Kingsmills

I am not a Nationalist either. Boris Johnston, Bill Cash, Jacob Rees- Mogg and their ilk are Nationalists. I am, by contrast, merely someone who believes that Scotland should be a normal, democratic, independent country pooling sovereignty with other nations where appropriate. I have held this view for the best part of half a century when it was perhaps regarded as a marginal and rather quaint notion. Now, as times have evolved, it appears the majority and mainstream view, particularly among the younger generation. As far as the levels are concerned. The Scottish government were advised that the 3 tiers put in place were not going to offer sufficient flexibility to cope with a likely rapidly changing picture so, instead, adopted a system of 5 levels which has, thus far, stood the test. In contrast, England have had to introduce a tier 4, broadly similar, although not identical, to our level 4. As far as the FACTS campaign is concerned, it has not been withdrawn in it the clearest possible acronym and is well understood. The UK Government now pay for their hands, face, space message which FACTS predates by some time, to be broadcast in the devolved nations too. The latter, of course, omits 2 vital elements of the advice which me, in part at least account for why so relatively few people self isolate when required to do so.

Leaving Dumfries and Galloway for now and returning to the Highlands, I fear that some in the area, like Aberdeenshire a few weeks ago became complacent after so many months of following restrictions, and decided, with a relatively low prevalence locally, to take more risks and take a more casual approach. With this virus, and particularly with this seemingly more virulent strain, that is a recipe for disaster and what can seem to be a situation under control can, within a week or so, rapidly escalate out of control. We all need.to keep doing what most of us have been doing since March and by the Summer, with the vast majority of the most vulnerable vaccinated, we can all return to something much closer to normal with as few more families as possible suffering the heartbreak of bereavement or individuals suffering debilitating illness. The rules are tedious and restrictive but they are not difficult to follow or understand and they are in place for a reason

A point deservedly rescued in the end and it could have, and maybe should have, been more. In a truncated season, we remain only one or two defeats from becoming detached from the battle for promotion. Here's hoping that 2021 brings greater joy on the football pitch as well as on the health and welfare front.

Only if they had somehow dragged the town 20 miles south.

In correcting their first abject 'apology' Queen of the South seem to have forgotten which country they are in by, more than once, referring to Dumfries and Galloway moving from 'Tier1' to Tier4' between the time George Galloway and his family were invited to their actual attendance. The last time I checked, Dumfries was on the Scottish side of the border so, like the rest of mainland Scotland, is in Level 4. Tiers are only applicable in England. If you are going to try to apologise, however insincerity, try to get the basic terminology right.

I can't imagine us taking in anymore unless Celtic sell Ryan Christie.

It might have been me 😁

I, for one, don't blame Yogi for taking the opportunity to try to revive his career in Dingwall. I also give him credit for overseeing the greatest times in our history and, in particular, one fantastic day out at Hampden in May 2015. However, I won't overlook the fact that he also oversaw the start of our slide and deliberately picked a public fight with the board but only after signing a lucrative new contract. In my view, the ICT report card for Mr Hughes remains a decidedly mixed one.

A hypothetical question which is destined to stay that way, thank goodness. I don't see us ever going 'bust' we could perhaps have to enter administration if the situation got bad enough, we might have to revert to part time football but I am confident that, one way or another, the club would survive.

What a pity there will ge no fans present. A visit to the proper Victoria Park would have been a great day out. It may have changed over the years (decades) but I seem to remember that they had a pretty decent playing surface.

Not the easiest of men but a very fine football coach who, after being sacked by Dundee, moved the couple of hundred yards to Tannadice to turn unheralded Dundee United into a genuine force in European football unbeaten in six competitive matches against Barcelona apart his other remarkable achievements. Scottish football is unlikely ever to see his like again.

A very good and community minded act from the club who also did so much positive work during the original lockdown. This has been a difficult year for most and an absolutely dreadful year for some. However, there have been many positives too so a very merry Chritmas to the entire ICT family and a prosperous, happy and, above all, healthy 2021 to everyone.

and, quite rightly, neither would tell you the agreed figure but it will be a very healthy six figure sum which will help tide us over during these extremely difficult times and might even release a little cash to strengthen during the January window.

Yip. Looks like I got it wrong yet again.😁 Regular listeners will not be surprised to learn that I think that I believe that County have made a mistake in appointing Yogi. He has a decent record after inheriting decent teams but is not the man to arrest a decline as ourselves, Harltlepool, Hibs and Raith can all bear witness too. Look forward to a very divided dressing room in Dingwall within weeks.

Very strong suggestions now that Derek Adams will be returning yet again. Notwithstanding yesterday's setback, it would be a delight to witness his seething yet again should he be appointed and we swap divisions with County after a play off win against them.

On reflection, it's only football. This virulent new strain of Covid puts things into perspective. Stay safe everyone.

So disappointing. If we can't get anything from a game against Alloa even after taking an early lead, what chance do we have of promotion ?

A welcome boost from today's announcement from the Scottish government of £55,000,000 of funding for sport to help ease the losses suffered as a result of the pandemic. It seems that £10,000,000 will be available in grants for professional football below Premiership level. I am guessing that that could mean in the region of £250,000 a piece for Championshio clubs. That could just about be enough to keep us going and competing until the end of the season. Perhaps somewhat overdue but good news nonetheless.

Absolutely agree. Every revenue stream needs to be investigated right now just to keep us afloat. If true, an initiative which, even if it was not successful, deserves to be applauded.

I absolutely agree which is why I would prefer to see him concentrating on performing those wonderful skills that he has the good fortune to possess rather than playing to the gallery with his unnecessary and unproductive show boating.

Crowd pleasers are all very well but we can't afford that luxury just now. The lad clearly has talent, cutting out the show boating will benefit both him and us for as long as he is pulling on our shirt.

I can add little to what has been said. A great performance from a largely young and inexperienced squad. For those that were grumbling about Robbo after the Betrfed Cup and losses to Hearts and The Pars, just who else could do better with the resources at his disposal ? Robbo took us up to the top division once before and is well placed to do so again. After watching that display, it could even well be this season.

Very pleased for David Raven to see his current club Marine from the 8th tier of English football draw Tottenham in the third round of the FA Cup. A well deserved, and probably last, appearance in the limelight at the end of the career of the scouser who served us so well and so loyally over many seasons.

Looks like County have taken our mantle of taking the scalps of Celtic managers. Through slightly gritted teeth, well done to our fellow Highlanders.

Odd that Scotty should mention both George Best and Diego Maradona. By far, the two best players that I have ever been privileged to watch live. Flawed geniuses for sure but exquisitely talented footballers nevertheless. Messi and Ronaldo have been, without doubt, the greatest players of this century so far but neither could match Maradona at the height of his abilities.