Gillian

“The old world is dying. The new world struggles to be born. We live in an age of monsters” Antonio Gramsci

I am currently in Denmark thinking “something is rotten in the state of Scotland”. @NicolaSturgeon may deny all knowledge (yet again) but her leadership style encouraged this culture and made it possible for others to transgress without being held to account.

2/2 Scotland is a vastly diminished country today compared with 20 years ago. Our influence, standing, infrastructure, education, economy & reputation have suffered. And we are still voting for it. The denouement comes today and Murrell is a symbol of corruption at every level.

It has been lie, after lie, after lie. Anyone questioning these lies, either inside or outside the SNP was ostracised or shut down. This is not about one man and £400k. It is about 20 years of corruption and silencing debate. This is the debasement of the culture of Scotland 1/2

@KennyFarq The least weird thing about this election.

Weird to see Bernard Ponsonby on the BBC.

Happy election day!

@PizzaExpress Yes. I will do.

@GillianBowditch Hi Gillian, We are sorry to hear of this. We have reached out to the Stirling pizzeria for more information. So that we can discuss the response with you can you please get in touch via pizzaexpress.com/help-and-conta… quoting reference #1094080

Just been turned away from @PizzaExpress Stirling because it is “too late” for dinner. It is 20.19. We have been coming regularly for years. Last time they made me give them my order before I took my coat. The issues being faced by the hospitality industry are 1/2

@PizzaExpress It would be helpful to know what the rules are. I was told the restaurant closes at 9pm. I was told the extractor fans are turned off at 8.20pm. My understanding was the kitchen closes at 9pm. Is that wrong? When does the Stirling restaurant close? When is too late for a table?

@GillianBowditch Hi Gillian, Sorry, we never like to turn customers away. We’ll address this with the restaurant manager.

@PizzaExpress Thank you. The last time we arrived after 8.20pm I was asked to give my order before I could take my coat off or sit down. I know restaurant staff don’t want to stay late and I’ve waitressed in the past but we were gone by 9.15pm so not super late for a university town mid-week.

@DaleKupris @thetimes Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.

@GillianBowditch @thetimes Best of luck with your future. Your articles helped me through some difficult times when I thought I was alone in my beliefs and interpretations of current events.

After 36 years working for @thetimes and 25 writing the Scottish column in the Sunday Times, today is my last piece. To the wonderful colleagues and editors who championed my career and to the insightful and supportive readers, a heartfelt thank you. thetimes.com/article/00f727…

2/2 occasionally of their own making. Now in lovely independent pizza restaurant Piotsa. @PizzaExpress what is the policy on this?

@johnboyle67 @thetimes Thank you. I miss writing them.

@GillianBowditch @thetimes Hi Gillian, I have really enjoyed your columns over the years, so well written, insightful and thought provoking. Best of luck with whatever comes next

@Kilted_Sailor @thetimes Thank you for your kind words. This last week has made me realise the incredible kindness of Times and Sunday Times readers.

@GillianBowditch @thetimes Enjoyed your take on Scotland and its politics and culture for a good few years so thank you for your journalism…

@DalgetySusan @thetimes Thank you, Susan. That is so kind. I’ll keep cheering you on from the sidelines.

@GillianBowditch @thetimes I will miss your wisdom and perspicacity. Sx

@jamesdev15 @thetimes Thank you. I’m humbled by the kind words of so many readers. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege.

@GillianBowditch @thetimes You’ll be missed.

@McneishOutdoors @thetimes Thanks Cameron. I really appreciate it. I’ll make sure to spend time in nature -the ultimate healer.

@GeorgeJohnston4 @thetimes Thank you so much. I really appreciate the kind words and the support. Wishing you all the best.

@GillianBowditch @thetimes Gillian, I have enjoyed reading your columns for many years and you will be sadly missed. Good luck with whatever comes next for you! x

@RVRennie @thetimes Thank you Richard. I really appreciate your kind words. It’s been a great privilege to write for the only newspapers I’ve really wanted to write for such a long time. It’s all to do with the quality of the readership.

@GillianBowditch @thetimes I was sorry to read in the ST that you’ve written your last column - after an impressive 25 years. I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed reading your pieces over the many years. I’ve agreed with most of your points but even when I haven’t, they have always been well written.

@JohnCarnochan @thetimes Thank you for your kind words, John. They mean a lot. What a legacy you have built for Scotland.

@GillianBowditch @thetimes Thoughtful provocations to the very last. Thanks for shining a light.