As the editor of a newspaper with a real focus on politics, I am well aware that often the information communicated to our readers can be, er, depressing. So I really welcome any opportunity to bring some good news to our subscribers.
Today I am pretty buzzing to tell you all that we have some new columnists coming on board – and they're both fantastic.
Our beloved contributor Assa Samake Roman is going on maternity leave, and so she's going to be taking a break as she welcomes her new baby into the world. I'm sure everyone will join me in sending their well wishes to Assa and her beautiful family, even though we will miss her wonderful writing and commentary in the mean time.
While Assa is away, we can look forward to more thoughtful and incisive articles from our new columnists. Alison Phipps, Unesco Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts at the University of Glasgow, will be well known already to readers of The National. She has been contributing frequently for many years on subjects including Palestine, refugees and immigration, and Scottish heritage and culture. Now, she will be one of our regular columnists, kicking off next Wednesday in print and online. After that, you will be able to read Alison's work every two weeks.
Alison said: "I’ve been writing for The National as a guest since 2015 and have loved the experience, not least now under Laura Webster's courageous and creative editorship.
"She has understood internationalism and the vital importance on the diversity of New Scots and Old and so as a middle-aged Scot, Unesco chair and academic I’m really looking forward to writing more regularly as a columnist for this important news outlet.
"At this moment in time Scotland needs clear, diverse perspectives, depth and understanding of local and international issues, confidence in its arguments and positions for social and cultural justice and a space to keep courage and hope alive for those who are serially abused, marginalised and face profound violence and discrimination.
"All of this seriousness but also a lightness of touch and a celebration of the good. As chair of News Scots Integration Strategy and in my work as Unesco chair for Refugee Integration through Education, Languages and Arts I travel locally and internationally to see the best of what people can do when they are kind, generous, brave and hospitable. I’ll be bringing stories of this work and perspectives on the news as the column develops."
The following week, we will be welcoming Kaukab Stewart into The National family. A former teacher who served as an MSP from 2021 and 2026, and was in the key role of equalities minister for two years, is going to be one of our core columnists on alternating weeks. Kaukab is passionate about issues around equality, and I'm sure will bring expert knowledge to articles on this subject.
Kaukab commented: "I'm absolutely delighted at the opportunity to contribute as a columnist for The National.
"I hope that my experiences can offer perspectives and opinions that can add to and move debates on in a constructive way. I'm looking forward to commentating in my own voice and joining the amazing range of columnists at The National – it's both daunting and exciting at the same time."
Welcome to Kaukab and Alison! We are really looking forwards to your contributions.
