About the Book:

Is Scottish politics mired in a constitutional dogfight with no end in sight?

Why has Scottish Labour failed to develop a radical and credible alternative to independence?

Is it possible for a campaigning politician to make a difference?

Can people power lead to positive change?

Over the last few years, political campaigner and former Labour msp Neil Findlay kept a log of his time in the Scottish Parliament, a time which he describes as one of perpetual crisis and scandal.

This book is my account of being an elected politician. My comments convey my feelings and emotions as events unfolded. If they cause upset to some, then so be it. I can only report the truth.

There is little doubt the tectonic plates of Scottish politics are shifting. Is this a time of hope or of despair? Time will tell. As a socialist, I am an optimist and live in hope and have a belief that tomorrow will always be better than today.

Reviews:

This book shows how a campaigning msp can make a real difference. Neil’s work on mesh, the pardon for Scottish miners and the Covid scandal in our care homes is an example to others. MARION SCOTT, The Sunday Post

Neil is scathing about the state of Scottish politics and despite honest attempts to build a coalition for change across the divide. MATT KERR, Morning Star

Findlay’s book, Hope and Despair, reveals an attempt to bridge the divide between March 2020 and January 2021 - months before the Holyrood poll. PAUL HUTCHEON, Daily Record

Neil Findlay is not someone who can be accused of understatement. HAMISH MORRISON, The National

Findlay was one of the few at Holyrood – even in his own party – who seemed comfortable with being described as a Socialist. And who could accurately be described as hailing from a working-class background. KEVIN MCKENNA, The Herald

This is a very important book that reminds us of some of the shameful decisions made here in Scotland during the Covid pandemic, I couldn’t put it down. JAMIE CALDWELL, UNITE the Union

This book does indeed lift the lid on the rot at the heart of our politics - it is an essential read. GORDON MARTIN, RMT Scotland

Whilst this fascinating insight into Scottish politics over the past few years confirms many of our worst fears about the desperate inadequacies for our political class, Findlay’s refreshing honesty and outstanding commitment to campaigning for justice and fairness is a beacon of genuine hope. STEPHEN WRIGHT, The Musician’s Union

This book doesn’t just lift the lid, it blows the b***dy doors off Scottish politics! A great insight into being MSP. If only there were more ‘Neils’ in Holrood - Scotland would be better for it. LORNA ROBERTSON, UNITE the Union

Neil Findlay is one of those rare elected politicians. He is a working-class guy from a community devasted by deindustrialization who never planned to be a politician. That sense of community comes through every page of this book, as do his socialist principles. DAVE WATSON, UNISON

The organised working class need people in Parliament who have the lived experience to challenge those in power. As Neil Findlay illustrates in his book, it can be a lonely experience but often delivers small changes that have a magnified importance to the voiceless. The case of the mesh women and criminalised miners are two cases in point. TOM DEWAR, CWU Scotland

Praise for Neil Findlay:

This highly responsible and necessary work... opens up a goldmine. - ANGUS REID, Morning Star on If You Don’t Run They Can’t Chase You

The stories of his working-class heroes remind us that true social justice is still worth fighting for. - KEVIN MCKENNA, The Herald on If You Don’t Run They Can’t Chase You

Book trailer: