My top 10 blogs

I wasn't sure whether to put this list up, particularly as I've pontificated and scribbled and the list has just kept on changing so needless to say if I'd written this yesterday or tomorrow, I'd almost certainly have a different ten.

Anyway, without further ado, here are the ten blogs I will be putting forward for Iain Dale/Total Politics blogging awards. Do not take any of this as a recommendation to ya da ya da ya da.....

First up, the blogging supremo of the year....... Jamie Hepburn!!


Only joking, I'll do it in reverse order instead:


10 - Mark Lazarowicz

Bit of a token effort this one as I reckon a blogging MP deserves recognition and as Mark is my local MP he gets the tenth spot. Crucially though, the Labour MP puts up more than just press releases and isn't afraid to post his thoughts on the big issues of the day, ok the month given his posting rate isn't so great. For example though, the MPs expenses scandal and 42 days detention were covered in welcome detail. I may not agree with all of his votes but I least I can dip into his blog to understand why he votes the way he does.

I hope Mark continues blogging until May 2010, though (perhaps) not necessarily beyond...!

9 - The Steamie

Ups its game with every passing week after an inauspicious start containing the type of punchier/tongue-in-cheek posts that you wouldn't expect to find in the papers during the day. Through the articles you can sense the likes of David Maddox and Gerri Peev kicking off the work shoes, pouring out a glass of wine and having a bit of fun with stories that have cropped up during the day or throwing out thoughts that have crossed their mind after a hectic shift at the coalface. A definite joy and I expect great things over the election period as gossip starts to trump hard news.

8 - Iain Dale

A great effort from the young lad this year. If he sticks at it, he'll go far that one.

7 - J Arthur MacNumpty

As solid a blogger as you could possibly wish for. You know you're going to get a proper debate and something a little bit extra when Will posts a new item up, though sadly that occurrence is fewer and farther between than many would like.

6 - Malc in the Burgh

A veritable all rounder with a strong mix of politics, humour, sport and always something different coming out from his now look website. Distinctly, commendably and refreshingly non-partisan. Too many rugby posts though!

5 - Scots and Independent

Intelligent, well-researched and almost always educational even when I think I'm pretty clued up on a subject. If I could grant one person a free pass into Westminster come May 2010, I think it would have to be Richard Thomson.

4 - Scottish Unionist

Whenever I see a comment left from SU I'm usually certain that I've just been well and truly skewered on a point that I've not fully thought through ('Indy' comments have the same effect incidentally). His forensic mind is there for all to see on his blog even if his mysterious identity is not. You will always struggle to logically argue the man into submission such is his razor-sharp mind.

I'm even thoroughly enjoying his recent 'Cybernat' posts which I can't say was always the case.

3 - Two Doctors

Pretty much the sole Green blogging voice but who needs a wingman when you fly so well on your own. Highly persuasive, clearly argued with just the faintest hint of humility which sadly so many of his green colleagues sometimes lack. Two Doctors is a must-visit and I remain surprised that it garners so few comments. My honest opinion that many posts are delivered with such intellect that it's actually a bit intimidating to contribute (or maybe that's just me)

2 - Kezia Dugdale

For me blogging is all about reactions. When I read a blog post I want to be inspired, shocked, antagonised, humoured or burning with anger. With Kezia's soapbox I get all of this and more, mostly the first one thankfully but more often than my heart would like with the last one I have to say. I follow a lot of blogs off and on but when I log on I invariably find myself hoping above all else that Kez has a new blog post up and that speaks volumes.

1 - Doctor Vee

What Doctor Vee lacks in quantity he more than makes up for in quality. Always insightful, always thorough, his blog posts read like short Masters essays rather than quickly rustled up blog posts. Duncan is the front line of defence against Iain Macwhirter's charge that bloggers merely exaggerate. He takes a topic and then nurtures and lovingly caresses it until it's breathlessly, delightedly begging for mercy.

In short, the Barry White of Scottish blogging.


And there we go. To be honest though, I could write another 5 top 10 lists and the 60th blog would still be one I thoroughly enjoy reading such is the talent and effort out there.

Thanks also to those who have voted for me so far, very, very, very much appreciated.

And with that in mind, there is still 40 hours or so left to vote so if you haven't already (and particularly if you enjoy SNP Tactical Voting), I would like to take this opportunity to 'get the vote out' by leaving you with this last thought.

How would you feel seeing Tom Harris voted in as Scotland's number one blogger for a second year in a row....?


Go on, vote, you know you should really....