Peter Ranson

I asked the First Minister for an assurance that conservation-accredited registered engineers with the right expertise would be brought in to assess the remaining elevation to Gordon Street for any possibility of its preservation or careful dismantling for future reinstatement. I also contacted Glasgow City Council’s Head of Building Control on Monday to introduce a conservation-accredited engineer and architect who have offered their support to assess the remaining structure, but we have yet to receive any response. It is therefore disappointing that Glasgow City Council, who have no in-house conservation-accredited engineers, have condemned this listed building to a full demolition within a matter of hours of the site being handed over, without first undertaking this prudent step, which has been the subject of a long-running campaign for reform in the Scottish Parliament. Like at the Ayr Station Hotel, elements of this iconic listed building which could be preserved may now be destroyed unnecessarily. I hope that Glasgow City Council will at least laser scan the surviving elevation to enable a faithful reinstatement and undertake a careful hand demolition process that can 'flat pack' as much of the surviving structure as possible if a retaining scaffolding cannot be erected to all or part of the façade.

❓ Did your MP attend yesterday's National Emergency Briefing for MPs? Find out here: nebriefing.org 📧 If not, write to them and ask why not: voteclimate.uk/find_your_cons… ✅ And sign up to VoteClimate to show them climate comes first in elections: VoteClimate.uk/register

“We need a peace, but not a pause that provides Russia a chance to retreat and regroup,” the Kyiv-based human rights lawyer said. A durable settlement must include Nato-like guarantees for Ukraine, she added. theguardian.com/world/2025/nov…

“The reality and scale of the crisis means that small steps forward aren’t going to be enough. The world needs to start taking giant leaps to cut emissions, fast. … the consequences will be terrifying if words aren’t turned into action soon.” theguardian.com/environment/20…

Banks are making record profits while our bills go up! 😡 We need to tax bank profits and fund our NHS & schools. Sign the petition and tell Rachel Reeves to #TaxtheBanks you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/taxt… via @38degrees

“The changes in the energy system would be so significant from tripling renewables, doubling efficiency, reducing methane, that they would actually trigger the transition away from fossil fuels.” theguardian.com/environment/20…

“That (the forecast 2.6C temperature rise) all means the end of agriculture in the UK and across Europe, drought and monsoon failure in Asia and Africa, lethal heat and humidity,” theguardian.com/environment/20…

“We talk about “funding” as if it’s a favour. It’s not. It’s investment in imagination, in shared experience and in our national story. We invest in trains, hospitals, and clean water because we know they’re essential. Art is essential “ theguardian.com/artanddesign/2…

Big polluters caused the climate crisis—why should we pay for the impacts while they continue to profit? Join me and add your name to this @friends_earth petition, demand big polluters and the super-rich pay their fair share for a greener future🌍👇 action.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/deman…

“With emissions still high, the voluntary pledge is clearly not enough to keep us from passing the fast-approaching tipping points” theguardian.com/environment/20…

“Cutting ECO could collapse the entire insulation industry, putting thousands of working people out of work in areas of the country that need good, skilled jobs & removing one of the best methods of permanently reducing energy bills for low-income families theguardian.com/environment/20…

This wrong short term decision by the UK government sends the wrong signal when they claim to be leading the world in green growth. theguardian.com/environment/20…

“The Climate Analytics report says governments’ goals are inadequate and need to be rapidly revised, and calls for the rapid scaling-up of the use of renewable energy and electrification of key sectors including transport, heating and industry.” theguardian.com/environment/20…

@PastGlasgow Very sad to learn of the death of Dr Elspeth King. As the Director she lead the refurbishment of @abbothouse in 1990-5 where I was the architect. She, & Michael, were a joy to work with, always stretching a tight budget & involving many artists & craftspeople incl @AGrayArchive

I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Elspeth King, the legendary curator of the People's Palace, and a fierce advocate for Glasgow and its history. This was quite the read upon the release of the film adaptation of Alasdair Gray's "Poor Things". yoursforscotlandcom.wordpress.com/2024/01/10/poo…

“Floods will spread, communities will be destroyed, but there will always be a group of rich people and rich companies that will be able to protect themselves as the planet is being progressively destroyed.” How many times must we be told before we act? theguardian.com/environment/20…

An interesting comparison… Paisley versus Cumbernauld - why is one thriving as the other struggles? heraldscotland.com/life_style/255…

Crucial action by @StopCambo: The Government wants to hear what you think about approving new oil and gas field Rosebank. Submit your comment here today: actionnetwork.org/forms/the-gove…

This is a situation everyone should want to avoid. Horrifying to read of the problems left for occupiers and money accrued by unscrupulous firms operating under the previous government’s flawed scheme theguardian.com/environment/20…

🚨 Boris Johnson’s secret deals, shady lobbying & cash grabs exposed. Millions in private gigs and still taking £115K of OUR money while under investigation. Suspend his ex-PM allowance now. 38d.gs/la7n

@OfficialNTAs @aardman Very good!! Thanks for forwarding this.

There’s only one thing needed to celebrate a Special Recognition Award if you’re a certain Wallace & Gromit… CHEESE! Congratulations on your #NTAs win team @aardman!