of devolution has been ghettoisation: the Scottish have been ignored by Westminster, and, particularly poignantly, by some Scottish MPs at Westminster.”

“What has changed is the personality of Alex Salmond…not exactly the tartan army but more the cheeky chappie.”

The event was also addressed by Joyce McMillan, chair of the Hansard Society Scotland – the Scottish counterpart of a post held by Mr Riddell in the Hansard Society (UK), and was chaired by Charlie Jeffrey of the University of Edinburgh and also of the Hansard Society Scotland.