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Electric Scotland News
My Canadian Experience
December 2025 entry at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add28.htm
This week I've added videos on Canada’s $5B Lithium Shift No One Saw Coming, Should Canada Pivot to China?, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces supports for forestry sector, Premier Ford announces tourism boost for Niagara Region, An exceptionally good day for Ontario businesses' as province moves to unlock free trade, Toronto tiny homes builder unveils 4 new units in Leslieville, Canada Has No Mobilization Plan! DND’s Citizen Army Proposal Explained, Ontario launches bid to headquarter global defence bank, Mark Carney and Doug Ford ink deal to streamline reviews for major projects.
----------
I will be taking a week off over Christmas and New Year so no newsletter next week but there will be one on 2nd January.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers and other media
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
Prepare for life without America
America is tiring of the bargain it agreed with Europe after the Second World War, in which it would do the lion’s share of security work in exchange for European deference. This deal held for a while, but now, every incentive points towards the US doing significantly less. We should prepare for the worst.
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/prepare-for-...ithout-america
Tributes to comedian Stanley Baxter after death aged 99
Scottish actor and comedian Stanley Baxter has died at the age of 99. Born in Glasgow in 1926, he was one of the biggest stars on British television for several decades.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyddr0dmrdo
Reform wins first by-election in Scotland
Reform UK has secured its first success at the ballot box in Scotland by winning a council by-election. David McLennan has been elected as a councillor in Whitburn and Blackburn in West Lothian, taking the seat from Scottish Labour.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8dyy7e0dlgo
Canada's Conservatives on shaky ground as Carney snags another MP
A Conservative member of parliament said he will be crossing the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals, putting his government just one seat shy of a majority and delivering another blow to the opposition party.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5ggqkl44lo
911 upgrades increase accuracy
Move over analogue, Next Generation 911 has arrived in Chatham-Kent.
Read more at:
https://chathamvoice.com/2025/12/09/...ease-accuracy/
As long as it's in Scotland I'm happy
The 1950 heist to reclaim the ancient Stone of Destiny
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/...one-of-destiny
Make Russia pay for Ukraine - not taxpayers
At today's crunch summit, EU leaders have been struggling to find a way to break the deadlock over using frozen Russian central bank assets to fund Ukraine's war effort. There is a legal mechanism that can deliver the cash Zelensky's forces need without confiscating Russia's property or leaving taxpayers on the hook.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/make-russia-pay-for-...-not-taxpayers
How Scotland can become a wealthier nation
The first of a series from the Wealthy Nation Healthy Nation paper edited by Malcolm Offord
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/12/ho...lthier-nation/
A plan to revitalise the NHS in Scotland
The second in a series from the Wealthy Nation Healthy Nation paper edited by Malcolm Offord
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/12/a-...-nhs-scotland/
Electric Canadian
The Great Canadian Fur Trade EXPLAINED
What Schools Don’t Teach You. A video from YouTube.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...nbay/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Ottawa, Canada
(8000+ Years in 62 Minutes)
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...rio/videos.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Vancouver, Canada
(10,000+ Years in 78 Minutes) 2nd video on the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/bc/index.htm
The Oil Sands
A video about how the Oil Sands developed.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...a/oilsands.htm
339 vs 4,000: The Impossible Victory That Saved Canada
Three hundred and thirty-nine French-Canadian soldiers stand in an autumn forest, facing an impossible choice: hold their ground against 4,000 American troops marching to capture Montreal, or watch their homeland fall to invasion. Added this video to the foot of the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ench/index.htm
What Eisenhower Told His Staff When Canada Broke Through Juno Beach in Just 47 Minutes
Added this video about three quarters down the page.
You can view this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Laval, Quebec
(6,000+ Years in 61 Minutes). Added this video to the foot of the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ebec/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Montreal, Canada
(383 Years in 75 Minutes)
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...c/montreal.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Hamilton, Ontario
(200+ Years in 74 Minutes)
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...o/hamilton.htm
The Aborigines of Nova Scotia
By William Elder (1871) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...cotia-1871.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 14th day of December 2025 - The Gift
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...-2025-the-gift
The ENTIRE History Of Nunavut, Canada
(4,000 Years in 58 Minutes) A video and below ir you will also find one on the Dorset Peoples.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...avut/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Windsor, Canada
(300+ Years in 93 Minutes) A video.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...io/windsor.htm
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 2 Outfit 264 September 1933 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...tember1933.pdf
Agnes Campbell MacPail
First women member of parliament
You can learn about her at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...s-macphail.htm
Electric Scotland
The Complete History Of The Celts In 2.5 Hours
A video which I've added to the top of our page,The Greatness and Decline of the Celts.
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/celts/index.htm
The Black Watch: The Most Feared Regiment in the British Army
Added this video to the top of our Black Watch page.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...atch/index.htm
How 500 Scottish Highlanders Stopped a Russian Army The Thin Red Line (Balaclava 1854)
I added a video about this battle almost half way down the page at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/colin_campbell.htm
Twenty-five years in Honan
By Murdoch Mackenzie (1913) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...s-in-Honan.pdf
The Unpublished Diary Of Pierre Laval
By Josee Laval (1948) (pdf)
A take on what happened between France and Britain and reflections on the USA during this period.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...erre-Laval.pdf
An Article by Bill Magee
Space Scotland & UAE Deepen Co-Operation in Satellite Research, Manufacturing & Launch Capabilities Agreement.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/magee/article0043.htm
When 900 Highlanders BROKE an Army of 25,000 in a Single Charge
A video of The True Story of Killiecrankie
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/killiecrankie.htm
The Writings of Samuel McFarlane of the London Missionary Society
By Samuel McFarlane with Islands In the Sun, The Story of Samuel McFarlane by Malcolm Homan McFarlane (2019) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...2019_12_15.pdf
Clan Henderson Newsletters
Found two copies on their quarterly newsletters for 1997 & 1998
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...rson/index.htm
Slave Interviews
by Federal Writers Project (1936) (pdf) Added this book to our Salves in America page... the second last link on the page.
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ca/slavery.htm
Agile skills for a changing economy
Addressing the delivery deficit by Daniel Turner and Alastair Sim (Dec 2025) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/indepen...ile-Skills.pdf
The Monks of the West
From St Benedict to St Bernard by The Count de Montalembert, Member of the French Academy in 7 volumes
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/monks.htm
Anniversary Souvenir of the St. Andrew's Church, Guelph, Canada (1908) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/canada/...ouve00stan.pdf
Story
Thought I'd provide a few links to some Christmas resources...
Electric Scotland's Christmas page
https://electricscotland.com/index98.htm
Merry Quizmas
The now apparently annual Joxley Writes quiz of the year
https://www.joxleywrites.jmoxley.co....ying-attention
Top Christmas Songs of All Time
It's that time of year again! Christmas is quickly approaching, and what better way to celebrate than with some top Christmas songs? In this playlist, you'll find some of the best Christmas music out there, perfect for getting you in the mood for the holiday season! From classic Christmas carols to modern Christmas hits, this playlist has everything you need to get into the holiday spirit!
https://www.youtube.com/live/JSEicig...iTwtO9mehsmw_f
Those Christmas Classic Oldies
I invite you to relax and enjoy this selection entitled "Those Classic Christmas Oldies", playing a edited selection of popular Christmas songs from approved YouTube playlists. Cosy up and enjoy this Video whilst chilling or entertaining with a glass of Christmas cheer or three!
https://youtu.be/ZMTl2dS0EpI?si=dvAahN3zZX9AoeJ5
The Walton's Christmas movie, the homecoming
https://youtu.be/umEEnFtmV0I?si=uitLdf-UPLFKE9Xo
A HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS story for kids and adults
https://youtu.be/qwhJ-mNPiNU?si=9-1HIePGwkkpl5Im
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you. And also wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Alastair
My Canadian Experience
December 2025 entry at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add28.htm
This week I've added videos on Canada’s $5B Lithium Shift No One Saw Coming, Should Canada Pivot to China?, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces supports for forestry sector, Premier Ford announces tourism boost for Niagara Region, An exceptionally good day for Ontario businesses' as province moves to unlock free trade, Toronto tiny homes builder unveils 4 new units in Leslieville, Canada Has No Mobilization Plan! DND’s Citizen Army Proposal Explained, Ontario launches bid to headquarter global defence bank, Mark Carney and Doug Ford ink deal to streamline reviews for major projects.
----------
I will be taking a week off over Christmas and New Year so no newsletter next week but there will be one on 2nd January.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers and other media
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
Prepare for life without America
America is tiring of the bargain it agreed with Europe after the Second World War, in which it would do the lion’s share of security work in exchange for European deference. This deal held for a while, but now, every incentive points towards the US doing significantly less. We should prepare for the worst.
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/prepare-for-...ithout-america
Tributes to comedian Stanley Baxter after death aged 99
Scottish actor and comedian Stanley Baxter has died at the age of 99. Born in Glasgow in 1926, he was one of the biggest stars on British television for several decades.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyddr0dmrdo
Reform wins first by-election in Scotland
Reform UK has secured its first success at the ballot box in Scotland by winning a council by-election. David McLennan has been elected as a councillor in Whitburn and Blackburn in West Lothian, taking the seat from Scottish Labour.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8dyy7e0dlgo
Canada's Conservatives on shaky ground as Carney snags another MP
A Conservative member of parliament said he will be crossing the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals, putting his government just one seat shy of a majority and delivering another blow to the opposition party.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5ggqkl44lo
911 upgrades increase accuracy
Move over analogue, Next Generation 911 has arrived in Chatham-Kent.
Read more at:
https://chathamvoice.com/2025/12/09/...ease-accuracy/
As long as it's in Scotland I'm happy
The 1950 heist to reclaim the ancient Stone of Destiny
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/...one-of-destiny
Make Russia pay for Ukraine - not taxpayers
At today's crunch summit, EU leaders have been struggling to find a way to break the deadlock over using frozen Russian central bank assets to fund Ukraine's war effort. There is a legal mechanism that can deliver the cash Zelensky's forces need without confiscating Russia's property or leaving taxpayers on the hook.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/make-russia-pay-for-...-not-taxpayers
How Scotland can become a wealthier nation
The first of a series from the Wealthy Nation Healthy Nation paper edited by Malcolm Offord
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/12/ho...lthier-nation/
A plan to revitalise the NHS in Scotland
The second in a series from the Wealthy Nation Healthy Nation paper edited by Malcolm Offord
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/12/a-...-nhs-scotland/
Electric Canadian
The Great Canadian Fur Trade EXPLAINED
What Schools Don’t Teach You. A video from YouTube.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...nbay/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Ottawa, Canada
(8000+ Years in 62 Minutes)
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...rio/videos.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Vancouver, Canada
(10,000+ Years in 78 Minutes) 2nd video on the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/bc/index.htm
The Oil Sands
A video about how the Oil Sands developed.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...a/oilsands.htm
339 vs 4,000: The Impossible Victory That Saved Canada
Three hundred and thirty-nine French-Canadian soldiers stand in an autumn forest, facing an impossible choice: hold their ground against 4,000 American troops marching to capture Montreal, or watch their homeland fall to invasion. Added this video to the foot of the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ench/index.htm
What Eisenhower Told His Staff When Canada Broke Through Juno Beach in Just 47 Minutes
Added this video about three quarters down the page.
You can view this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Laval, Quebec
(6,000+ Years in 61 Minutes). Added this video to the foot of the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ebec/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Montreal, Canada
(383 Years in 75 Minutes)
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...c/montreal.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Hamilton, Ontario
(200+ Years in 74 Minutes)
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...o/hamilton.htm
The Aborigines of Nova Scotia
By William Elder (1871) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...cotia-1871.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 14th day of December 2025 - The Gift
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...-2025-the-gift
The ENTIRE History Of Nunavut, Canada
(4,000 Years in 58 Minutes) A video and below ir you will also find one on the Dorset Peoples.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...avut/index.htm
The ENTIRE History Of Windsor, Canada
(300+ Years in 93 Minutes) A video.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...io/windsor.htm
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 2 Outfit 264 September 1933 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...tember1933.pdf
Agnes Campbell MacPail
First women member of parliament
You can learn about her at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...s-macphail.htm
Electric Scotland
The Complete History Of The Celts In 2.5 Hours
A video which I've added to the top of our page,The Greatness and Decline of the Celts.
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/celts/index.htm
The Black Watch: The Most Feared Regiment in the British Army
Added this video to the top of our Black Watch page.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...atch/index.htm
How 500 Scottish Highlanders Stopped a Russian Army The Thin Red Line (Balaclava 1854)
I added a video about this battle almost half way down the page at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/colin_campbell.htm
Twenty-five years in Honan
By Murdoch Mackenzie (1913) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...s-in-Honan.pdf
The Unpublished Diary Of Pierre Laval
By Josee Laval (1948) (pdf)
A take on what happened between France and Britain and reflections on the USA during this period.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...erre-Laval.pdf
An Article by Bill Magee
Space Scotland & UAE Deepen Co-Operation in Satellite Research, Manufacturing & Launch Capabilities Agreement.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/magee/article0043.htm
When 900 Highlanders BROKE an Army of 25,000 in a Single Charge
A video of The True Story of Killiecrankie
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/killiecrankie.htm
The Writings of Samuel McFarlane of the London Missionary Society
By Samuel McFarlane with Islands In the Sun, The Story of Samuel McFarlane by Malcolm Homan McFarlane (2019) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...2019_12_15.pdf
Clan Henderson Newsletters
Found two copies on their quarterly newsletters for 1997 & 1998
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...rson/index.htm
Slave Interviews
by Federal Writers Project (1936) (pdf) Added this book to our Salves in America page... the second last link on the page.
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ca/slavery.htm
Agile skills for a changing economy
Addressing the delivery deficit by Daniel Turner and Alastair Sim (Dec 2025) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/indepen...ile-Skills.pdf
The Monks of the West
From St Benedict to St Bernard by The Count de Montalembert, Member of the French Academy in 7 volumes
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/monks.htm
Anniversary Souvenir of the St. Andrew's Church, Guelph, Canada (1908) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/canada/...ouve00stan.pdf
Story
Thought I'd provide a few links to some Christmas resources...
Electric Scotland's Christmas page
https://electricscotland.com/index98.htm
Merry Quizmas
The now apparently annual Joxley Writes quiz of the year
https://www.joxleywrites.jmoxley.co....ying-attention
Top Christmas Songs of All Time
It's that time of year again! Christmas is quickly approaching, and what better way to celebrate than with some top Christmas songs? In this playlist, you'll find some of the best Christmas music out there, perfect for getting you in the mood for the holiday season! From classic Christmas carols to modern Christmas hits, this playlist has everything you need to get into the holiday spirit!
https://www.youtube.com/live/JSEicig...iTwtO9mehsmw_f
Those Christmas Classic Oldies
I invite you to relax and enjoy this selection entitled "Those Classic Christmas Oldies", playing a edited selection of popular Christmas songs from approved YouTube playlists. Cosy up and enjoy this Video whilst chilling or entertaining with a glass of Christmas cheer or three!
https://youtu.be/ZMTl2dS0EpI?si=dvAahN3zZX9AoeJ5
The Walton's Christmas movie, the homecoming
https://youtu.be/umEEnFtmV0I?si=uitLdf-UPLFKE9Xo
A HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS story for kids and adults
https://youtu.be/qwhJ-mNPiNU?si=9-1HIePGwkkpl5Im
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you. And also wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Alastair