Accountability

Scotland is a small country. If you are in a room full of local experts debating a problem that needs solving, then two things are likely. Firstly, the problem likely happened because of previous decisions those same people made, or because of actions they failed to take. Secondly, the solution, and the responsibiity for making it happen, probably lies in the room.

So, lock the doors. Admit that we had a lot to do with causing the problem and that we have a responsibility for fixing it: the opposite to avoiding blame and shuffling responsibilities.

Therefore, never send to know/ For whom the bell tolls/ It tolls for thee - John Donne.

Or, to quote our American cousins - the buck stops here.