Scotland: fear and Lothian on the campaign trail | Anywhere but Westminster

[@thermodynamics458]

This guy is doing some of the best journalism in the UK now. Getting a real sense of the country by talking to the people in their communities. Insightful and instructive. Top class.

[@kruzauarougfabbriw7710]

And that's what politicians should do too.

[@vitocorleone7040]

thermo dynamics I agree 👍

[@1875-b6n]

Nah man this video doesn’t represent this part of scotland very well. He went to a beach and spoke to rich british people and then the city centre where all the tourists and students stay. Hardly an insight into life in East lothian/Edinburgh, But a decent effort a guess

[@eoallan1]

18 75 to be fair a lot of it was in a scheme and in amongst the hibees food bank drive

[@kida6460]

​@@1875-b6n did you watch the same video as me?

[@tropicalr5]

Politics is far too important to leave to politicians

[@vengefulavenger1510]

Its a dirty game

[@vengefulavenger1510]

Steer well clear

[@EditsbyM]

That's a quote and a half.

[@carl7221]

The parents of teenagers know what it is to be a politician.

[@paulkielty3800]

Genius quote,great bloke.

[@bertiew6771]

A bit of dust in the eye but massive respect to those people. With their mentality, all is not lost.

[@alexharrington6459]

They're Scots..fine people!

[@EdBabb]

John, thank you for continuing this series. It really gives me hope, and has given me a better understanding of the British electorate than any other coverage over the last few years.

[@SprachLangue]

Watching this makes me realise just how lovely people can be and how screwed up politics has become in the UK. We need monumental reform to the system. Great journalism.

[@celticwarrior3354]

Yes it's called brexit

[@saddoncarrs6963]

@@celticwarrior3354 Yeah - this is all Brussel's fault. This past 10 years the tories have been hamstrung by the burden of EU bureaucracy - post brexit, they'll be able to ride to the rescue of the poor just like they've always done in the past. You wait and see.

[@TheBushdoctor68]

13:40 "Politics is far too important to leave to politicians". Well said.

[@TheBushdoctor68]

Community gardens are incredibly valuable for the community. Especially in poor and/or dilapidated areas. They bring communities back together, where they have been growing apart for decades. They're social safety nets, offering support, help or just a bit of needed empathy. It gets people talking to each other again. Community gardens are *much* more than just a place to grow veggies. Every neighborhood should have one.

[@puertodesuerte415]

Unfortunately, working class areas tend to have the fewest green spaces and often have highe pollution leading to environmental inequality so this garden scheme is quite rare

[@WhoIsaXXo3301]

Clintons are evil...i believe

[@TheBushdoctor68]

@@puertodesuerte415 I think you're right about everything, except that very last line. The issues that you mention are not necessarily obstacles for starting a community garden. Almost never is an existing green area sacrificed for that purpose. It's almost always a run down piece of land, an empty neglected plot, an illegal dumping spot etc. As far as pollution, that's just a mild challenge for a healthy garden. You'd be surprised how many there are in the UK! I just found this: "Some 200 city and school farms in the UK, as well as more than 1,000 community gardens, are supported by the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens". - And that's just the gardens connected to that Federation.

[@adrianofgold]

This series has been absolutely outstanding. The everyday people in this video are unreal and an absolute examples of what being decent people who care for their community should be. Absolute power to all who were helping their community in this video are you brilliant.

[@dopesensi]

adrian cecil they are not " unreal" - just normal people . Typical patronising Guardian types.

[@Joelinho.]

Thomas might be the best human of all time. what a sweetheart!

[@vitocorleone7040]

Awwww the guy being taken off PIP and put onto universal credit is such a cruelty, he clearly has health problems. Lovely guy

[@WhoIsaXXo3301]

Wake up

[@danielmacintyre4877]

Chris Mckean shouldn’t the system be designed to get people off benefits though? Surely if is intended to help people through hard times, until they get into the workforce?

[@ZygimantasA]

@Cowardly Custard If he didn't sign it, he'd be out on the street now starving.

[@kristinesharp6286]

He can surely volunteer and participate in the community well, but I worry about his day to day. I fear a safety net for him is gone.

[@jikamos]

Daniel Macintyre lumpen English man and what nation can provide 100% employment you silly ignorant fart!!!

[@zephariahlantino5775]

One of the best coverages of the state of the nation for the common man and probably the best thing coming out of the Guardian

[@uttaradit2]

along with steve bell cartoonist

[@dopesensi]

Great going Guardian, when the 'realist' and most honest views you publish at from normal people... Remember them Guardian journalists ?

@Cowardly Custard Reading was never your thing.

@@dopesensi Learn to spell.

[@dopesensi]

Seán O'Nilbud I won't be starting classes with your name anyway 😂

[@oj4574]

As an Edinburgh resident I loved this

[@1875-b6n]

OJ45 really?? You from central edinburgh aye?

[@oj4574]

Nah Edinburgh south.

[@DSQueenie]

Me too. It was the Edinburgh I know.

[@blairrobert3438]

That food bank at Hibs was so impressive from a community point of view but disgusting from a national one. I'll bet Tories watching that would get a lot of enjoyment from seeing people suffer.

[@tams805]

Probably eyeing up how much credit they could milk from it being part of their 'Big Society'.

[@craigcampbell4306]

They'll probably cancel everyone's benefits at the Ridge because they're capable of a wee bit of volunteer gardening.

[@deborahsutherland8324]

Blair Robert do you really think that?

[@hamishsomerville4064]

Get SNP out

[@blairrobert3438]

@@hamishsomerville4064 No chance Hamish. The people dont like souless greed which your party worships.

[@capt.lovestarii2752]

This is great grassroots journalism, the diameteric opposite to what we get on the British Brexit Corporation.

[@1875-b6n]

Its ok journalism calm down man

[@andrewrobinson2565]

This is MOVING and INSPIRATIONAL. Bloody marvellous people!

[@gaz9957]

All of us in Scotland need to vote SNP on Thursday, we can't simply hope that England doesn't vote Tory. Take charge of your own affairs, Scot!

Well done, the only ray of light in the whole shitty LibDem caused election.

[@haironhishead]

Thomas, what a guy 🤗

[@fattypark]

I make a bee line for these videos now, hope you keep producing them. Quite often sobering, but this one was uplifting at the same time showing the passion and commitment of local volunteers.

[@gintim8]

Again. Thanks so much for your hard work John & John. This programme continues to show important coverage of modern politics and society in Britain. Super!

[@shadician]

Everyone laughed at David Cameron's 'big society'. We all said it was just an excuse to cut government funding and shove the burden onto volunteer organisations, that it would never work. But that's exactly what we're seeing time and time again in these videos: when people no longer see politics as relevant, don't get the help they need, they ignore it and do their best to help themselves...unfortunately playing right into the hands of those politicians looking for any excuse to further dismantle the welfare state.

[@em-or7qc]

I feel like we're going back in time! It's like the Victorian era with people having to turn to charity to eat. It's not right!

[@eleveneleven572]

That's because Society doesn't exist. The State is impersonal, inefficient and partial. Community, people, local is what matters. Ground up not top down.

[@alistairthompson8311]

The weird thing is that this can be construed as a form of socialism in action. Most people think socialism means big government, but it actually doesn't have to. Cooperatives are another, in my opinion better, way forward. People looking out for each other on a personal level, not faceless bureaucracies deciding who should or should not be given help by the state. Libertarian socialism, friends.

[@ChrisMinusHumour]

Scotland can be a horrible, rainy place but when you see other people starving, Scottish people will always try and give what they have extra. It is lovely to see.

[@Alan_Mac]

Don't fool yourself. Scotland has turned in to a nasty, vicious, bitter little country full of hatred and division. I moved back here after 30 years in London and it was, initially, an enjoyable move. After the Nats lost the 2014 referendum their cultic supporters became embittered. I've twice been spat at on the street just for wearing a Union Flag pin on my jacket.

[@callummcgregorenthusiast5545]

Alan Mac can I ask, did you vote conservative?

[@CarmelWox11]

Callum McGregor Enthusiast He probably did. His attitude screams Tory

[@callummcgregorenthusiast5545]

Carmel Leopard complaining about hatred and division whilst voting conservative... In Scotland. Couldn't make it up

[@callummcgregorenthusiast5545]

lolage123ify Iffy you're right, and if he never I'll hold my hands up. But he gives off a Tory impression.

[@matthewmcneany]

There's only so long you can treat the symptoms of a disease whilst ignoring the cause of those symptoms.

[@puertodesuerte415]

The garden thing is a sort of metaphor for how the Tories want to run the welfare state, individualistically and highly dependent on already hard pressed 'communities'.

[@matthewmcneany]

​@Floopy Doopey Personally I don't find that my African or Asian friends feel like any less a part of my community than my White friends.

[@deborahsutherland8324]

John Nookie labour will destroy it further! You really want to live in a socialist society? Do you remember the 70’s?

[@deborahsutherland8324]

Floopy Doopey absolutely agree

[@deborahsutherland8324]

Matthew McNeany did he say mulltiracialism? No he said multiculturalism

[@TheLastAngryMan01]

It’s scandalous that one million people or more are reliant upon food banks in one of the richest countries in the world.

[@nealb182]

Uk is not rich anymore and once Brexit goes through it will be little Britain.

[@Mewan93]

Missed a trick by not visiting glasgow at the end to top up the pun power: 'Fear and Lothian in Glas Vegas'

[@Fuchsie101]

I think they're referencing the sequel "fear and loathing on the campaign trail" It followed the Nixon campaign in '72 and the campaign for the presidency back then

[@Mewan93]

@@Fuchsie101 I think you are right pal foregive my ignorance.

[@MrMmnngghh]

@Truthful Chap Nice contextual usage of "adrenochrome" (tips hat)

[@positivepumpkin3081]

@@Fuchsie101 Yeah but Glas Vegas would have sounded cooler.

[@Grazikon]

@@positivepumpkin3081 Glasvegas is awready a indie band

[@spd47]

The best one yet imo,genuinely moving, excellent journalism.

[@ShtanleyH]

13:46 Solidarity not charity, big man!

[@lummyish]

@shaun king Sneer away Shaun

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@shaun king Branleur - you'll be yawning at work I guess. (yes, I'm French now - The Great Escape)

[@ajb-64]

what's wrong with charity?

[@philjamprimate]

Best episode. And that's because you're in Scotland. England take note!

[@TheNadiabear]

just please, vote the tories out.

[@sman715]

@sillybillybadboy Not a chance in hell, Labour have yet again betrayed the working class by not honouring our Leave vote, they detest the working class and it's now very much mutual. I and the North are lost to Labour forever - Tories get my vote now.

[@deborahsutherland8324]

Nadia Bear and do not vote labour in please

[@hamishsomerville4064]

Don’t vote SNP either vote Brexit Party if your lucky enough to have a candidate two party parties will have to be a thing of the past

[@adamshepherd6310]

Great video, just shows how insane the Guardians editorial stance against independence is. If the left wing press would rather Scotland is governed by the right wing then the left wing press is broken.

[@youtubecommentor2211]

John & John, thanks so much for these vids... there's still hope!

[@Nigelannelouise]

Another excellent piece of Journalism, a true view of life outside the London bubble....

[@1875-b6n]

If you think that was excellent journalism then you are in a london bubble

[@dredits6658]

Most of our policies are made under the Scot government...

[@TrollFaeces]

Honestly my favourite series of this election, proper journalism, thank you!

[@alexmorton610]

The Scottish Parliament has suffered from billions in cuts enforced by the Tory central government. Public services close because there is no money for them all to remain operational. Rather than pointing the finger at Nicola Sturgeon we should be recognising everything the Scottish Parliament has done in trying to minimise 'austerity.' Things like free prescriptions make a huge difference to our disabled and elderly communities.

[@megagunner12345]

I'm just imagining my heart sinking if a Tory majority comes up on the exit poll in two days' time. Please get out and vote!

[@martynblackburn1977]

I can imagine my head exploding if Labour get into power after the election is over.

[@mandead]

When, not if - alas.

[@roadend78]

Iam getting scared now if the Tories get back in power ?

[@mandead]

@@roadend78 People get the governments they deserve.

[@TheMitchy93]

@@martynblackburn1977 You'll be unaffected then.

[@SorrelBigmin]

I love Scotland ❤️

[@olimkasqb4420]

Honestly this is 100% the best and most ESSENTIAL content out there. Big love keep up the good work - representing real journalism.

[@davelambert3317]

I thought the music right at the start was going to break into "The End" by the Doors. Apt. "This is the end, my beautiful friend, the end".

[@tomashize]

Top people helping their brothers and sisters.

[@JunkieMonkey321]

All these people are so sweet. Wish them the best

[@brenttwilson]

Keep making these videos, they're brilliant!

[@dillipphunbar7924]

Excellent episode.....fantastic community spirit! liked and shared

[@connorforsyth6554]

This is one of the few fair and immensely positive pieces of journalism I've seen in recent years - brilliant. 💪

[@nickowen5310]

That bit at the end is the Tory dream. Wreck the state and force people to fend for themselves. Foodbanks only go so far. Those lads on the allotment were eating just twice a week.

[@FreekinEkin2]

Yes, it's called a sharing economy and we see it rise significantly under neoliberal state practices.

[@kimwarburton8490]

Once upon a time, we didnt have government n took care of each other ourselves. Then again, we didnt have roads etc xD

[@brianmc8250]

Actually getting of your arse and actually doing something, anything to help yourself and your community is very much a Tory principle. Thats whats happening in this video. Expecting the state to provide for you, cloth, feed and house you is the Labour way. Luckily the majority of people in this country are going to vote Tory this election. Torys 43% -- Labour 32%

[@brianmc8250]

@Johannes C Torys 43% -- Labour 32%. The vast majority of Tory membership is working to middle class people who believe that you have get up in the morning, go to work and contribute to society. Not lay in bed all day while the state has to cloth, feed and house you. Torys 43% -- Labour 32%. Torys 43% -- Labour 32%. Torys 43% -- Labour 32%. Torys 43% -- Labour 32%.

[@Glasgow_kiss]

@Brian Mc, most people on the breadline are working families. they don't just lay in bed all day.

[@HonestSonics]

Cheers John, as always

[@regista4]

Very strange and bittersweet feeling watching this. On the one hand, it's really heartbreaking seeing so many people just abandoned by the state and left to fend for themselves, but on the other it's hard not to feel uplifted and take a very romantic view of seeing people pull together like that in the face of adversity. The scary thing is I think many Tories would watch this and feel vindicated that the state has stopped "intervening" (as they would put it) and people have learned to adapt as a result.

[@5ab14]

This show makes me sad

[@TheDarq0n]

It's real life for many many people! Stop being sad, go out and do something!

[@jankench9622]

@@TheDarq0n well said, for those of us who are fit and well go out there and support the ones who are not, we can't leave it to the politicians, they mostly don't care anyway. I spend along with many other friends 30 to 40 hours a week helping and supporting for no money or thanks - and because there is no help and because the system makes things worse. No time therefore to be sad!

[@yaxl]

It is quite inspiring actually, compared to the England episodes.

[@MrWARRIORMONKS]

Yeah, reminds me why I'll be staying in Germany in the future. Bit shitty here too in different ways, but at least it has some kind of future to have children in. UK will be behind Poland in terms of living standards within 10 years. I do miss the history and culture of the UK though.

[@brettmeikle]

This has been quite a journey in the company of John Harris and his wee crew. He does the kind of journalism that gives hope where really there isn't much. And the Scottish people - refreshing to see and hear positivity, humour and intellegent opinion instead of the alarming and bigoted rancour bandied about by too many on the southern episodes of this series. I fear for my country; I've invoked my dual citizenship but even from Tasmania it hurts.

[@Ceri07]

This is probably the only episode that has- in the end- made me feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe it's time to go to Scotland?

[@wangdangdoodie]

There has never been a time that would ever make me want to visit Scotland. Grim.

[@Ceri07]

@@wangdangdoodie England is looking A LOT grimmer right now. Just watch some of the episodes of 'Anywhere but Westminster'. English towns are dead.

[@dannymcintyre3819]

Did you? If you come to live in our country, please ensure you do not block our independence at the vote please.

[@308473mb]

Truly inspirational stuff.

[@raresmircea]

Thomas was a joy to see

[@Scot-Tube]

Fun fact: The Tories haven't won in Scotland since the 1950's. Come on England :D

[@davidbrown817]

Too true

[@em-or7qc]

Its not all of us! Im in Lancashire. My constituency has been a safe labour seat since its creation.

[@Scot-Tube]

@@em-or7qc Lancashire knows the score

[@em-or7qc]

@@Scot-Tube 🙂

[@bazmc1153]

I don't trust any of them. One side accused of antisemitism and the other islamophobic, it's the same in America with the Democrats and Republicans.

[@contigo121]

So great to see the spirit of solidarity and community live and kicking in Scotland. Alas this spirit seems hardly to exist the further south into England one goes.

[@johnnicolson467]

Makes you proud to be Scottish and soon to be independent.

[@hermanexx]

Thankyou for making these short films. All is not lost.

[@simonlandau4065]

Loved this series, utterly superb

[@TheDarq0n]

Thank you for this!

[@Roz390]

This is such a great series

[@uttaradit2]

good work john and the team

[@Scot-Tube]

Helping Hands Edinburgh is amazing

[@peteradaniel]

All these vox pops do is remind me that we're living in Thatcher's country.

[@martinbhoy]

Thatcherism is a disease!

[@BossySwan]

Thatcher was our greatest PM, no further debate required.

[@peteradaniel]

Twiglet must be nice being a southern elite who thinks that. Keep dreaming.

[@BossySwan]

Cowardly Custard Wrong. You are deluded

[@ttbr7687]

Poor lad Thomas, what kind of society are we if we can't help blokes like Thomas live a good quality life.

[@fishernz]

Great report and great ideas from people of East Lothian. I just hope the Tories don't crush the spirit here.

[@DidntKnowWhatToPut1]

The work John Harris is doing is by far my favorite thing to come out of this period of political terminal

[@H-Zazoo]

I think you mean turmoil. A terminal is the thing you are typing on. I used to agree with you, but now John is starting it be a bit same ol' same ol'. His 'insights' are starting to be the same wherever he goes, which I suppose is his shtick. Having said that considering he is with the Guardian he is still pretty good. Interesting to see what his stuff will be a couple of weeks from now.

[@regista4]

Brilliant as always John and John, please never stop making these films and doing vox pops!

[@JoeTurner141]

Yessss Gracie, big upp! :D

[@bobbyj8044]

"if boris wins im goin to Australia" ha we elected our own boris here- also in a landslide.

[@doverandover61]

Lovely people , lovely dogs I want to live in Scotland!

[@Christinebanks11]

3 years later , STILL WANT FO LIVE IN SCOTLAND? 😆

[@doverandover61]

@@Christinebanks11 Yep why not ;-)

[@diegooriani]

Great series.

[@bojkowski]

4:50 - Jeez. Don't come to Australia. Have you seen Scott Morrison and his mates?

[@celticwarrior3354]

Yes he is doing a great job 👌

[@isoaqua5825]

So stupid ... Labour are consistently talking about community's in Scotland that need funding... I swear these people just read the sun. And mail.

[@robertkey7871]

Best hurry thomas if you miss the train you wont be eating for a few weeks.

[@aliens7719]

The guy in the truck towards the end of the video says it all, Solidarity not charity that’s what missing in the U.K. now.

[@scottmcneil1150]

I get a lot out of watching this series. Agree with most of the comments commending it. Mixed feelings of the tragedy that the last 10 years under Tories have brought to Scotland England and Wales, but also of the hope. the Ridge community gardens were really impressive and I give my respect to Helping Hands organisation. I've rebuilt my life after losing my job, and my home in Tory Britain. 50 years have taught me it is always them against us.

[@charliedenton6587]

One day, someone should make a collage of peoples' facial expressions as they react to John asking them about the election.

[@JosephStealin]

Looks like she’s moving to Australia 🤣😂

[@MrDanielfff777]

I wonder if she went

[@Musika1321]

SNP need to secure a second referendum. Scotland has so much potential. Amazing how The Guardian found so many to say they can't stand Nicola Sturgeon ...when the vast majority have voted in the SNP year on year on year...

[@robodinosaurs]

Thomas for PM, what a lovely guy.

[@ineedmoney121]

my heart was broken, my heart was broken, sorrow, sorrow, sorrow sorrow.

[@jackfr10]

It's amazing what people can achieve but it's very sad that it's come to this. It shouldn't have to be like this.

[@b0sH]

As much as I despise the current Tory monster, the Labour party will need to take a massive share of the blame by not choosing an electable candidate themselves. The likes of a Tom Watson would have murdered Boris in this campaign, if Corbyn can't muster a challenge to a Tory party this weak he has literally no hope of succeding ever and that writing's been on the wall for a while now.

[@shaun64vet]

This can be traced back to Labour choosing the wrong Milliband brother to lead.

[@b0sH]

@@shaun64vet You are 100% right. If Labour dont now acknowledge that and aim to right the wrong, they're dead as a political force for decades.

[@fungibu7184]

Scotland seems to be in a way better state of mind than England. As usual!

[@CarmelWox11]

Fungi Bu Indeed, they’re not as stupid as the Tory voting English people. Scots aren’t as easy to con as the English.

[@tomalapevides]

@@CarmelWox11 I wouldn't use the word stupid... But I'm certain in Scotland they don't read the Sun/Mail in the same numbers, which most likely explains it

[@natenae8635]

Carmel Leopard So its a superiority complex then

[@fungibu7184]

@@natenae8635 Nope... Just the reality of life my friend.

[@sigjudge]

This is a great piece. I see if a little differently from some other commenters. I’m 100% behind the organiser. We don’t need government getting so involved when we have community... Let whoever gets in, get on with running the country and not our lives. When it comes to the crunch we rebuild community and that will get us through and help us build better futures.

[@pjmoseley243]

This is amazing

[@puertodesuerte415]

The Tories have done a good job of turning this election campaign into a personality contest when what really affects people is policy, which the Tories know they'd lose on

[@rainblaze.]

solidarity not charity big man..... 🙅🙋🖖🖒🖒

[@rmleighton1]

Great Show.

[@purplerings1969]

In Boris we trust! If your an elite.

[@celticwarrior3354]

No just a patriot 👌

[@AlwaysAC]

Celtic Warrior33 patriot to a nation that won’t exist in 10 years thanks to boris

[@glennreviews5171]

It is very important that we all vote tactical to keep the Tories out. These are not even normal Tories. SNP are not perfect but a long stretch but in this election they are the best source. Let's get the Tories beat and save the whole UK, but if the UK is beyond savings let us reserve the right to save ourselves.

[@Plumduff3303]

Brilliant journalism..thank you

[@scottishalwaysdixie1638]

Free Scotland 🥂S

[@Pobotrol]

Great to see David Cameron's Big Society finally come to fruition.

[@allisonsteenson3035]

Granton here. This place and its people deserves so much better than what the Tory have done to it.

[@brinjoness3386]

Thomas needs to run for PM.

[@carl7221]

The government can not solve all problems. I don't think there is an issue with communities helping out. This is how it used to be in the past, people didn't expect hand outs from the government they helped each other. The issue appears to be more that communities have been broken down, and this leads back to the failure of the family as a model for the foundation of a strong supportive society. More and more kids are being brought up in single parent families as the idea of marriage and the family is attacked as inadequate and the idea of responsibility supplanted by reliance on the state. As long as this idea pervades, things will get worse. We need to get back to the idea that everything should start with the family, people should be encouraged to take responsibility and fight for that idea, instead of belittling and, in some cases, looking to destroy it.

[@JordanjamesX]

I am Canadian and I like the Guardian talking to real people about Brexit. I like how the documentary talking to working class British people.

[@wangdangdoodie]

Take it with a huge pinch of salt. Being The Guardian, the interviewees will have been carefully selected for nefarious reasons..

[@shaununderwood6048]

thankyou , this vid has helped lift the gloom I feel at the prospect of five more years of tory misrule , I got inspired by how when faced with an uncaring govt hellbent on wrecking peoples lives that ordinary folk say we don't need you we can govern ourselves and meet our needs without praying for a few crumbs that fall from your banquets as our kids starve , our govt will continue to look after the few and rob the many so im glad that folk are now taking control of their lives to lessen the damage these tory pirates are doing

[@sastrugi4471]

It’s not change, it’s adaption.

[@landlord5552]

1:25 WELCOME TO ÅLAND (Finland) GIRL!!!

[@user-Seb8969]

Looks like a beautiful place with beautiful people, and i'm not even british. P.s. Before someone is going to write, STAY WHERE YOU ARE, i'm not going to move there. Cheers and Marry Christmas folks.

[@compendioussuccient6784]

The Tories were right; remove the state and the people become self sufficient, quicker and more effectively